Festival Guides

CLOSER Festival announces European debut in Bosnia with first edition in the shadows of Livno’s Kamensko mountain range

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Heavyweight techno lineup features the likes of Alarico, Daria Kolosova, Dax J, Yanamaste, Stef Mendesidis, BLANKA, Estella Boersma, SLAM and many more

CLOSER IG: https://www.instagram.com/closer.festival/

PRE SALE TICKETS: https://ra.co/pre/2446534

Australia’s cult CLOSER Festival is set to make its European debut this summer, as influential underground talent SPEZ brings the concept to Bosnia & Herzegovina for the first time with an inaugural edition in Livno taking place from 24th-26th July 2026. Next to world class music, this cultured escape offers a mix of natural beauty, wild horses, lake swimming and plenty more.

Founded as an extension of SPEZ’s wider vision through Warg Records, CLOSER has previously established itself in Australia with legendary events across Sydney, Perth and Melbourne. The move into Europe marks a bold but natural next step for the project: Livno holds particular importance as SPEZ’s hometown, so ensures the festival is underpinned with a strong personal as well as cultural context.

Set against a striking natural backdrop beside one of Europe’s largest man-made lakes and beneath the Kamensko mountain range, the fully camping-based festival will welcome 5,000 attendees with multiple camping options available. The blissful site will feature swimming access, lakeside bars and restaurants with a dedicated wellness and social space called “Ritam Kahve” (or “The Rhythm of Coffee”), where traditional Bosnian coffee will be served each morning ahead of carefully curated musical programming.

Photo Credit: Claudia Rojas – @cata.filmzzz

Musically, CLOSER will present two immersive stages: a main stage hosting international artists, and a dedicated CLOSER stage focused on exciting emerging & underground talent, curated takeovers and label showcases. The featured hosts are Frazi.er’s PLTFRM, Amsterdam’s techno crew Vault Sessions, and Manchester’s Clergy Records — Cleric’s renowned imprint known for its uncompromising contribution to techno culture.

The lineup reflects a full and essential spectrum of contemporary techno with influential artists including Colin Benders (Live), Cleric, Daria Kolosova, Dax J, SLAM, Estella Boersma, Ignez, Yanamaste & more alongside a strong selection of emerging names.

Beyond the music, the festival will incorporate rare, unmissable experiences tied to the local landscape including organised excursions to see Livno’s wild horses in the nearby Cincar mountain range.

Since its inception, CLOSER has hosted respected labels such as Clergy Records and Mutual Rytm and was also recognised by the Victorian Government in 2023 as a festival of cultural significance, and is one of the scene’s most respected and discerning brands.

With its first European edition taking place from 24th-26th July, CLOSER continues to build long-term infrastructure for techno culture through innovative international programming and a strong focus on local culture that allows the festival to stand apart in its own right.

LINE UP:
 
ALARICO
ANNÉ
ASARRI
BIDOBEN
BLANKA
CAINE SINCLAIR
CANICHE
CLERIC
COLIN BENDERS (LIVE)
DARIA KOLOSOVA
DASHA RUSH
DAX J
DIZZY
DJ OGI
E.DN B2B REECE
ELISA BEE
ESTELLA BOERSMA
FRAZI.ER
GARY BECK
HYDEN B2B KABAY
IGNEZ
INSOLATE
JAMIE & LUCAS BERGEN
KIM SHE
LENA
LEXED B2B LOBSTER
MARCEL FENGLER B2B STEYA
MYTHON
PHIL BERG
REBECCA DELLA PIANE
RENE WISE
SERA J (LIVE)
SLAM
SONS OF HIDDEN (LIVE)
SPEZ
STEF MENDESIDIS (LIVE)
STEPHANIE SYKES
YANAMASTE

PRE SALE TICKETS: https://ra.co/pre/2446534

Top 10 Download Festival Side Quests – 2026

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With Download Festival creeping up on us, the group chat is probably full of set clashes and rabid weather-watch to see if you need to pack wellies or suncream. Let’s face it, it’s probably both. Now I love that we have access to great festival apps these days, live set-times and easy maps… great stuff, excellent use of technology outside of cat videos to be honest.

The problem is: modern festivals are too connected for shenanigans. In the early noughties you could lose your mates for six glorious hours and call it character development. Some of my best stories are about the things we did when we lost everyone to the crowd, like that time our mate Jimmy was so stoned he just joined a queue for a bit so he could chat to people – and ended up being one of the lucky VIP area wristband holders that year… bastard.

Now, with everyone trackable on snap and pin-drops, you have to choose adventure. Reject life-long friendships and go be a silly hobbit for a while, for a treat. Here’s my list of stuff you could stumble into, if you choose…

  • 1. Find Five (the band) and commit to the bit: Somewhere at Download, the spirit of late-90s pop refuses to die. You’re lying if you say you don’t know the lyrics to at least one Five song, that shit is etched into your brain from the school disco and at a month out, you’ve still got time to relearn the choreography. Bonus points if you bring the shockwaves gel and hedgehog your hair in a classic Scott style.
  • 2. Get a tattoo from Old Sarum: The truly committed return home with merch that can’t be lost in a tent collapse. Fan faves: Download totem, the iconic Dog, classic barbed wire around the bicep, bees on your knees, or a beautifully questionable tramp stamp. They usually drop a flash sheet closer to the event, so keep your eyes peeled and your impulse control lower than usual. But like, keep it clean and out of the sun babes, we do not want Sepsis as a going home present.
  • 3. Learn rock sign language from the interpreters: Stage-side interpreters are doing elite-level multitasking: translating lyrics, capturing attitude, and somehow keeping time while the crowd turns into a washing machine. Watch them for five minutes and you’ll realise you’ve been underperforming with your hands your entire life. Bonus points if you learn a few signs and can still headbang without poking yourself in the eyeballs.

  • 4. Sky catapult:  There’s something very nostalgic about the screaming, and I always wonder what possesses people to want to do this. Some sort of ancestral longing to feel the force of the trebuchet? Oh well, a classic DL experience, but I caution you to pick whatever meal you eat beforehand wisely. There’s ‘festival memory’ and then there’s “someone filmed it and it’s on TikTok forever.”
  • 5. Join Swappie Fest and become a tiny-gift goblin: Swappie Fest has a famously wholesome Facebook group (500+ members and growing) and the vibe is pure crafty magic: I’ve seen bracelets, keyrings, crochet punky duck charms, sweets, stickers, handmade mini dreamcatchers… you name it. You’ve got enough time to join the fun if you want to be a trinket gifter, get on it!
  • 6. Investigate the mysterious Fourth Wing thing: Apparently there’s some kind of Fourth Wing activation (yes, that Fourth Wing—Rebecca Yarros). At the time of writing there’s only the promo post, meaning nobody knows what’s actually happening. If we can’t get real dragons, I don’t know if I’m emotionally prepared to care… but I know the BookTok girlies are not going to want to miss whatever this is.
  • 7. Do RockFit (or, if you’re unhinged, join the campsite runners): RockFit is a great way to feel like a functioning person before the day turns into pints and pit dust. There’s also the running-partner crowd—people who, for reasons beyond science, want to jog around the campsites in the morning. Meanwhile, the rest of us will be doing what nature intended: slithering out of the tent like a slug at sunrise and drinking whatever hideously warm liquid we find by the door, just to choke down an oat bar.
  • 8. Play Red Hat Round Up: Take a drink every time you see a Fred Durst red cap in the wild. Yes, it’s still everywhere. No, he doesn’t even wear a red cap himself anymore. Yes, I still wish he would. (Pace yourself. You’ve got a weekend to survive.)
  • 9. Dogstar Cosplay: Show up dressed as the Wyld Stallyns. Or better: go as Rufus. Or better still: get a whole group together and turn the mosh pit into the Bill & Ted history montage—Socrates, Freud, Joan of Arc, Genghis Khan, the lot. It’s educational.
  • 10. Hit K‑pop Emo Hunters at the silent disco: Over in the Ace of Spades, K‑pop Emo Hunters runs as a silent disco with two channels playing simultaneously: Emo and K‑pop. That means you’ll watch two completely different dance-floor narratives happening in the same physical space, enjoy the chaos and the musical whiplash and most importantly SEAL THE HONMOON.

That should be more than enough official stuff to get you going, but remember – the best adventures are the ones you never prepare for, so keep your eyes and ears open for anything that sounds like it might be worth retelling over the next few decades of your life…

Bonus side quest: Don’t watch the World Cup—apparently Download wants nothing to do with it…

Sankeys Manchester Announces Seasonal Closing Party and September Reopening

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After a standout run to start the year, iconic Manchester club Sankeys has confirmed details of its seasonal closing party alongside plans to reopen later this year following a short summer break.

The Sidney Street venue will host its seasonal closing party on Saturday 27 June to mark the end of a successful first run since reopening. The night will serve as a final send-off before the club temporarily closes its doors for the summer period.

Reflecting on the season, Wilf Gregory, Club Partner of Sankeys, says, “We have truly been blown away by the love and support in our first season of reopening and it’s been an honour to bring back such a well loved brand as Sankeys to Manchester. That being said, we will be taking a break this summer to fine tune the venue and sound ready for our winter season.”

Sankeys will return with a reopening party on Saturday 26 September, kicking off a carefully curated programme and a renewed focus on its signature underground club experience. The pause will allow the team to further refine the venue and enhance its sound system ahead of the next chapter, with more bookings that reflect Sankeys’s original ethos but through a contemporary lens, and always with the music front and centre. 

Since relaunching, Sankey’s has re-established itself as a key fixture in Manchester nightlife, bolstered by a 6am licence and the return of its iconic in-house brand, The Redlight. The club has welcomed a mix of established and emerging artists such as Felix Da Housecat, Maya Jane Coles, Solardo, Stacey Pullen, Steve Lawler, Nick Curly, Josh Butler, Heidi, Lauren Lo Sung, Priku, Reboot, Seb Zito, Tania Vulcano and more with regulars like Pirate Copy, Idris Dee, Kellie Allen, Luca 606 and Krysko anchoring the true Sankeys sound.

For further information and tickets head to https://sankeysofficial.com/

Address: Sidney Street, Manchester – M1 7HB

AURA Festival Bulgaria Announces Onyvaa, Denis Sulta, Elli Acula and more as Second Phase Drops

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19–21 June 2026 | 18:00–06:00

Sofia Airport Park

AURA Festival returns to Sofia Airport Park for its expanded second edition, Temple of Eos, introducing 23 new artists, two additional stages, and enhanced production, including a new BACKSTAGE ticket tier. 

The latest wave of names includes Angelos, Chinonegro, Denis Sulta, Elli Acula, Gaiser (Live), Julya Karma, Laure Croft, Parallelle, The Muffin Man, Olympe, Onyvaa, Blathoven, Diass, Factor, J. Pro, Julieta Intergalactica, Inside Out (Live), Liubo Ursiny, Matizze, Michael Veili, Shosho, Sokrat, TEDKA, UUFO, and Vescotec, expanding the festival across house, techno, and experimental electronic music.

Building on a highly acclaimed debut, the festival continues to evolve as a multi-dimensional electronic experience that combines music, art installations, daytime programming, and immersive experiences.

Following an initial announcement featuring global names such as Alok, Armin van Buuren, Dimitri Vegas, Mahmut Orhan and ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U, the latest wave of artists deepens the lineup across house, techno, and experimental electronic music.

The festival now operates three stages. The Main Stage hosts headline performances including Avalan Rokston, Alok, Mahmut Orhan, Topic, Youna, MATTN, Dimitri Vegas, BIIA, 999999999, BOBE, UUFO, Jesabel, Laura van Dam and Armin van Buuren across the three days.

The new TOWER Stage focuses on underground sounds, featuring Vescotec, Inside Out Live, Liubo Ursiny, Denis Sulta, Chinonegro, Shosho, Factor, TEDKA, The Muffin Man, Laure Croft, Gaiser (live), Parallelle, Olympe, Gallya, ONYVAA and Elli Acula.

The MOON Stage offers a more intimate, discovery-driven setting with performances by Sokrat, Julieta Intergalactica, Diass, Angelos, Julya Karma, Silver Ivanov b2b Milen, and a special yet-to-be-announced act.

Tickets, including one-day, full weekend, youth, VIP, and BACKSTAGE options, are available via Ticket Station: https://ticketstation.bg/en/p5419-aura-festival-temple-of-eos

MAIN STAGE 

June 19
Blathoven b2b Matizze, World Up DJs (Dimo BG, Milen DJ, Silver Ivanov, Vasco C), Avalan Rokston, ALOK, Mahmut Orhan, Topic, Youna

June 20
Michael Veili, J. Pro, MATTN, Dimitri Vegasl, ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U, BIIA, 999999999

June 21
BOBE, UUFO, Jesabel, Laura van Dam, Armin van Buuren

TOWER STAGE

June 19
Vescotec, Inside Out (Live), Liubo Ursiny, Denis Sulta, Chinonegro, Shosho, Factor

June 20
TEDKA, The Muffin Man, Laure Croft, Gaiser (Live), Parallelle. Olympe

June 21
Liubo Ursiny, Gallya, ONYVAA, Elli Acula

MOON STAGE

June 20
Sokrat, Julieta Intergalactica, Diass, Angelos, Julya Karma, Silver Ivanov b2b Milen

June 21 

TBA

Ministry of Sound Announces Bali Residency at The Stage as Part of 35-Year World Tour

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Ministry of Sound announces the next destination on its 35-Year World Tour with a new five-show residency set to take place at The Stage in Bali. Launching on May 30th, the series will run across key dates throughout June, July, August and December and mark the brand’s first extended run on the island.

Having already hosted landmark events earlier this year in Dubai, Helsinki and Miami, the tour now arrives in Bali. The opening event on May 30th will be headlined by house, bass and garage innovator Low Steppa, with additional artists Monki and Siân Owen bringing their signature house infusions. Across the full residency, lineups will reflect Ministry of Sound’s broad musical identity, spanning house, tech house and deeper club sounds while spotlighting international stars and exciting emerging talent.

Says the team, “We’re super proud to be announcing the Bali Residency as part of the 35 Year World Tour. Working with a local venue, The Stage and bringing in names like Low Steppa, Monki and Tiffy Vera is what the tour is about. It’s rooted in house music, but still very current, and it reflects both the heritage of the brand and where things are heading. Across the residency, it should make for a series of genuinely standout nights.”

Partnering with regional promoters Primuse Entertainment, the residency will see Ministry of Sound take over The Stage, a newly relaunched indoor venue in Bali, across five carefully curated shows which will see the legacy brand connect with crowds of clubbers on the tropical Indonesian island. 

Originally founded in London in 1991, Ministry of Sound has spent over three decades shaping global dance culture through its club, record label and events. The 35-Year World Tour marks the first time the brand has embarked on a global run of this scale to celebrate its legacy while continuing to evolve its worldwide influence, and all on the back of a huge series of renovations at the legendary London venue. 

With Bali’s growing reputation as a hub for electronic music in Asia, the residency signals a significant moment for both the destination and the Ministry of Sound brand. 

Further dates and full lineups for the Bali residency will be announced soon.

Opening Event 

Date: May 30th

Address: The Stage, Seminyak, Bali

Sign up for pre-sale via The Stage here: https://www.thestage.net

Line up

LOW STEPPA

MONKI

SIAN OWEN

Additional shows: June, July, August and December (TBA)

A week of open Air Parties announced for the Rio Carnival in Brazil with BOMA

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https://www.instagram.com/weare_boma/

The week long series of events feature the likes of Jamie Jones, Black Coffee, Mochakk, ARTBAT, CamelPhat, Carlita, LP Giobbi, Vintage Culture and more…

TICKETS

During Carnival, Rio de Janeiro has always been a global magnet. In 2026, BOMA turns that gravitational force into a new epicenter for electronic music culture.

The Brazilian cultural platform announces its most ambitious Carnival program to date, returning to Rio de Janeiro with six nights of curated experiences at the Museu do Amanhã — the most visited museum in Latin America and one of the most iconic architectural landmarks in the world.

Designed by Santiago Calatrava and set against Guanabara Bay, the museum once again becomes more than a venue. It becomes a symbol: a meeting point between Brazil’s ancestral celebration of freedom and the future-facing language of global electronic music.

Born from the desire to create the experience its founders wanted to live, BOMA — Born Of Music Addiction — has evolved from a party into a cultural platform operating at the intersection of sound, art, fashion and contemporary behavior. Its approach goes beyond line-ups. It’s about how music occupies space, how people move together, and how collective memory is built on the dancefloor.

Guided by four pillars — outstanding experience, desirable line-up, loyal community and cultural tastemaking — BOMA has established itself as one of the most respected boutique platforms in Brazil, occupying architecturally and culturally significant locations and curating experiences where sound, space and identity are inseparable.

Carnival is where this vision reaches its full scale.

The journey begins on February 13, with Jamie Jones opening the week alongside Adam Ten b2b Mita Gami, Miguelle & Tons and GIU. The night sets the tone for what follows: a meeting point between global house culture and BOMA’s signature sense of flow, progression and collective energy.

Tickets

On February 14, Black Coffee returns to BOMA to lead a night dedicated to afro-house, groove and rhythmic sophistication. Joined by Carlita, Ahmed Spins, Bhaskar, Jackson, Malive and Unfazed, the evening highlights the genre’s deep roots and contemporary evolution, echoing the global pulse of dance music today.

Tickets

February 16 brings together Mochakk and Dennis Cruz, with a special Bob Moses (club set) performance, plus OsGemeos and Halfcab. It’s one of the most anticipated line-ups of the season — a dialogue between generations, where new-school energy meets old-school sensibility inside one of the most striking spaces in the city.

Tickets

On February 17, the Museu do Amanhã is taken over by ARTBAT and CamelPhat, joined by special guest LP Giobbi, alongside Departamento and Tato. The night is built around powerful, melodic and cinematic mainstage sounds, turning the museum into a widescreen dancefloor framed by architecture and light.

Tickets

The celebration peaks on February 20 with Vintage Culture, accompanied by WhoMadeWho (hybrid DJ set), Omri, Eli Iwasa and Doozie. Known as “Champions Friday”, the date coincides with the announcement of the winning samba school of Rio’s parades, making it one of the most emotionally charged moments of Carnival — where Brazil’s global electronic voice meets its most iconic cultural ritual.

Tickets

The journey closes on February 21 with a collaboration with Dawn Patrol, featuring hosts Maz and Antdot, inviting special guest Kölsch, alongside Riascode and Bakka. Guiding the crowd into sunrise, the final chapter unfolds as one of BOMA’s most celebrated rituals — a moment of release, connection and collective reset.

Tickets

BOMA’s presence in Rio during Carnival is now a tradition. Over the years, the platform has transformed its city editions into a cultural landmark, attracting audiences from Brazil and abroad while blending music, design, artistic interventions and sensorial experiences.

What began as a platform driven by creativity and community has evolved into one of the defining forces of contemporary Carnival, proving that electronic music has a central place in the country’s most important cultural moment.

In 2026, BOMA elevates this legacy with its most ambitious programming yet, reaffirming its role as a leading creative voice in Brazil’s electronic scene — and as a cultural bridge between local identity and global influence.

We are BOMA.
Born of Music Addiction.

Superclub Takes Over Student Digs: Ministry of Sound Announces House Party Tour with Lab54

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This September, Ministry of Sound, in collaboration with pop-up specialists Lab54 and joined by iconic fashion brand Von Dutch, is stepping out of the club and into student living rooms with a first-of-its-kind Fresher’s House Party Tour. For one month, the South London club will swap its renowned dancefloor for kitchens, gardens, and lounges across the UK, bringing the decks, dance music, and three decades of club culture straight to the heart of student nightlife. 

“Club culture is always shifting; today’s students discover music, connect with artists, and build communities in new ways. This tour is a chance for us to break out of our own four walls and bring that Ministry energy directly to the next generation of ravers. Many of our team and resident DJs started their journeys in student houses just like these, and we know how formative those first parties can be. We want to be part of that story.” – Matt Long, Club Director at Ministry of Sound.

To bring the concept to life, Ministry of Sound is joined by Lab54, the team behind April’s infamous ‘Ministry break-in’ stunt that transformed the girls’ bathroom into an illegal rave. This autumn, they’ll bring the same energy to student houses in Bristol, Manchester, Liverpool, Nottingham, Leeds and Newcastle, with performances from Ministry artists New Era, Skepsis, Disruptor, with more to be announced.

“Lab54 has made a name for itself by throwing the most outrageous parties in anywhere but a club. We have continuously brought people together, especially students, through our pledge to make our parties inclusive to every member of the community. This tour is about tapping into this energy to create nights that are actually remembered for years to come.” – Audrey Stiffle, Head of Partnerships.

Joining the party is Von Dutch, the reborn noughties label that recently launched its music-focused fashion sub-brand, Von Dutch Loves. Already making waves as one of the industry’s most exciting new players, the music-meets-fashion arm made its mark this summer with a debut collaboration alongside Brazilian powerhouse Vintage Culture, before going further by giving 20 rising DJs the chance to perform on its own stage at Brunch Electronik Festival, positioning itself as a future scene-shaper.

That spirit of pushing culture forward is shared by Ministry of Sound Records, whose legacy has evolved beyond being a London tastemaker. Its DIY origins are rooted in the rebellious heart of dance music, its club has hosted dancers from all over the world for over three decades, and its label continues to shape the sounds of today, having nurtured some of music’s most notable names, including Eric Prydz, London Grammar, Eats Everything, Duck Sauce and Dom Dolla.

This tour signals the next step for Ministry, bringing its sound beyond the club and into the homes of a new generation of ravers.

Tour Dates

13.09 Bristol New Era

18.09 Liverpool Special Guests TBA

 

19.09 Manchester Special Guests TBA

 

25.09 Nottingham Ely Oaks 

 

26.09 Leeds Skepsis & Disruptor

 

03.10 Newcastle Special Guests TBA

 

More names to be announced.

Follow Ministry and Lab54 to keep up to date with all announcements, as well as access to event tickets, and more.

Ministry of Sound

Website | Instagam

Lab54

Website | Instagram 

Von Dutch

Website | Instagram 

Von Dutch Loves Selects 20 First-Time DJs to Play Brunch Electronik Festival

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Von Dutch Loves is giving 20 amateur DJs the chance to perform at one of Barcelona’s most beloved music events: Brunch Electronik Festival, taking place this August.

In partnership with the Spanish festival, Von Dutch Loves will host its very own open-air stage, a 360-degree, two-tier platform positioned at the heart of the festival grounds. Over the past 5 weeks, an open call was launched to uncover emerging talent from across the region, drawing over 1200 submissions. The final 20 winners, selected for their originality and energy, were announced on July 16th and 17th with sounds ranging from Speed Garage to Hard Groove and Trance to Amapiano. The focus was on creating a diverse, inclusive, gender-balanced lineup.

“The audience is the line-up,” says the booking team, “the stage will be located at the heart of the site, giving real visibility to emerging talent thanks to our partnership with Von Dutch Loves.” 

Launched earlier this year, Von Dutch Loves is the new music-led fashion label from Von Dutch that sits at the heart of the culture, capturing and curating the moment. The label debuted with a capsule collection in collaboration with global electronic artist Vintage Culture, who has been spotted wearing the exclusive pieces across Spain this summer, from Barcelona to Ibiza, before the brand headed to London for a secret rooftop party with tastemaker promoters Blanche.

Finding the perfect partner in Brunch Electronik Festival, Von Dutch Loves taps into the underground, championing new talent, and shares a commitment to building platforms for the next generation, and this is just the beginning for the brand new label.

Says Jack Cheicka, “Von Dutch Loves was created to spotlight the next generation of cultural voices, and our partnership with Brunch Electronik perfectly reflects that mission. Brunch shares our commitment to creativity, authenticity, and community. Together, we’re not just watching culture evolve; we’re actively shaping it. Supporting emerging DJs and building inclusive, creative spaces is just the beginning.”

The first limited edition range from Von Dutch Loves is now available at www.vondutchloves.com.  Follow @vondutchloves to keep up to date with all announcements as well as access to exclusive merch drops, event tickets, and more.

Von Dutch Loves 

Website | Instagam

Brunch Electronik

Website | Instagram 

Terminal V Croatia 2025: A sun-soaked success as attendance doubles in the techno festival’s second year

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The second edition of Terminal V Croatia has wrapped up, and what an incredible event it was. Held at the iconic Garden Resort in Tisno, the 2025 festival marked a significant leap forward for the brand’s international chapter, doubling attendance from its debut year and cementing its place on the global electronic music map.

Over five days and nights, thousands of music lovers from across Europe, Australia, Asia and beyond descended on the Adriatic coast for an unforgettable blend of cutting-edge music, pristine natural surroundings, and immersive production. With standout sets from X Club, I Hate Models, BLK, Yanamaste, Kettama, Dax J, Mall Grab, Vendex + Kobosil, Terminal V Croatia delivered an expertly curated lineup across sun-drenched beach stages, sold out twilight boat parties, and legendary afterparties at the open-air Barbarella’s Discotheque. 

“The turning point for Terminal V came when we realised just how much appetite there was, not just in Scotland, but internationally. The need for a bold, well-curated line up that spans the spectrum of techno and contemporary electronic music,” said Derek Martin. “Croatia felt like the natural next step, but it had to be the right fit. The Garden Resort stood out immediately: idyllic , intimate, and set against one of the most beautiful backdrops in Europe.”

After a successful debut in 2024, returning to Tisno was an easy decision. With a year of learning behind them, organisers fine-tuned every aspect, from the flow and site layout to the overall production,  elevating the experience while staying true to the environment that makes The Garden so special. “The energy this year was next-level,” said Simon McGrath. “The local and regional support, especially from the Croatian crowd, has been incredible. There’s a real scene here, and it’s growing.”



The contrast between Terminal V’s industrial Scottish roots and the laid-back coastal setting of Tisno has added a new dimension to the brand. “Scotland brings unmatched intensity, but in Croatia, there’s this magic, the crowd is in the moment, the vibe is relaxed but still euphoric, especially during those sunrise sets at Barbarella’s. One moment that really stuck with us was watching the sky turn pink as the music kept rolling and the dancefloor stayed packed. That’s the kind of memory that defines a festival.” adds Derek.

With its focus on community, curation, and high-level production, Terminal V continues to evolve far beyond just another festival brand. The launch of a record label and year-round podcast series keeps the connection with fans alive long after playing the final track.

Looking ahead, Terminal V has no plans of slowing down in Croatia. “This is a long-term chapter. We see Tisno becoming a cornerstone of our story,  not just as a summer destination, but as part of the cultural fabric of European electronic music. We’re here to stay, we are looking to expand more internationally and we’re only just getting started.” Derek and Simon, the founders, add.

Stay tuned! Terminal V Croatia returns in July 2026. Super Early bird Tickets on sale from Friday 1st August at 10AM CET via both international and local ticket agents, frozen at 2025 prices: https://terminalvcroatia.com/

Download Festival 2025: Hit List

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With just over one month to go, here’s the skinny on 10 things SFG are planning to tick off our DLXXII bucket-list…

  1. See the most divisive Headliner in Download history

Yeah yeah we’ve read all the whinging bros on the forums and comment sections, but let’s face it – Sleep Token ran a sold out tour, are bringing a different sound, and have an actual stage show to offer. I could name a lot of headliners who’ve come before who were boring as fuck, so I’m going in fresh and ready to experience something new. If your sensitive lil temperament can’t take it, go elsewhere – the beauty of Download is, there’s always something else on!

2. Grab a craft beer to drink on the fancy shmancy roof terrace of the Mercian Axe Brewery Bar

Ok, so this is probably a tall order with how many people are also going to be clamouring to do this… but doesn’t a lovely cold bev, in a rooftop beer garden, overlooking one of the 7 wonders of the world, sound absolutely divine? Pray for sunshine everyone.

3. Wear everything Adidas to watch KoRn

No. I didn’t get any of the actual Kornidas collaboration merch. Yes, I do want to live my best 90’s sportluxe life anyway.

4. Extracurricular activities

Apparently Download is the place to revisit the joy of Primary school this year, so catch me at a Live Blacksmithing workshop and then running the Egg-and-Spoon race at the Heavy Metal School Sports event. Jk, I think the Séance is probably more my speed, bring it on demonkind.

5. Get a giant bucket of churros and feel sick for the rest of the night

There is nothing more exciting than receiving your giant bucket of hot fried sugar on a cold festival night… and nothing more humbling than eating two and immediately regretting your decisions. Best shared by a group, friendly warning. I will however, be avoiding the fuck outta the Yorkshire Puddings after last years’ heavily reported Brownload fiasco.

6 .Ooo-weee-oooo with Weezer

Come on, you’ve got to admit this is a class booking. Everyone likes Weezer, even people who pretend not to. If they bring merchandise I’m absolutely cooked.

7. Get brackish with Kittie and try out our MJ moves with Alien Ant Farm

This line-up is the stuff of my teenage emo dreams honestly, but the likelihood of me throwing my back out moshing, or falling flat on my face trying to do ‘the lean’ is feeling quite high.

8. RockFit mornings in The Village

So I read some comments on the FB group from people who are worried that they’ll be missing a few workout days while they’re living at Download. First of all – can’t relate. If you’re out running a circuit of the campsites before 8am, I both salute you, and wish you many hours of therapy. What I will stand by though, is the very silly fun time that RockFit presents. Will I actually drag my tired hungover ass there? TBD.

9. Live the cult Vengaboys experience.

For whom the Vengabus tolls; it tolls for thee. This is the single most brilliant booking Download have ever made, because it is 100% a very silly joke that has reached it’s pinnacle. My applause will be undying, and you must believe me when I say; hey now hey now, hear what I say now, happiness is just around the corner.

10. Finally find out who PRESIDENT are

Look, if it’s a national address from the Cheeto-in-Chief I’m going to be very upset. Please don’t be shit after all this hype, ok?

See you there, fellow field-dwellers – cross your fingers for a dry one!