Freedom Street Festival: Fans Speak on the Highs, Lows, and Once-in-a-Lifetime Vibes

By Community Voices

The much-anticipated Freedom Street Europe edition has left fans buzzing — some calling it the “best festival ever,” while others pointed to flaws in organisation and execution. With headline performances from Vybz Kartel (via set tribute), Spice, Skeng, Dexta Daps, and more, the event clearly delivered unforgettable moments. But fans were equally vocal about what went wrong.

From the jump, the energy was undeniable. Many attendees praised the atmosphere, describing the festival as a cultural homecoming.

•“Freedom Street has felt like I am back in Jamaica. The vibes have been 10/10, despite the poor organisation.” – @ShanDainty

•“Freedom Street is the best festival I have ever been to hands down. Big up Vybz and the team because they did that!” – @sxv_nao

For some, it was more than just a concert — it was a reunion. “Seeing people at Freedom Street that I have not seen in yearssss. Real reunion,” wrote @XXVXIICXIII.

Dexta Daps, Spice, and Skeng emerged as fan favourites:

•“Dexta Daps’ performance was easily best at Freedom Street, then Tommy Lee, Kartel/Skeng, Spice can share 2nd.” – @CleanRas

•“Skeng and Kartel made me lose my mind last night. The performances. The vibes. The atmosphere. This is definitely a once in a lifetime experience.” – @tiandemi

But not all agreed. Some felt Kartel’s set fell flat:

•“That Kartel set yday was trash tho no shade. Hopefully he does the real Freedom Street set.” – @cocoupdate_

•“Freedom Street was flawless until it wasn’t — whoever’s idea it was to repeat Kartel’s set list needs a conk in their head.” – @r1m11c1

If there was one recurring complaint, it was around organisation, timing, and communication.

•“I genuinely can’t believe how good Freedom Street has been despite all of their disorganisation.” – @_AJC3

•“Freedom Street were shit with the social media communication but the actual festival has been FLAWLESS. You have to give them their flowers.” – @DeOne___

•“Freedom Street need to stop doing last min changes. Messing up my schedule.” – @iamuniquee

For some, the chaotic elements didn’t spoil the fun:

“Freedom Street owes me absolutely nothing — except my €17.86 left on my wristband and I WANT IT BACK!” – @HeWantsWealth

Despite the hiccups, fans praised the crowd and the sense of togetherness.

•“Freedom Street was so worth it and I’m happy I went in the end. I loved that everyone actually knew how to behave as well.” – @MikezAFC

•“I had the best time at Freedom Street — from the girls I went with, to the artists I saw, to the people I linked up with that I haven’t seen in years.” – @kitathecomedian

Recommendations Going Forward

The fans have spoken, and their feedback paints a clear picture:

1.Better organisation & communication: Fans want earlier set times, clearer social media updates, and fewer last-minute changes.

2.Diverse line-ups & setlist variety: Repeated performances dragged down the experience for some; fresh, unique sets are essential.

3.Lean into the cultural reunion: What resonated most was the sense of community and Caribbean nostalgia — “Felt like being back in Jamaica” was a recurring theme worth amplifying.

4.Expand to new territories: Many fans now want a Jamaican edition featuring OGs like Buju Banton, Bounty Killer, and Shabba Ranks. “Now that the research has been done with having Freedom Street in Europe, I need Vybz and him management to do his big one again in JA with the OGs.” – @scw_yktv

Final Verdict

Freedom Street Europe was, by most accounts, a cultural milestone. Fans left with memories of a lifetime, even if some grumbled about disorganisation and DJ choices. The festival reminded many of home, gave others long-awaited reunions, and showcased the enduring global pull of dancehall and reggae culture.

Or, as one fan put it simply:

“If you never went to Freedom Street (and it’s your type of thing), you lacked. Massively.” – @its_notlayla