Festival Guides

Finland’s Weekend Festival announces first wave of headliners with Timmy Trumpet, Showtek, Boris Brejcha and many more

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Weekend Festival 2024
August 2-3rd, 2024
Espoo, Finland

www.wknd.fi

Weekend Festival returns to Espoo’s new Vermo Arena for a second time on August 2 and 3 2024 with a mouthwatering line-up of global dance superstars. The first wave of headliners for this year’s event includes Timmy Trumpet, Ann Clue, Boris Brejcha, Da Tweekaz, Darude, Deniz Bul, Kanine, Moritz Hofbauer, Showtek, Sub Zero Project, Tungevaag, Vibe Chemistry, Will Sparks and more to come. Registration for closed pre-sale is now open at www.wknd.fi. Closed 2-day GA ticket pre-sale will start on December 4th when another batch of artists will be announced. General sale will start on December 11th.

The Award winning Weekend Festival has fast established itself as one of the best electronic festivals in Europe and is considered the best party of the year in Finland. Over the last decade, it has welcomed more than 850 artists, over 840,000 visitors from more than 50 different countries and has been held not only in Finland but also in Estonia and Sweden. It is an unforgettable two days for those who seek the adrenaline rush of live performances but also look for a comprehensive experience that includes visual arts, interactive installations, and the companionship of like-minded music lovers.

Weekend Festival welcomes 20,000 people to the Vermo Arena – a famous horse racing track venue. It is a great setting with plenty of nearby accommodation options, and is accessible from local train and tram stations just 10 minutes away from Helsinki city centre. It comes alive with next level production, world class sound systems, immersive lights and plenty more. This year Weekend Festival will cater for 18+ attendees only.

Says Marketing Director Atro Anttila, “We definitely think that going back to our roots was exactly the right direction for us. Electronic music is again clearly growing internationally, and Weekend Festival is the only festival of this scale in Northern Europe where you can get such a comprehensive electronic dance music experience. Coming back to Espoo felt like a warm homecoming. With our finger on the pulse of the latest trends and an ear for the globe’s hottest beats, we are ready to amplify the energy and bring the most electrifying parties to Northern Europe. Get ready for an even more vibrant, bass-dropping, and unforgettable festival journey as we continue to cater exclusively to the most passionate adult fans of the electronic music scene.”

This year the theme is ‘Disco Nation’ and there will be three impressive stages to choose from; WKND Stage which offers more mainstream sounds, the Future Stage which deals in hardstyle and drum & bass, and CNNCT Stage which offers techno and tech house. As well as that there will be plenty of food areas, an indoor VIP space and VIP Tribune.

Musically, all bases are covered with EDM superstars Timmy Trumpet and Showtek, joined by cutting edged selectors such as Boris Brejcha whose label Fckng Serious will take over The Future Stage on Friday and will feature a set from the man himself as well as Ann Clue, Deniz Bul, Morits Hofbauer and Klangkunst. Also playing will be Brennan Heart, Da Tweekaz, Sub Zero Project, Tungevaag and Will Sparks, with many more still to be announced on December 4th.

Weekend Festival is like nothing else in Finland and is an experience not to be missed.

FOLLOW

Website: https://www.wknd.fi/
Facebook: @weekendfestival
Instagram: @weekendfestival

Everything you ever wanted to know about BLOODSTOCK (that’s not bands)

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With only a couple of weeks to go, BLOODSTOCK’s here to update you on lots of non-band-related delights at this year’s event, including a diverse range of traders, food stalls, drinks, on-site entertainment, and other facilities at next month’s glorious celebration of heavy metal. Not to mention a bargain deal on this year’s festival t-shirt and info on 2023’s charity partners.  

First up, BLOODSTOCK is very aware of the cost of living squeeze, so is pleased to confirm that the price of the 2023 event t-shirt has been frozen at £25. Head to the merch stand in the main arena over the festival to snap it up! You can also find a range of new merch online now here including super-soft dressing gowns, drinking horns, umbrellas, and the S’tan plush toy/bobblehead!
Whether you’re vegan, veggie, meat-eating, or seeking something gluten-free or halal, BLOODSTOCK has a wide range of food available onsite. Here’s just a few options… burgers, pizza, tacos, burritos, gyoza, waffles, crepes, toasties, smoked meats, chicken, noodles, pies, giant Yorkshire puds, baguettes, fish & chips, fries, hotdogs, kebabs, donuts/churros, mac n’ cheese, wraps, nachos, fudge, the infamous black ice-cream, and more – and Bunnychow is back too! Check out more info here and there’s a handy graphic below to help you keep track of which food stands to head to first. 
For any essentials you’ve forgotten, there’s a supermarket in the Midgard campsite (and a small shop in the main arena) plus Fat Frank’s Camping Store, where for £2 you can even get your air bed inflated for a comfier night’s sleep. 

For those looking to do a little heavy metal shopping in the arena, you’ll be able to pick up patches and badges, CDs/vinyl, or official merch and alt clothing (leggings, t-shirts, denim jackets, leather waistcoats, army surplus, hats… you name it) to rock ‘n roll home accessories, wiccan wares, all types of jewellery (visit the Guitarwrist for items benefiting charity made with used guitar strings and Black Feather Design for BLOODSTOCK’s official 925 silver jewellery range) and if you don’t have one already, surely a Viking drinking horn is an essential addition (other Viking crafts also available). 
When you’re not watching bands, how about a spot of axe-throwing with your pals or visit Firehound Forge, the local blacksmith stall, who may even forge your item while you watch? There’s also the Nordic Spirit Gaming Arena with modern and retro video games to play, the Rock And Metal Gallery (reputed to be the coolest place onsite, metaphorically and literally), the Planet Rock Signing Tent to meet your favourite bands, and fairground attractions, plus you can join a 45-min open air Rockfit class at 10:15am Fri-Sun to get your blood pumping squatting to Slayer, or why not grab a cold beverage and watch some Vikings go to battle right in front of you!
When the bands are done, it doesn’t mean BLOODSTOCK is!  Late night ents kick off with DJs on both the New Blood and Sophie stages ‘til the early hours. Over in the Sophie tent, on Thursday from 12am-2am, DJ Pressplay welcomes you with a selection of tunes from upcoming bands and other metal bangers; Friday from 12am-2am brings The Blood Rave with DJs Little M and Lloyd, marking the 25th anniversary of iconic movie, Blade! Expect EBM, industrial, techno, and heavy beats.

The Sophie tent on Saturday from 12am-2am is the Dark Night of the Scarecrow! Jakk and Jordan from EVIL SCARECROW are joined by DJ Arockalypse to offer up a slab of the best metal and rock anthems. Sunday from 12am-2am, sees DJ Rich Harris (Desertfest) closing the festival in the only way he knows how – loudly and by including guilty pleasure metal whoppers to lodge in your head until Bloodstock 2024!

The New Blood tent sees the return of the very popular silent disco on Thursday and Saturday nights from 11pm-2am – take your pick from three channels of rock & metal, pop & party cheese, or full-on dance, or why not mix it up with all three?! Just turn up and grab a headset. At the other end of the scale, New Blood’s Friday night from 11pm-1am sees DJ Darren Smith serving up a crushing selection of the blackest, darkest, and heaviest music around.

If you’d rather have your fun back in the campsites, get in on Midgard Madness between 11pm – 1am, with some brand new inflatable shenanigans this year. Fan of wrestling? Take on your pal in a sumo wrestler suit! Feeling a bit more athletic? Put your strength and stamina to the test with the Bungee Run! How far can you make it down the track before the bungee catapults you back to the start?!

For the jousters amongst you, take on the Pole Joust challenge. Who can stay on the pole the longest without being toppled to their doom?! Who will be the BLOODSTOCK Almighty Joust Champion?? Bragging rights indeed. A late night Redbull bar will be there to quench your thirst (wings not included).
Each year BLOODSTOCK has various dress themes for those who want to participate. In 2023, we see the return of the very successful ‘Pink For Sylvia’ theme on both Thursday and Friday, in memory of Sophie Lancaster’s mother, the founder of the Sophie Lancaster Foundation. Pink was Sylvia’s favourite colour. Corpsepaint Saturday does what it says on the tin! If you don’t want to do your own make-up, stop by the Sophie Lancaster charity stall in the main arena between 10am – 3pm Sat and they’ll paint your face for a small donation, with all proceeds going to the Foundation. On Sunday, it’ll be Helloween Pumpkins day, so bust out your best pumpkin-themed attire to welcome the mighty HELLOWEEN! 

As part of BLOODSTOCK’s continuing sustainability/green efforts, the cup redemption scheme returns to help keep BLOODSTOCK litter-free!! Open to those 18+, you can redeem prizes for collecting cups! Hand in your stash at Lemmy’s bar to get a stamp on your collector’s card for every 50 cups returned. This year’s prizes are:  

50 cups – 1 free pint / spirit worth £6
100 cups – 15% off Bloodstock merch or 1 meal voucher worth £12 (one transaction only)
250 cups – 1 Bloodstock festival shirt (size subject to availability)
600 cups – Jump the queue to the signing tent for one whole day 
750 cups – Access to Serpents Lair VIP hospitality area for 2 people
1000 cups – Watch a band from side of stage or in the pit for first 3 songs (subject to no closed stage or pyro restrictions).

In addition, the tent donation point returns by Fat Franks in the Midgard campsite! When you’re going home, if you can’t be bothered to lug your tent with you, don’t abandon it to be lonely in landfill! Put it to good use by donating it for charitable benefit.
BLOODSTOCK’s official charity partners for 2023 are The Sophie Lancaster Foundation and Derbyshire Air Ambulance. The ever important work of The Sophie Lancaster Foundation to stamp out prejudice, hatred, and intolerance everywhere is something BLOODSTOCK have been proud to support for many years.

The Derbyshire Air Ambulance Service operates 24/7, 365 days a year, providing a rapid trauma response. They receive no government funding and rely solely on the public’s generosity to keep their helicopters flying and saving lives. BLOODSTOCK is also pleased to confirm that a team from Derbyshire LGBT+ will run a stall too. They are Derbyshire’s only LGBT+ specific support service, supporting all LGBT+ people or anyone who is having issues with sexual orientation or gender identity, including family and friends. Look out for their spots in the main arena (left of the main stage as you look at it) and pop over to learn more about the awesome work these organisations do.

BLOODSTOCK would like to take a moment to celebrate the incredible efforts of Pick Collectors Against Cancer, who have now raised more than $250,000, benefiting band-nominated cancer-related charities all over the world. BLOODSTOCK is very pleased to keep supporting this worthwhile cause, and with everyone’s help, perhaps they can top $300,000 this year. Head to their socials for more info, and look out for Lee from PCAC at the fest.

If you find yourself falling ill or in need of some extra support/assistance while at BLOODSTOCK, head to the MEDICAL / WELFARE TENT in the main arena. You can also visit THE SAMARITANS marquee located in the Midgard campsite for a non-judgemental, confidential chat at any time over the festival event. 
BLOODSTOCK is also pleased to welcome 1625 OUTREACH, a local service that specialise in supporting festival goers in relation to drugs, alcohol, and personal safety. This year 1625 will be working collaboratively with Welfare on site – you can find them in the campsite hub or you can drop them a message on Instagram (@1625_Outreach).  1625 are available to provide…Free & confidential advice about drugs/alcohol.Harm reduction information & resources.Assistance in accessing additional support on site & in the community.Free safety resources (drink spiking covers, condoms, etc).A harm reduction &/or recovery centred safe space to chat.

Every campsite has its own vibe, but if you’re looking for the designated quiet campsite, make a beeline for Ragnarok. Niflheim is the accessible campsite for those who have applied successfully in advance to camp there. Coming on your own and/or a bit anxious about that? Consider joining unofficial Bloodstock group Camp Loners & Newbies, who always camp in a corner of Valhalla. With Ironwood, Midgard, Jotunheim, Asgard, and Hel to choose from too (plus Vanaheim 1 & 2 for our campervan friends & the Serpent’s Lair campsite for VIPers) you’re sure to find your home away from home! Want to chat to fellow BLOODSTOCKers before you get there? There are a number of unofficial Facebook groups, including BMF666.
Looking for directions or travel info including coaches and the official festival shuttle, running from Tamworth train station this year (note: NOT Lichfield, as in years prior)? Click here. For all general event info & frequently asked questions, including box office, main arena, and car park opening times, accessibility, lost & found (inc. lost kids), and much more, go here. You can find this year’s site map of BLOODSTOCK here. Stay tuned to BLOODSTOCK’s official social channels over the next couple of weeks for news all about the festival’s brand new app that you’ll soon be able to download, complete with a helpful clash finder and stage times.

While you’re planning your packing, don’t forget that BLOODSTOCK has introduced a dedicated one-stop-shop featuring all those festival essentials. From the all important cold beers to BOA’s 2023 merchandise, through to camping equipment and much more, BLOODSTOCKers can secure all their must-have items in advance from one online shop, eradicating the need for last-minute scrambles, long queues or searching in multiple online stores for different items. For more info and to explore what you can get, visit the official Bloodstock Festival Preo store. 

Weekend early bird tickets for BLOODSTOCK 2024 will be available to purchase at the box office on site for £165.  This is the cheapest way to buy a 2024 ticket, minus any online booking or admin fees.  Serpents Lair VIP tickets and campervan pitches will go on sale at 9am on Wednesday 16th August and are expected to sell out quickly, so if you want one, be ready!!  Please note that there will be no VIP Upgrades in 2024. A very limited number of 100 VIP Deposit Scheme tickets will be available at 9am on 1st September. When they’re gone, they’re gone.

Still not got your ticket?! Snap up your standard weekend tickets inc. camping at the ticket store for the bargain price of just £165 (+ fees). Don’t hang about, limited numbers remain!  If you want to make it a family affair, there are child tickets too, priced £45 (+fees) and mini-moshers under age 4 go free. If you can’t make the whole weekend, but don’t want to miss out, limited day tickets are available priced £75 (+fees) for adults and £25 (+fees) for kids. See all options in the ticket store and get excited watching the latest trailer here! 
BLOODSTOCK’s 2023 Ronnie James Dio main stage headliners are KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, MESHUGGAH, and MEGADETH. Also appearing are HELLOWEEN, IN FLAMES, BIOHAZARD, EMPLOYED TO SERVE, ROYAL REPUBLIC, SACRED REICH, HEAVEN SHALL BURN, SEPULTURA, FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY, CROWBAR, CANDLEMASS, TRIBULATION, SEETHING AKIRA, UGLY KID JOE, DECAPITATED, GATECREEPER, ZEAL & ARDOR, KING 810, ABBATH, URNE, ALL HAIL THE YETI, DEAD LABEL, BOSSK, CHURCH OF THE COSMIC SKULL, BROTHERS OF METAL, PEST CONTROL, GUTALAX, UUHAI, INVISIONS, COBRA THE IMPALER, TROLLFEST, SKYND, FROZEN SOUL, EMBODIMENT, THE VIOLENT INZIDENT, TRIBE OF GHOSTS, DAKESIS, THE ENIGMA DIVISION, THE GREY, AMBRIUS, TUSKAR, STENGAH, OVERTHRONE, TORTURED DEMON, CASKET FEEDER, GAEREA, BLOODYARD, WOLFBASTARD, EMBODIMENT, SKIN FAILURE, WITCHSORROW, WYTCH HAZEL, HATE, BLACK COAST, PHOENIX LAKE, ZETRA and more. 

Get full festival information over at bloodstock.uk.com.

BLOODSTOCK will take place at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 10th-13th August 2023. 

5 reasons why you should attend Wellnergy Festival

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Wellnergy offers a way to get away and restore your soul, to learn about wellness and hear great music.

Its debut edition took place on the 17th of June at Barn Elms Park and was a huge success.
https://www.wellnergy.co.uk/

Here are five reasons why.


The Music


Music is curated by the Gardens of Babylon collective with internationally renowned electronic music artists all bring their A-game. There are all sorts of nice sounds from across the spectrum with standout shows form Magit Cacoon and Patrice Baumel providing the soundtrack amongst others.

The Extras


As well as the sounds, there is also plenty more to explore at Wellnergy including a Wellness Stage, Mindfulness Tent and more such as comedy, exhibitors, traders, pop up food and well curated bars that mean there is always something great to do and learn and explore.

The Five Pillars

With the day split into two halves, Wellnergy offers the best of both musical and wellness worlds. The first half of the day focuses on fitness, mindfulness, talks and positive development, with the second half focus being more music led with upbeat, loving and vibey energy.

The Experts


Guest health and wellness experts Dr Alex George, Grace Beverly, Maude Hirst, Alice Liveing and Dilly Carter all feature at Wellnergy and share a vast wealth of knowledge that is unlike anything else you will be able to experience. It means you truly leave feeling better than when you arrive.  

Neurodiverse


Wellnergy Festival was one of the most inclusive festivals in the UK as it partnered with Spectrum First to create the first ever neuro-inclusivity festival safe space which catered for all neurotypes. Attending events involving large groups of people or crowds can be difficult for neurodivergent people so this place to go and chill out and restore calm is invaluable.

Best Dance Festivals to Attend in 2023

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Nothing beats dancing to the beat alongside thousands of other house and techno lovers. Whether you like it dark and raw in a warehouse, sunny on a beach in Europe or hidden in some green UK forest we have you covered.
Here are some of the best house and techno festivals in the world.
SXM
March 8 – 12 2023
Happy Bay, St Martin

With the whole island’s infrastructure having been rebuilt after a devastating hurricane, SXM hosts stages on beaches and jungle clearings, and they are truly breathtaking. Draped in magical fauna, you can swim in nearby jungle clearings and partake in sunset parties, villa parties, and more. All are stunning ways to have fun in this bit of Caribbean paradise with music from house and techno greats like AMÉ, Apollonia, Archie Hamilton, CamelPhat, Astra Club (DJ Tennis B2B Carlita), Chaim, Deer Jade, Demi Riquisimo, Doc Martin, Dubfire, Francesca Lombardo, Gene On Earth, Gordo, Jenia Tarsol, Konstantin Sibold, and more.
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Time Warp 
1st April
Mannheim, Germany

https://www.time-warp.de

Time Warp is finally making a long awaited and sure to be emotional return to its spiritual home in Mannheim. After four years away, the influential festival returns to Mannheim’s Maimarkthalle with a mix of longtime companions as well as exciting debutants including over 40 headliners such as Sven Väth, The Blessed Madonna, Adam Beyer, Amelie Lens, Richie Hawtin, Charlotte de Witte, Nina Kraviz, Paula Temple, Ricardo Villalobos, Marco Carola, Seth Troxler, Dixon, DJ Koze and more.
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Terminal V
8th & 9th April
Edinburgh, Scotland

There is no bigger party in Scotland, nor the UK, and maybe even Europe than Terminal V. The monster rave brings tens of thousands of people to the Royal Highland Centre across various rooms and stages. Heavyweight names all play with next level production. Do not miss this year with Amelie Lens, Big Miz, Charlotte de Witte, Ewan McVicar, Folamour (A/V), Kettama + more.
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Caprices
7th-9th/14-16th
Switzerland
Caprices Festival is to celebrate its 20th anniversary this year so expect the biggest and best festival yet. It gets down in the Swiss mountains of Crans-Montana across the two unmissable weekends with stages that have epic views out over the alps. There is high spec production across the festival, hundreds of miles of skiing and snowboarding to be done, gastronomic foods, wellness activities and top class music from the likes of a ground breaking Agoria presents One Life Two Bodies show, Claptone, Dubfire presents Evolv, Jamie XX, Fatboy Slim, Black Coffee, ARTBAT, DJ Tennis, Jeff Mills, Zip, Loco Dice b2b Seth Troxler, Luciano b2b Ricardo Villalobos, Richie Hawtin, Sven Väth and many more.

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Magic Break
April 20-23rd, 2023
Antalya, Turkey

The largest spring festival in the Mediterranean, Magic Break is held for 4 days and 3 nights with a choice of accommodation in three different hotels, all located in the same privileged seafront location on the golden (and Blue Flag) beaches of the Mediterranean. In addition to an excellent musical lineup, a comfortable stay, and the stunning looks and feels throughout the festival area, the party also keeps it going with unlimited food and drinks. This year’s theme, Garden of Hesperides, inspired by stories as old as human history, points to the hope of good days ahead and the celebration of the purest state of happiness with a timeless sense of unity. The line-up includes Argy, Brina Knauss, Joyhauser, Laolu, Chris Avantgarde, Massano, Polo & Pan, Natascha Polke and more.
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Sandbox
May 11-13th, 2023
El Gouna, Egypt

Sandbox Festival is one of the world’s most playful and beautiful destination festivals and it is back in El Gouna, on the Red Sea Riviera in Egypt. A world class selection of international DJ talent will soundtrack what is a unique chance to explore the idyllic shores of the Red Sea, and the rich cultural delights of this ancient and idyllic region with headliners like Agents Of Time (DJ Set), Astra Club aka Carlita B2B DJ Tennis, Cici, Dan Shake, Denis Sulta, Desiree, Francesco Del Garda, Hamish & Toby and more.
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The Garden Party
May 27th /28th May
Leeds, UK

The Garden Party is Leeds longest running and most essential electronic music soiree. It is back for another legendary weekender across Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th May at the newly launched Canvas Yard. Now featuring a brand new third stage, the likes of Pawsa, Skream, Paul Woolford, LF System, Special Request, Sherelle, Bradley Zero, Todd Terje, Palms Trax and Dr Banana
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MOGA Festival:
June 1-4th
Caparica, Portugal

The much anticipated third edition of MOGA Caparica returns to Portugal’s stunning Costa de Caparica from the 1st to 4th of June. Located just 20 minutes south of Lisbon, it offers a sun kissed and escapist mix of sunset beach parties with yoga, surfing, brunches and boat parties. Line up will be revealed soon.
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UNUM Festival

Tickets: http://www.unumfestival.com/

Date: June 1-6th
Location: Shengjin, Albania


This idyllic festival brings the finest in house and techno to one of the last untouched corners of Europe. The Albanian Riviera boasts stunning natural beauty, with dense pine forests, beautiful sea and breathtaking mountain ranges. There will be three stages hosting 24 hours of music across the whole event, with sunrise and sunset parties set to be one of the many features of this gathering.

Artists include: Dyed Soundorom, Samuel Deep, Reiss, John Dimas, Ricardo Villalobos, Magda, Barem, Rhadoo, Raresh, Praslea, Cezar, Priku, John Dimas, Sonja Moonear, Margaret Dygas, tINI, Anthea, Shimza, Laolu, Boris Werner, Doudou MD 

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Hideout
25-29th June 2023
Zrce, Pag Island, Croatia

This year’s 1th edition of Hideout is bigger and better than ever. It all goes down across some magical open air beach clubs right by the sea so expect beach, after and boat parties as well s non sot music on the main stages under the sun. There is also a wealth of water sport to enjoy and first wave names including Crucast, Gorgon City, Interplanetary Criminal, Jayda G, Patrick Topping, Solardo, Wilkinson.

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EXIT FESTIVAL 2023
Date: July 6th-9th
Location: Petrovaradin Fortress, Serbia

The Prodigy return to Serbia’s premier festival, EXIT

The EXIT 2023 programme runs from July 6th – 9th at the famous Petrovaradin Fortress and it will be headlined by electronic music revolutionary Skrillex, rock sensation Viagra Boys, the Keinemusik collective as well as CamelPhat, Hot Since 82, Vintage Culture and Indira Paganotto. The performances of The Toasters, Cockney Rejects, Human Rias, Mortal Kombat, Zoe Kida and many others have also been confirmed. A total of 23 names are ready to take their place in the EXIT Universe by coming to four of Exit’s favourite stages – Main Stage, mts Dance Arena, Visa Fusion and Explosive for this fantastic four day celebration.  Wu-Tang Clan will also feature in celebration of 50 years of Hip-Hop!

Artists Include: Wu-Tang Clan, The Prodigy, Skrillex, Alesso, Amelie Lens, Ben UFO,Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike Sofi Tukker, Viagra Boys, Keinemusik, Hot Since 82, CamelPhat, The Toasters and more.

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The One in the Woods
July 28 – 30 2023
Location: Orrell Hill Woods, Liverpool

Liverpool’s woodland techno festival returns bigger than ever after a massive debut last summer. This year the local scene and international sounds are all represented with an even bigger line-up in Orrell Hill Woods, Liverpool with the first wave of names coming soon. Previous line ups have included including DJ Hazard, Dillinja, Dax J, Calyx & Teebee, Drumsound & Bassline Smith b2b DJ SS b2b Kenny Ken, Randall, Loxy, Kings of the Rollers, Perc, Fatima Hajji, Miss Trouble, Ragga Twins and many more.
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Les Plagues Électroniques
August 4-6th, 2023
Cannes, France

Billed as Europe’s answer to Coachella, Les Plages Électroniques this year comes in a new format with a renewed visual identity. It goes down across the gorgeous city of Cannes in the South of France with up to 60,000 people expected and headliners like the multi-instrumental internet sensation Mezerg, The Blessed Madonna and her top shelf house and techno selections, Bellaire and his sweet blend of house and disco, and Pedro Winter who will be ringing in the 20th anniversary of his legendary Ed Banger label.
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LooseFest
Sunday 5th – 6th August
Newcastle, UK

After a magnificent edition last year, The North East’s largest and most ambitious music festival is the first to ever take over inner-city green space, the Town Moor. It will welcome 30000 people and some epic stage designs with artists including Sean Paul, Chase & Status, Craig David, Patrick Topping, Ben Hemsley, Joel Corry, Andy C, Sub Focus, Dimension, Example, Sigala and Tinie Tempah as well as some of the biggest DJs around including Franky Wah, Alan Fitzpatrick, Hot Since 82, Kettama, Jax Jones, Sigala and many more.
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Sonus
20th-24th August
Zrce Beach, Croatia

This Croatian festival stalwart celebrates an amazing 10 years of seriously heady and underground festival offerings this year. It prizes great sound systems over everything else and it all goes down on the lush Zrce Beach with acts like Adriatique, ANNA, Diplo, Loco Dice, Paula Temple, Richie Hawtin, Marco Carola and more.
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One Out Festival
16th September
Apps Court Farm, Walton-On-Thames, UK

Regarded as Surreys premier electronic music festival, One Out made a triumphant debut in 2022. This year it builds on that success with a new edition on Apps Court Farm, Walton-On-Thames, just outside Lonond. Expect big production and epic stages and in the past names like Arielle Free, Chloé Robinson, Melé & more.
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MDLBEAST SOUNDSTORM
Dec
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The MDLBEAST team has been transforming the musical landscape in the Middle East. They have their own label and a monstrous festival with no expense spared, hundreds of super sized names and stages designed to blow the mind. Last year there was over 50 hours music in all with two new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™️ set for the Tallest Temporary Stage at 41m and 268cm, and The Most LED Lights in a Display with 60,053,376 in total. Keep your eyes peeled for line-ups.

PIV Records boss Prunk drops new “Le Funk” LP

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Artist: Prunk 
Title: Le Funk
Record Label: PIV Records
Cat.Number:
Release Date: 27th January 2022
 
Tracklist:
1) Mushroom Jazz
2) Friday Night feat. Mr V
3) New Genesis
4) Incredible (with Ruze)
5) Story Of House feat. Jovonn (with M-High)
6) French Toast
7) Drive (with Dennis Quin)
8) Back In The Dark (Prunk Remix) (with DJ Deep)
9) Incredible (Club Mix) (with Ruze)
 
Influential contemporary house tastemaker Prunk is to serve-up his new album Le Funk on his own PIV Records in 2023. The nine track record showcases his mastery of sublime and seductive sounds from across the house spectrum.
 
Dutchman Prunk has slowly but surely become a real underground mainstay. He has built a fine collective of talents on his own label and spearheaded a new take on house music that is all about real feelings and effortless grooves. His standout solo and collaborative material has seen releases via the likes of Djebali, Key Records, Ewax and of course PIV, while he has headlined clubs and festivals all over the world. Next to this his own often sold out label showcases that have taken place everywhere from fabric (London) to Shelter (Amsterdam) vis The BPM Festival.
 
Now he makes his most completed coherent statement yet with his adventurous new album Le Funk. It is a distillation of all his influences and many years of house history with plenty of his own fresh signature touches.
 
Opener Mushroom Jazz is a stylish downtempo cut with lush lounge chords that immediately soothes the soul. Friday Night features Mr V and picks up the pace with the sort of vibey and dynamic house that Prunk has made his name with. The chords are balmy and bring real musical warmth while New Genesis pumps the party with well-swung drums and knotted bass under steamy and whispered female vocals.
 
Prunk & Ruze combine to great effect on Incredible, a brilliantly fresh and contemporary cut with seductive and bouncy drum loops and future facing cosmic synths. Prunk & M-High’s Story Of House (ft. Jovonn) is defined by its brilliant vibraphone melodies which recall the great Roy Ayers. They stay busy over soulful house grooves and after Prunk’s delightful, pad-laced deep house cut French Toast comes Drive with Dennis Quin. It’s a carefree house cut with neat jazz keys and steamy sax lines that bring the good times. Prunk’s driving remix of Jovonn & DJ Deep’s Back In the Dark is another track awash with magic synth work and heartfelt chords before a crisp club mix of Incredible closes the album down in style.
 
This is a timeless exploration of house music that manages to be as emotive and heartfelt as it does dynamic on the dance floor.
 
Says Prunk – “This album is a tribute to my entire music career. My first DJ name was ‘Prunk Le Funk’ mainly because I only played funky house in the early years. ‘Le Funk’ has been removed from my entire dj name because I didn’t want to be connected to just 1 genre. With this album I want to show that there is still enough ‘Funk’ in Prunk with a nod to the past.
 
My album really had to be a house album and I wanted to do this with a warm, soulful, funky sound. I have tried to make this album with young and old talent. One of my dreams was to make a track with house legend Jovonn and I succeeded because he did the vocals of ‘Story of House’. In the vocals he pays attention to how house originated with an important lesson for the new generation. In addition, I was also allowed to remix one of my favourite records of his called ‘Back in the Dark’, a classic together with DJ Deep, which can only be found on the vinyl of my album.
 
I also collaborated with another house legend Mr V. This track is a bit deeper with a warm disco bassline called ‘Friday Night’, of course with the vocals of the man himself.
 
Besides these legends I have made music with the talented Ruze, Dennis Quin and M-High. All 3 had a great year musically last year and that’s why I think it’s great that they’re also on my album.
 
I hope to not only appeal to DJs with my album, but also to house lovers because this album was made with a lot of love. I hope you enjoy it ‘for the love of house music’.”

Marcel Dettmann, Jackson, and Elax remix Boys Noize & Kelsey Lu’s «Love & Validation»

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Follow Boys Noize on SoundCloud / Instagram / Facebook

Follow Kelsey Lu on SoundCloud / Instagram / Facebook

Follow Marcel Dettmann on SoundCloud / Instagram / Facebook

BNR kicks off 2023 by making good on a past promise. “Love & Validation,” BOYS NOIZE and KELSEY LU‘s sex-paced industrial ballad, never received an uptempo club treatment – until now. The “Love & Validation Remixes” EP offers three new flavors of elevated atmosphere, syrupy vocals, and body-tuned rhythms from ELAX, MARCEL DETTMANN, and the elusive JACKSON.

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The recording of “Love & Validation” was an international affair, written and recorded in LA where Lu is based. The remix EP, however, begins with a double dose of Berlin courtesy of MARCEL DETTMANN, a central figure in the city’s Berghain era.  DETTMANN keeps the vocals and atmospheric refrain intact but surgically implants a thumping techno backbone so loosely-quantized it’s almost tribal. The new rhythm and arrangement are transformative, as if a track meant for (ahem) horizontal listening suddenly stood up vertically, taking it from the bedroom to the big room.

Artist(s): Boys Noize, Kelsey Lu

Title: Love & Validation Remixes

Record Label: Boysnoize Records

Cat.Number: BNR224

Release Date: 20th January 2023

Tracklist:

1) Love & Validation (Marcel Dettmann Remix)

2) Love & Validation (Jackson Remix)

3 ) Love & Validation (Elax Remix)

UNUM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES FIRST WAVE OF NAMES FOR 2023

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Six days of non-stop music, three stages, sweeping beaches and 80+ acts 

Tickets

No underground festival in Europe is as cultured and uncommercialised as UNUM. This cult favourite gathering is a music and travel lover’s dream. It is famous for its secluded stages in a pine forest, 24 hours of non-stop music, three carefully curated and boutique stages with sun-kissed beaches backed by picturesque mountains. Soundtracking this special getaway from Thursday afternoon to Tuesday morningwill be house, techno and minimal specialists including Ricardo Villalobos, Dyed Soundorom,Rhadoo, Raresh, Praslea, Priku, Sonja Moonear, Margaret Dygas, tINI and Anthea amongst many more. In the lead up to the main event, there will be tantalising Road to Unum warm up parties across Europe in Manchester, London, Leeds, Derby, Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin, Barcelona, Ibiza, Istanbul, Athens, Bucharest, Munich, Basel, Geneva, Zurich, Rome, Venice, Napoli, to name a few. Head to unumfestival.com for full details and ticket info.
Unum is a festival with a knowing crowd, affordable prices and a notoriously warm community feel. Three previous editions have brought a charming and colourful selection of serious music lovers together to the hidden secret paradise of Rana e Hedhun, a quiet corner of Europe in the town of Shengjin on the picture-perfect Albanian coastline. It is here that all your senses will be tantalised by the rich array of local cultures and customs as well as uninterrupted sun, sea and world class sounds.
This part of the world is one of few stunning locations that is uncommercialised and as natural as can be. That lends the whole festival an organic feel unlike any other as you are left to plot your own movie-like trip: there is an array of heart-racing water sports, mouthwatering local food and drink offerings and plenty of  isolated bays and secluded woodland areas to explore.
The famously classy soundtrack at Unum comes across three stages which are all completely open air with no sound restrictions. The Pine Stage is one of the scene’s most iconic with towering pines all around the woodland clearing. It opens on Thursday and runs 24/7 non-stop with stage partners Animal Crossing,  Club Der Visionaere and After Caposile, while Monday is a special day into night family gathering with Slapfunk. 
The Main Stage on Friday and Saturday offers up the biggest headliners with sympathetic production and a real attention to top class sound systems, while various beach parties in association with Kunye, Shimza and Nordstern mean you get to really soak up the stunning sunsets and sunrises with perfect musical accompaniments provided by the DJ talent.
This year’s line-up is another tasteful selection of returning favourites and brand new names. There will be deep and emotive selections from Dyed Soundorom, Samuel Deep, Reiss, and John Dimas, hypnotic minimal styles from Ricardo Villalobos, Magda, Barem, Rhadoo, Raresh, Praslea, Cezar, Priku, John Dimas, Sonja Moonear, Margaret Dygas, tINI and Anthea with plenty more Shimza, Laolu, Boris Werner and Doudou MD with more to come.
The countdown is now on to another brilliantly boutique and blissfully beautiful UNUM festival.

LINE UP 
AAMIR
ALL SHADOWS
ANTHEA
BASSAM
BEDOUIN
CEZAR
DJEFF
DJULZ
DYED SOUNDOROM
FRANCO CINELLI
INGI VISIONS
JAY FASE
JOHN DIMAS
JULIAN ALEXANDER
LAOLU
LEKË
LIBURN
LIKATEK
MANU GONZALEZ
MARGARET DYGAS
PIFE
PRASLEA
PRIKU
QUENUM
RARESH
REAS
RHADOO
RICARDO VILLALOBOS
RIMBU
RRRRON
SAMMI FERRER
SAMUEL DEEP
SECRET 47
SHIMZA
SONJA MOONEAR
tINI
VITESS

Marco Faraone x Stella Bossi deliver a new single “3 DAYS AWAKE” on FILTH ON ACID 

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Follow Marco Faraone on Soundcloud / Instagram / Facebook

Follow Stella Bossi on Soundcloud / Instagram / Facebook

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Techno mavens Marco Faraone and Stella Bossi have officially joined forces, coming together for the formidable techno whomper, ‘3 DAYS AWAKE’. Inspired by the demanding life of a globally touring DJ, the new release checks all the boxes for an unadulterated rave weapon, from its infectious hook and stomping beat to its dynamic percussion and deep, percolating acid synths. A track that’s guaranteed to shift your reality, ‘3 DAYS AWAKE’ is set for a December 16release on Reinier Zonneveld’s very own Filth on Acid.

Sometimes when two people meet, there’s simply a click. This is exactly what happened when Marco Faraone and Stella Bossi casually met during their recent South American tours. Both artists were performing in Santiago de Chile that weekend and after a long day spent hanging around and drinking salty beer, the idea of making a track together just seemed like the thing to do. It wasn’t long before a heartpounding beat fell into place, but it was clear that something was missing. A few days later, Marco wanted to add a vocal but Stella mentioned that the days touring were heavy, she literally was awake for 3 days– Friday, Saturday, Sunday, nonstop! Marco fell in love with this phrase and asked Stella to record it by phone in the hotel. A hook was born. Both fell in love with the idea and after exporting that voicenote into Ableton, they decided to work it into their track, combining Marco’s voice with Stella’s unmistakable recording. The result was absolutely amazing, the perfect repetitive hook and an experience that many clubbers around the world can relate to. This is a common language directed to ravers and music lovers. Now, can you be “3 DAYS AWAKE?”

It’s been an incredible year for the Italian-born, Barcelona-based Marco Faraone, including headlining gigs at Amnesiain Ibiza, as well as releases on his own label UNCAGE, Defected, We Are The Brave, and now the infamously hard-hitting Filth On Acid. Playing the perfect musical counterpart to Marco Faraone on this release is the Berlin-based Stella Bossi, who has been just as on form this year. Her high impact techno has built a reputation for wowing crowds all round the world and her The Beat Must Fuck label continues to make big move after big move.

Witness two techno titans joining forces for the turbulent Filth on Acid single ‘3 DAYS AWAKE’. Driven by bold, raw percussion and an eerily dark vocal sample, this is the perfect soundtrack for any weekend– from start to finish.

Find the new release out via Reinier Zonneveld’s Filth on Acid on December 16.

Artist(s): Marco Faraone, Stella Bossi
Title: 3 DAYS AWAKE
Record Label: Filth On Acid
Cat.Number: FOA122
Release Date: 16th December 2022 [Beatport (2 weeks)], 30th December 2022 (all other download stores)

Tracklist :
1) 3 DAYS AWAKE

Caprices Festival reveals first wave of artists for 20th edition feat. Jamie XX, Jeff Mills, Zip, Ricardo Villalobos, Sonja Moonear, Fatboy Slim, Richie Hawtin, Sven Väth, Magda, ARTBAT, Adriatique, Blond:ish, Black Coffee, Cobblestone Jazz (live), Arapu, Gescu, Seth Troxler, Luciano, Loco Dice, Raresh, DJ Tennis and more

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20th Edition of Caprices Festival

Weekend One – April 7-9th, 2023
Weekend Two – April 14-16th, 2023
Crans-Montana, Switzerland
https://capricesfestival.com/

IG: @capricesfestival
FB: @capricesfest
TW: @carpices_fest

Caprices Festival is the most iconic mountain-top festival in Europe and now it celebrates its 20th edition across two unmissable weekends in Switzerland’s stunning Crans-Montana resort. There will be all-new stages, the signature sophisticated production, surprise guests, endless winter sports fun and electronic music covering a wider spectrum than ever from DJs and live acts across two weekends from April 7-9th, and April 14-16th.

The first wave of artists includes Jamie XX, Fatboy Slim, Black Coffee, ARTBAT, DJ Tennis, Blond:ish, Who Made Who (live), Adriatique, Monolink (live), Magda, Modal Tune (Guti b2b Sarkis live), Themba, Jeff Mills, Zip, Loco Dice b2b Seth Troxler, Luciano b2b Ricardo Villalobos, Richie Hawtin, Sven Väth, Arapu b2b Gescu, Archie Hamilton, Cobblestone Jazz (live), East End Dubs, Janeret, Manda Moor, Raresh, Sonja Moonear plus many more to come. Head to https://capricesfestival.com for tickets.

Over the last two decades, Caprices has put Crans-Montana back on the map. It was once hugely popular in the 70s and 80s but fell out of fashion until Caprices introduced it to a new generation. In that time the festival has grown and evolved to become one of the world’s premier underground events with not just top-level music but also endless daytime adventures in the Alps and body and soul-enriching experiences.

As such there are many things that stand Caprices apart, from breathtaking panoramic views across the Alps to next level audio-visual technology, luxury gastronomic experiences, an eco-museum, mountain activities, to multiple spa and wellness centres. For adrenaline junkies there are 140 km of pistes for skiing and snowboarding, a next level snowpark, husky sledding and so much more.

For this special anniversary edition there will be five stages split across day and night, two by day and three by night. Each stage has its own unique theme with fantastically realised producing and added performing arts elements such as dancers, actors, audiovisuals and art installations that brings the whole magical experience to life.

By day there is the world renowned Modernity Stage, an iconic glasshouse at 2,200m up the Swiss Alps that will welcome big name DJs for some unforgettable musical memories. The Club stage, meanwhile, is a concrete stage attached to the Modernity Stage with a glass wall overlooking the Alps and soundtracked by some fresh talents from around the world.

By night, The Moon Stage comes alive. It has been an integral part of Caprices festival from the early years and has famously cutting edge audiovisual production that adds an extra dimension to every single set. Then comes the Forest Stage, a forest themed 2000-capacity stage which will transport partygoers deep into alpine forests. Last but not least is the Dome Stage with another high-level audio visual experience and classy underground sounds.

This year, Weekend One (April 7-9th) welcomes Jamie XX, Fatboy Slim, Black Coffee, Artbat, Monolink (live), Adriatique, DJ Tennis, Blond:ish, Who Made Who (live), 8Kays, Amine K, Brina Knauss, Fiona Kraft, Layla Benitez, Magda, Modal Tune (Guti b2b Sarkisi live), Themba and Yokoo.

Weekend Two (April 14-16th) brings Jeff Mills, Loco Dice b2b Seth Troxler, Zip, Luciano b2b Ricardo Villalobos, Richie Hawtin, Sven Väth, Arapu b2b Gescu, Archie Hamilton, Cobblestone Jazz (live), Djerry C, East End Dubs, Janeret, Manda Moor, Miroloja, O.Bee b2b Tomas Station, Raresh, Sonja Moonear plus a special guest TBA.

Stay tuned for further artist announcements.

This year Caprices offers hotel packages as well as additional services and activities of the region for the ones who are seeking to discover Crans-Montana. There are many more acts to come with a surprise guest on Saturday night set to be a real highlight.

Caprices Festival is an idyllic travel experience, winter sport haven and world class music festival all rolled into two unmissable weekends. Move fast to secure your place at this year’s special weekenders.

Head to https://capricesfestival.com for tickets.

LINEUP – WEEKEND 01

Jamie XX

(A-Z)

Adriatique, Artbat, Black Coffee, Blond:ish, DJ Tennis, Fatboy Slim, Monolink (live), WhoMadeWho (hybrid DJ set)

8Kays, Amine K, Brina Knauss, Fiona Kraft, F.O.E (live), Giorgio Maulini, Joh Erba, Layla Benitez, Los Frescos (Argenis Brito & Dandy Jack), Magda, Masaya, Modal Tune (live), Shaun Reeves b2b Ryan Crosson, Themba, Yokoo

_

LINEUP – WEEKEND 02

Special Guest

(A-Z)

Jeff Mills, Loco Dice b2b Seth Troxler, Luciano b2b Ricardo Villalobos, Richie Hawtin, Sven Väth

Alci, Arapu b2b Gescu, Archie Hamilton, Cesar Merveille, Cobblestone Jazz (live), Djerry C, East End Dubs, Janeret, Manda Moor, Mike Shannon, Miroloja, O.Bee b2b Tomas Station, Raresh, Sonja Moonear, Zip

Les Plages Électroniques reveals DJ Snake, Armin Van Buuren, Pedro Winter pres. Ed Banger XX, Mind Against, The Blessed Madonna, Oden & Fatzo (live), Marina Trench and more for 2023

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Les Plages Electroniques
August 4-6th, 2023
Cannes, France
https://www.plages-electroniques.com/

FB: @lesplages
IG: @plageselectro
TW: @plageselectro

Because the temperatures are cooling and the greyness, rain and snow are invading everyday life, Les Plages Électroniques are unveiling part of their 2023 programming to offer a ray of sunshine.

Les Plages Électroniques runs from August 4th to 6th 2023 on the beach at the foot of the Palais des Festivals in Cannes with the first names of a line-up that promises to be colossal, including DJ Snake, Armin Van Buuren, Lomepal, Pedro Winter pres. Ed Banger XX, Mind Against, Sam Paganini, Ofenbach, The Blessed Madonna, Oden & Fatzo (live), Marina Trench and more.

One of the most esteemed French artists in the world returns for the 3rd time to Les Plages Électroniques. DJ Snake will offer festival-goers an unprecedented show on the Main Stage, alongside world heavyweight Armin Van Buuren. On the rap side, double-platinum French artist Lomepal will perform in the wake of his latest album Mauvais Ordre. The evocative flow of Belgian rapper Hamza also takes centre stage, following his hit of summer 2022, ‘Fade Up’.

Once again, Les Plages Électroniques make up one of the most varied line-ups that can be found in France, including multi-instrumental internet sensation Mezerg, The Blessed Madonna and her top shelf house and techno selections, Bellaire and his sweet blend of house and disco, and Pedro Winter who will be ringing in the 20th anniversary of the legendary Ed Banger label.

With this first salvo of artists, Les Plages Électroniques again offers great headliners, cutting-edge artists, French rap stars, electronic music titans, live and DJ sets, all in the unique setting of the Palais des Festival in Cannes.

“We are going to enlarge the space where the festival is located by adding a new outdoor stage to be able to welcome even more festival-goers in the best possible conditions. We are also working on setting up a new cool space indoors to be able to enjoy the event without suffering from the high heat. With the desire to also encourage the younger generations of artists, we are renewing the Riffx competition to select an emerging talent who will play during the 2023 edition of Les Plages Électroniques. As you will have understood, this 2023 edition will take up all the ingredients that make the festival a success, but by taking everything a notch higher!” say Matthieu Corosine and Benoit Géli, founders of Les Plages Électroniques.

Tickets available at https://www.plages-electroniques.com/.

LINEUP

DJ SNAKE
ARMIN VAN BUUREN
LOMEPAL
HAMZA

THE BLESSED MADONNA – LUJIPEKA – MEZERG – MIND AGAINST – OFENBACH – PEDRO WINTER presents ED BANGER XX – SAM PAGANINI

ASDEK – BELLAIRE – ELOI – JULIEN GRANEL – MARINA TRENCH – ODEN & FATZO (live) – ROMANE SANTARELLI