SUNNY SIDE UP | VICTORIA PARK | COOLER IN CANDY LAND | 1 JUNE 2025

Today’s vibe? Cooler in Candyland. That was the theme of Sunny Side Up 2025, and from the moment I arrived, it lived up to the name. The air was festive, colorful, and full of sweet energy—just like a candy-coated dream. The event kicked off at 10 AM, but I timed my arrival around 3 PM, the golden hour when the crowd is deep in their groove and the sun still high enough to cast that perfect glow on everything. But this wasn’t just another party run for me—it was a field test. I came prepared. My real focus was to test the Shure MV88+, my go-to mic for loud outdoor music, especially when the decibels soar past 88 dB. With soca, dancehall, and live DJ sets pumping at full tilt, I needed to see how well the mic handled that sonic pressure. I wanted clean highs, deep bass without distortion, and a solid stereo image of the crowd and stage. This was the place to test it: loud, chaotic, and full of unpredictable movement. And it didn’t disappoint. While everyone else moved in rhythm on the grass, drinks in hand and smiles wide, I moved with intention—capturing wide shots, close-ups, ambient soundscapes, and spontaneous moments of joy. My rig wasn’t too bulky, so it felt natural being among the crowd without sticking out too much. I let the music lead, and my camera followed. The atmosphere? Electric. People were dressed in playful, vibrant outfits that matched the Candyland theme—cotton candy pinks, peppermint stripes, jellybean shades bouncing with every move. It was clear: people didn’t just come to party; they came to be seen, to express, and to celebrate. For me, Sunny Side Up wasn’t just a visual and cultural treat—it was an audio proving ground. And as the evening rolled on toward 8 PM, I walked away not just with great footage, but with the confidence that my gear held up. The test was successful. Another festival. Another field test. Another beautiful day in Antigua.