Festivals

Looking for the latest lineup, date, ticket information or latest news about your favourite festivals, look no further.  Summer Festival Guide’s Festival News section covers all your needs!

Hacienda Returns to Leeds this Bank Holiday – April 30th

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Tickets: https://ticket247.co.uk/Event/FAC51-The-Hacienda-Open-Air-at-Canvas-Yard-Leeds-120641

FAC51 The Hacienda is to return to Leeds at central open air location, City One “Hacienda Open Air” on Sunday 30th April of the first May Bank Holiday Weekend in 2023 with one of the strongest line ups seen in Leeds for some time. Renewing its relationship with Soak, a stellar roster of DJ talent has been assembled for the event which sees internationally recognised DJ legends come to play including American legends, Roger Sanchez, Todd Terry and Derrick Carter alongside the widely celebrated Dimitri From Paris We are joined at CityOne by Hacienda resident Graeme Park, the UK pioneer Greg Wilson and the effervescent, much in demand DJ Paulette.

Meanwhile the Leeds scene is represented by our long-term guests, Ralph Lawson and Marshall. With CityOne just a ten minute walk from Leeds train station, “Hacienda Open Air” is one in a series of party’s to be announced for the venue. FAC 51 The Hacienda remains the club that inspired generations, defined the scene and put dance music firmly on the map in the UK. The Haçienda laid the foundations for clubbing culture as we know it. The Haçienda currently continues to be widely recognised for shaping the face of UK club culture and through its combination of legendary nights, DJ’s and unique history, it went on to have the biggest cultural impact of any nightclub as it changed clubbing, the country and the world at large. With The Hacienda and Soak’s last event in Leeds coming in 2020, the CityOne all day party carries on the relationship and special bond between the two cities’ clubbing communities.

This dates not only from the days of The Music Factory and The Corn Exchange but with our multiple recent parties at Church Leeds and April’s exceptional line up, shows no sign of abating anytime soon. In partnership with Soak the event is also being promoted by New Citizens who have a decade of experience producing venues such as Canal Mills and events The Garden Party and Chow Down in Leeds who have been designated to take charge of the new CityOne venue. With The Hacienda’s recent events fresh in the mind, demand for tickets has been high and this event is expected to sell out well in advance.

All New Music & Wellness Festival ‘Wellnergy’ Announce Line-up and Speaker Programme For Their Debut 2023 Event

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Music, mindfulness, meditation, talks, workshops and more
Wellnergy Festival is an all-new life, soul and mind enriching experience set to debut on 17th June 2023 at Barn Elms in London. The one day getaway brings together music, mindfulness, fitness, laughter and nutrition with music stages soundtracked by the likes of Parallelle [hybrid], Magit Cacoon and Patrice Bäumel – KOMPAKT / Afterlife as well as guest health and wellness experts Dr Alex George, Grace Beverly, Maude Hirst, Alice Liveing and Dilly Carter. Tickets start at just £65 so get yours now at https://www.wellnergy.co.uk
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 location for this is Barn Elms in South London, just a short walk from Putney station and a place to explore a variety of stalls, workshops and chatting to experts about all your wellness needs from sound healing to yoga to meditation. 
The Music Stage is curated by Gardens Of Babylon and brings together the best in melodic techno, house and tech with the serene soundscapes of magical fusion of electronic sounds from Parallelle [hybrid], fresh techno from Magit Cacoon and a closing set from Patrice Bäumel to finish the day. There will also be a Wellness Stage, Mindfulness Tent and more to be announced such as comedy, exhibitors, traders, pop up food and well curated bars.
There are five pillars that make up Wellnergy and why it exists; mindfulness, fitness, laughter, music and nutrition. Each of these stand alone to promote wellness, but combine the five ingredients and you create Wellnergy. The festival was born in the pandemic times of June 2020, when surrounded by closed shops and empty streets, Nick Steiert, the CEO of Invasion, and Dotun Omo, the owner of Nauv Haus Wellness Retreats, sat on a bench outside of Kings Cross station and sketched out a vision to create a free flowing, open minded festival that focused on what wellness really means and how it should be encouraged. 
Their mission was to not only help those dealing negatively with COVID, but to also make wellness and fitness inclusive, accessible and fun to everyone, whilst allowing and encouraging guests to try new experiences without feeling overwhelmed.
Wellnergy isn’t just a festival, it is an experience that restores and heals you on a deeper level.

KISS NUKA OFFERS FANS SHARES IN HER NEW RELEASE “FIGHT” WITH PART PROCEEDS GOING TO LEBANON-BASED NGO THE GREAT OVEN

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Multi-disciplinary artist and activist, Kiss Nuka from Mumbai, India releases her latest single “Fight” in collaboration with Lebanon-based humanitarian organisation The Great Oven and UK-based music tech platform SongBits.
Fight is an emotive singer-songwriter piece written by Kiss Nuka over a decade ago to help her cope with the repercussions of her growing awareness of the injustices she observed in the world. The song she primarily wrote to herself to help find her own voice hopes to inspire the listener to find their own, and to fight for their beliefs.
Keeping the focus on her voice and lyrics, Kiss Nuka produces and composes a track that features keys by her long-time friend, musician and producer Utkarsh Dhotekar, a sparse bassline by Abhinav Bora, and has been mixed and mastered by her brother Shikhar Yuvraj Manchanda at his studios ‘The Beast India Company’.
In the past, Kiss Nuka has experimented with new music-based technology by collaborating with media giant Dolby. Continuing in that direction, Kiss Nuka is offering fans and collectors the opportunity to buy ‘bits’ of Fight, via SongBits, a music platform launched by Dave Stewart (Eurythmics, SONGLAND, Hospital Club) and Russell and Justin Sheffield (of Trident Studios heritage). Fans receive a share of Fight’s streaming revenues every time it is streamed. The royalties earned will be shared between the fans who purchase the Bits, Kiss Nuka, and The Great Oven. Kiss Nuka also was part of the SongBits delegation at SXSW in Austin, Texas earlier this month for the promotion of Fight. The waiting list is open, sign up to find out more and get involved.
The Great Oven is an international organization that builds giant, beautifully decorated ovens and sends them to places in need – from refugee camps and war-torn communities to countries in crisis. Currently based in Lebanon and expanding to Colombia in 2023, they believe in the power of food, art and music to nourish, inspire and transform lives.
Kiss Nuka met James Thompson, the founder of The Great Oven when she was invited to showcase her works at their fundraising festival called The Banquet in August last year, at The Konvent de Cal Rosal (a late 19th-century nun’s convent and textile colony that was converted into a contemporary art centre) in the Catalonia mountains, outside of Barcelona. This was also where she met Russel Sheffield and learned about SongBits.
Moved by the work of the NGO, she offered Fight to raise awareness and funds for The Great Oven. Collaborating with the artists in residence at The Konvent, she created a visual piece to promote the cause. Directed and shot by London-based Cinematographer Pep Bosch, the project was planned and shot within a week.
The cover image for the artwork has been shot by French photographer Aruallanon the set of Fight. Aruallan (Laura) was one of the artists showcasing her work at The Banquet.
James Thompson / The Great Oven adds, “In a world filled with strife a beacon of hope often emerges just in the nick of time. Kiss Nuka’s anthemic, call to arms ‘Fight’ has inspired the women of our organisation. Trafficked women, refugees, indigenous matriarchs, and rescued migrant workers. Roused by the song and knowing that our work will be supported by the profits… completes this harmonious circle of art, food and music. This gift of solidarity from India gives us the strength we need to continue our work.
Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) / SongBits says “Once in a while, an artist grabs my attention and usually, it’s because they are unique as is Kiss Nuka. Her visceral approach to music and storytelling pulls you away from the humdrum of cookie-cutter songwriting and paints an interesting picture inviting you in to be a color in her ethereal landscape.”
Speaking on the new single and the association with SongBits and The Great Oven, Kiss Nuka says, “I understand now why I never found the right time to release Fight in all these years. It was meant for this moment. I am inspired by the work of The Great Oven, and SongBits has helped me contribute towards the cause by ensuring I have full control of my song and am able to share and connect with my listeners in a way that I never have before.”
About Kiss Nuka
Raw, eclectic and phantasmic, Kiss Nuka (real name Anushka Manchanda) is a global award-winning music producer from Mumbai, India who fearlessly bends genres and creates uncensored and immersive audio-visual experiences. Manchanda’s first foray into music and film started by recording playback music for Bollywood movies. She later gravitated to the more technical side of filmmaking by first editing film projects and then quickly learning directing and production.  
Manchanda’s experiences in technical filmmaking would later inform her to switch to music production and visual art. Her work for music videos “Don’t Be Afraid”and “Ayo Burn” was recognised at The Indian Independent Music Awards, Berlin Music Video Awards, London Music Video Awards, and was on display at The World of Music Video exhibition at Völkinger Hütte UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside work from iconic artists including Björk, Daft Punk, MassiveAttack, Pussy Riot and Young Fathers. Her free-spirited love for nature and activism translates into thought-provoking pieces of mid to hard electronic bass blended with ambient layers, electro-pop melodies, distorted vocals, and an occasional hint of roots. 
As a live performer, Kiss Nuka has brought her hypnotic, seamless and dynamically-rich live set to stages such as Mixmag LAB, Magnetic Fields Festival, Basscamp and Far Out Festival. She wrapped up her first year soundtracking the dancefloor by being featured among Mixmag’s Top 15 Live Acts of 2022.

BATS FOR BLOODSTOCK

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BLOODSTOCK takes its green initiatives seriously and every year commits to further sustainability improvements. A 2022 environmental study means that BLOODSTOCK now has some further news to report ahead of 2023’s event. 

The study found a significant presence of pink-freckled Daubenton bats (myotis alfoporli) along the stretch of the River Trent that runs alongside the festival’s location. This is important because bats and their roosts are protected by the UK’s Wildlife and Countryside Act 1989. These “water bats” use sound to navigate their surroundings and locate their prey via echolocation, feeding on insects that are near fresh water.  

Official countryside ranger Jack White has been tracking the bats extensively in recent months. The bats are roosting in the oak trees along the river bank and emerging from hibernation to form a large maternity colony. The subsequent report means that BLOODSTOCK is subject to a restricted noise order for the 2023 event so as to not disturb the bats and as such will need to head-bang more quietly this year.
However, BLOODSTOCK is pleased to announce that for 2023’s event, there will now be a limited number of non-motorised boats operating on the Trent at the festival. These punts will be used to offer bat-spotting river trips. There will also be places available on riverside bat walks. Both options will include detailed educational talks about bat habitats (including in caves) and other bat facts (like speed of flight, identification etc). Selina Kyle, from the Derby branch of the Bat Observation Association, says “We are delighted that BLOODSTOCK is embracing its new neighbours. We will have our special searchlight set up on the riverbank to assist and look forward to helping everyone spot the bats.”
The pink-freckled Daubenton’s bat is a small/medium-sized bat, with brown fur, a very freckled silver belly, and a pink face. Males have bright pink feet. The bats emerge around dusk and typically fly only a couple of centimetres above the water surface, snatching insects from the water. Boat trips will operate Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for 3 hours around dusk, before the night gets too dark. 
BAT PHOTO: WOODLAND TRUST / ALAMY

A recent study by University of Southern Denmark researchers found Daubenton bats use the same vocal structures as death metal singers to make their unique vocalisations. What does this type of bat sound like? Click below to hear what to listen out for.
What does the Daubenton Bat sound like? Click to listen.
In addition, the non-motorised boats will be operating as river shuttles on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning to transport you, your mates, and your tent from the car park down into the festival grounds – within metres of the campsites. So why not get a punt to your campsite?

All boat or bat activities must be pre-booked in advance. Please note, slots are limited and will be available on a first booked, first served basis. For further info, and to prebook or reserve your spot, click here.  Don’t tell Ozzy…
Prebook here

Together Festival Turns 10 as Eric Prydz Makes Thailand Debut 

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Together Festival celebrates its magnificent 10th edition with a bumper line up on May 4th and 5th 2023 at Bitec Convention Centre. World renowned headliners including Alesso, Eric Prydz making his Thailand Debut, Boys Noize, Jonas Blue, Adventure Club, Slander, Nghtmr, Galantis, Imanbek, Trivectaand many more all line up. Get your tickets now at www.togetherfestival.net. 
This wondrous celebration of electronic music is the most cutting edge and vast in all the region. Together Festival has led the way for the last decade now with its out of this world production and cutting edge line ups offering something that can’t be found anywhere else. It all goes down at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre, a massive space that is transformed into a musical wonderland with two epic stages. 
The sensory stimulating light shows, epic sound systems and mini blowing production are on a vast scale at Tighter Festival and that is what has helped to stand it apart over the last decade. In the past the likes of Snoop Dogg,  Axwell ^ Ingrosso, Armin van Buurin and Hardwell have all played and this year Thailand’s premier festival goes better than ever.
Pryda label head Eric Prydz makes his long awaited Thailand debut and brings his emotive mix of house and techno while Swedish superstar Alesso also plays as does chart topping UK sensation Jonas Blue plus  Slander and Nghtmre to make for a real cross-section of EDM sounds next to Boys Noize, Adventure Club, Galantis, Imanbek and Trivecta who also play. The Second Stage is hosted by Monster Cat making these two unmissable days of action.
The countdown is on to the sure to be historic 10th edition of Together Festival. Get your tickets now before they sell out at www.togetherfestival.net.

MVSON WORLD Announce Second Festival Edition in Manchester this Summer

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This summer Mason Collective’s celebrated MVSON WORLD is coming to Barton Aerodrome Manchester for a one day immersive experience. Saturday July 15th 2023 the collective will be joined by AJ Christou, wAFF, Calvin Clarke, Fletch, Fleur Shore, Jean Pierre, Joella Jackson, Joseph Edmund, Mason Maynard, Max Dean, Sosa and more.
Manchester’s Mason Collective are one of the hottest outfits in the house scene. Known for their electrifying sets and in demand sold out events the festival is an extension of an already untouchable brand event. Hosting MVSON WORLD on their home turf is the biggest Mason experience to date bringing you the world’s best DJs mixed with a carefully curated selection of arts and bespoke production that brings the event to life like no other. It all goes down at Barton Aerodrome Manchester, a vast city airport space with endless green landscapes transformed into the ultimate adult playground.
Since forming in 2014, Mason Collective have been unstoppable with their explosive DJ sets and renowned events. Their high energy sounds have achieved a hardcore and loyal following cementing a die hard plethora of fans across the UK.
They will be joined by a cross-section of the most on point names in mucus. From the contemporary house scene  names like fabric resident and Cuttin Heads artist AJ Christou, Cocoon star and Ibiza favourite wAFF, and more from Calvin Clarke, Fletch, Fleur Shore, Jean Pierre, Joella Jackson, Joseph Edmund, Mason Maynard, Max Dean, Sosa and plenty of others.
As well as the music which comes across three unique stages, expect a host of mind and wellness activities, interactive art installations, independent food and drink vendors and an art and creative market to add to the magic of the day.
MVSON World is a forward thinking new era style  of music event it’s cutting edge music and cleverly creative environment cannot be missed.

BLOODSTOCK’S EASTER UPDATE

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With 135 days to go to BLOODSTOCK, are we allowed to start a countdown yet?! Spring is officially here and though the festival has some disappointing news to share first, there is also a plethora of excellent news and lots more still to reveal while we’re (im)patiently waiting for August to roll around. You can also tune in to the next Facebook Live on Thursday, 6th April at 7pm. We can’t promise festival management will be wearing Easter bunny ears, but we can promise some Easter goodies. Keep an eye out on BLOODSTOCK’s socials next week too for a little Easter competition…!
Unfortunately, we have to share that both Nonpoint and DevilDriver have pulled out of the festival this summer. Putting on a festival involves a lot of moving parts, and BLOODSTOCK is as disappointed and frustrated as its audience when things crop up which the festival has no control over – after all, BLOODSTOCK wants to deliver the very best possible festival for you and works hard year round to curate an stellar line-up. Dez from DevilDriver has shared the following message and we wish Dez all the best with his continuing recovery. 
BLOODSTOCK is delighted to announce that the legendary, Norwegian black metal icon  ABBATH will step in to fill the breach on Saturday’s Ronnie James Dio main stage. Rarely in the UK, and not at BLOODSTOCK since Immortal’s headline slot in 2011, this is certifiably a set not to be missed!! ABBATH declares, “We’re really looking forward to be coming back to the UK to shake the Bloodstock foundation. It’s been way too long!” Get up to speed with this full stream of latest release ‘Dread Reaver’, out now via Season Of Mist, or watch the video for ‘Dream Cull.’ Better hone your meme skills, too. 
With Nonpoint dropping out, the previously announced, almighty BOSSK are moving up the Sophie Lancaster stage bill to takeover their slot, and BLOODSTOCK can also reveal the addition of crossover thrash beasts PEST CONTROL to keep your heads bangin’. Trot over to Bandcamp to investigate their tunes, including latest release ‘Don’t Test The Pest’, released just last month. 
The festival is more than just bands though! BLOODSTOCK is excited to welcome the UK’s biggest rock and metal fitness company ROCKFIT for the first time! Renowned for an amalgamation of cardio, dance, and some serious body-sculpting set to a pure rock and metal playlist for those that like it loud, if you’re not sleeping in then ROCKFIT will be the perfect way to shake off the night before and limber you up for the pit! Squatting to Slayer, singing your lungs out, and even the occasional viking row, there will be a 45-minute open air class kicking off Friday, Saturday, and Sunday  in the main arena at 10:15am! RockFit @ Bloodstock is going to be a seriously unique festival fitness experience for metal fans by metal fans to leave you feeling energised and fit for the pit! 
If the ROCKFIT workout gets you hot under the collar, then BLOODSTOCK also has the perfect thing to cool things down. BLACK ICE-CREAM is back!
Suitable for all ages and a refreshing ginger and lemon flavour, it’ll be available in the main arena all festival. Possibly the perfect summer accessory for you to watch ABBATH’s unholy set with?

New Venue Revealed: B London Opens Its Doors

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B London is something all new and music-centric for the West side of the capital. Now open to the public, with its chic industrial style the venue launches in earnest with a run of events featuring Dan Ghenacia, Adam Ten, Keinemusik’s Reznik (in collaboration with Perplex London), Mita Gami, Paul Oakenfold, and Carl Cox who plays for a charity night in support of The Baobab School in Nairobi, with more to be announced.

B London has put a huge amount of thought into making the space a perfect place for DJs and dancers. It boasts a five-ton concrete DJ booth in the heart of the space, especially catered toward visiting vinyl selectors – a rarity in West London – as well as a world class and professionally tuned D&B sound system throughout.

Situated at the site of a former West London celebrity haunt, the compact space now features low level strip lighting and diffuse neon lights, as well as walls adorned in graffiti by renowned artist Josh Colwell aka JXC. It is all set up for the music to be centre stage each night, with additional membership options offering discounts and exclusive benefits for the B London community.

Celebrated French house master Dan Ghenacia, who is one third of Apollonia, plays on 31st March and is sure to go deep into his A-grade collection. Mita Gami is up on April 7th, a Boston born and psychedelic house innovator who serves up sensory soundtracks, while Reznik of Keinemusik association plays on April 21st, an artist renowned for his unique sense of groove and spirituality. Paul Oakenfold plays on April 15th, then Israeli’s pioneering talent Adam Ten on April 28th, before UK legend and global star Carl Cox brings all his considerable know-how, years of techno innovation and globe-trotting DJ travels to the dance floor on May 25th, to raise money for The Baobab School in Kenya.

31st March – Dan Ghenacia
7th April – Mita Gami
15th April – Paul Oakenfold
21st April – Reznik (Keinemusik)
28th April – Adam Ten
25th May – Carl Cox

Follow B London: @bclublondon

Soul Town Festival Announces Full Lineup – UB40, Peter Andre, Boney M, DJ Fat Tony, Mica Paris and more all headline

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https://soultownfestival.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/soultownfestival

Soul Town Festival today adds a wealth of cultured new names to its already impeccable line-up and announces that Magic Radio’s sister station Magic Soul will be a main stage partner. Mica Paris, Eban Brown from the Stylistics, Odyssey, The Dualers, Dawn Penn and more will now join the likes of UB40, Sister Sledge ft Kathy Sledge, Tunde Baiyewu (Lighthouse Family), Desmond Decker & The Aces, Edwin Starr Band and Omar on September 2nd and 3rd 2023 at the new and improved location of Croydon Recreation Ground in Beckenham,  Get the best ticket deals at https://soultownfestival.com
Soul Town Festival is the most authentic soul, disco, motown and reggae celebration in the UK. It offers two magical days with more than 65 artists, over 40 food vendors as well as dancers, rides, attractions, live steel bands, face painting, glitter stalls, hair braiding, fashion and craft stalls and so much more. The new  location is a beautiful lush green space in Beckenham with more bars, more staff, more toilets and improved disabled access and viewing points.
Some of the many treats to look forward to include an all new Pimms bus with a terrace on the top deck, a premium gin garden and cocktail beach, plus hand selected Caribbean food stalls, wood fire pizzas, vegan wings and many more sweet tears and desserts. For those wanting a luxury experience, there are special VIP areas and VIP tickets that offer separate queuing for fast track entry, a drink and food voucher (beer, wine, spirit and mixer), Soul Town merchandise, private bar, luxury toilets, makeup bar, prime stage viewing area at both stages and more.
There will be two superb main stages each decked out with mesmeric production and world class sound systems to deliver the tunes in style. What’s more, the renowned Magic Soul will be the Main Stage partner for both Saturday and Sunday while Soul Town teams on the ground will be running competitions and giveaways.
These new names include plenty more soul, disco and funk talents with iconic singer Mica Paris, Eban Brown from legendary group Stylistics, Odyssey aka the New York vocal trio behind the hit ‘Native New Yorker’ Odyssey, plus The Dualers, Dawn Penn and more next to first wave stars Sister Sledge ft Kathy Sledge, the seductive soul sounds of Omar, uplifting sounds from Tunde Baiyewu of Lighthouse Family, reggae from the much loved UB40 and iconic vocalist Desmond Dekker and the Aces plus the soul and Motown greats that are the Edwin Star Band and many more.
Soul Town Festival is now all set to offer the most essential weekender for lovers of good time grooves. Get your tickets now.

One In The Woods 2023 to Host Joy Orbison, DJ Seinfield and more

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One In The Woods
Jul 28 – 30, 2023
Orrell Hill Woods, UK
Liverpool’s community minded and meticulously crafted One In The Woods is back with another mouthwatering mix of house, techno and drum & bass heavyweights in Orrell Hill Woods from July 28 – 30. This year sees the festival  evolve from the two day event of previous years into bespoke three day camping festival offering its largest ever line up with Interplanetary Criminal, DJ Seinfield, Joy Orbison, Special Request, Call Super, Objekt, FJAAK, Sam Paganini, Len Faki, Kobosil, Paula Temple, DJ Marky, LTJ Bukem, Goldie, A.M.C and many more. Tickets will sell out so get yours now at https://www.oneinthewoods.com/.

Since its debut in 2021, One In The Woods has raised the bar each and every time with next level production, sound and a warm, friendly and up for it crowd. It’s a cultural festival that unites the sounds and scenes of Liverpool and Manchester and is hosted by The One Promotions, an experienced and accomplished group of friends who promoted many events across the region. In 2023, levels are set to be raised once more with an additional arena and the most complete and comprehensive line up of techno and drum & bass talents to date all set to make for an unforgettable three days.
The escapist location is deep in lush free woodland in Orrell Hill Woods with easy transport links from both Liverpool and Manchester. It’s a secluded spot with towering forests and a mystical aura that becomes all the more special over the course of this weekend. As well as world class music there is a superb mix of pop up merchants and mouth watering local food vendors offering both vegetarian and vegan options.
This year’s bumper lineup comes from the leading edge of the electronic underground with emotive house craftsman and Ninja Tune artist DJ Seinfield joined by the ever innovative multi-genre specialist Joy Orbison, acid, jungle and techno selector Special Request, the impossibly dexterous DJs that are Call Super and Objekt along with Interplanetary Criminal, plus serious techno from FJAAK, Sam Paganini, Berghain regulars Len Faki and Kobosil, the dark dance floor destroyer Paula Temple, plus drum & bass royalty DJ Marky, LTJ Bukem, Goldie, A.M.C and more.
There is no better way to spend a summer weekend than to get lost at One In The Woods with some of the world’s best DJs. Make sure you’re there by getting your ticket now at https://www.oneinthewoods.com/.