Harlow, the post-war new town in Essex, has long punched above its weight in the UK music scene. At its heart was The Square—a legendary grassroots venue that helped launch the careers of Blur, Supergrass, Coldplay, and Biffy Clyro. For 35 years it stood as a vital hub for emerging talent. But in 2017, following the withdrawal of council support, lease termination by landlord, Circle Housing, and failed attempts to relocate due to planning restrictions, The Square closed its doors for good. Today, it’s an NCP car park—a bleak symbol of the challenges facing small venues across the country.
Frustrated by the lack of music venues for growing artists, Ezra Folan and friends started Sunset Sessions in a woodland in Harlow. It was a grass roots affair: a pop-up gazebo, a bin of cold beers, some logs to sit on and a few bands. It quickly gained a cult following. People loved it.
Determined to take music to the everyone in the town, Ezra launched the Sunset Session Festival three years ago. Free to all, and held at the Bandstand in Harlow Town Park, the festival has grown year-on-year, while maintaining the friendly, laid-back atmosphere of its woodland roots. This year’s lineup was an excellent showcase of rising and returning talent:
The Subways
Headlining the festival in their 20th year, The Subways returned to Harlow with a blistering, high-energy set. Crowd favourites like ‘Oh Yeah’, ‘We Don’t Need Money to Have a Good Time’, and ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’ had the bandstand bouncing. Between songs, they shared the story of their first-ever gig—at The Square. In a moving moment, they were presented with a custom guitar made from the salvaged bar top of that very venue. They closed, fittingly, with ‘Rock & Roll Queen’. A powerful tribute to Harlow’s musical heritage.
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Lock-In
Hailing from nearby Sawbridgeworth, Lock-In delivered a tight, dynamic set bursting with stage presence and polished indie energy. This five-piece are clearly a band on the rise, blending catchy riffs with a confident swagger.
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Pisces
A four-piece from London, Pisces brought a gritty, grungy alt-rock edge to the lineup. Hard to define—but easy to get into—their set was raw, loud, and compelling.
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The Ariston
Fresh off a sold-out London headline show, The Ariston arrived one member down but didn’t miss a beat. Since forming in 2021, they’ve drawn comparisons to The Killers and The 1975. Their slick set had teenage fans rushing to the front. After the show, the band spent time chatting with the crowd and thanking people for coming – a nice touch.
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Sophiz
London-based singer-songwriter Sophiz, of Italian, Mauritian, and Canadian heritage, impressed with her soulful blend of contemporary indie pop.
Magoos
Kicking off the afternoon were local favourites Magoos, who warmed up the early crowd with a well-chosen set of covers—from Mazzy Star’s dreamy Fade Into You to Pink Floyd numbers.
Sunset Sessions continues to be a glowing example of what community, passion, and DIY spirit can achieve. Harlow might have lost The Square, but its grassroots music scene is alive and kicking.
Sunset Sessions also promote shows at Parndon Wood Nature Reserve and Redchurch Brewery – find out about these shows and next year’s festival on their website / Facebook / Instagram
Review and Photography by Kenny McLeish
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