Meet the all-stars of Soho House Festival

We’re already nostalgic for this year’s edition of Soho House Festival – and we’re probably not alone. The two gloriously sunny days in west London’s Gunnersbury Park, in partnership with YouTube, were a soulful celebration of the sounds, flavours and community we love – all in memory of Jamal Edwards, a beloved and much-missed member of the Soho House family. Working together with The Jamal Edwards Self Belief Trust, we raised funds to support projects to empower the new generation of creative talent and combat homelessness. 

To document the musical greats who came together to celebrate Jamal over the two days, photographer Matt Holyoak set up a portrait studio backstage. Having shot A-listers for the BAFTA film awards and countless magazine covers, he captured the incredible talents and personalities who made it a moment to remember. From emerging talents to industry heavyweights, everyone had their time to shine, including Jamal’s friends Jessie J and Lady Leshurr, and his mother Brenda and sister Tanisha. 

‘Shooting in a festival environment is a totally different dynamic than working in a studio – the sittings are very quick and energetic, which doesn’t allow for overthinking, and I really enjoy that,’ says Holyoak. ‘The atmosphere was great fun and super chilled, so everyone was having a great time and it made my job a pleasure.

‘Brenda, Jamal’s mum, has broken her ankle, so she was on a scooter for the two days. Watching her scoot around with the biggest smile and endless energy, and singing at the top of her voice – and she has a great voice – was a beautiful sight to see.’

Watch the show on our YouTube channel HERE.