The greatest parties of the summer 2016…
By Matty Adams
In order to be mentioned in this column, a festival must stand out from the crowd. It must have credentials that make it ten out of ten in every single category that contributes to what makes a festival a festival. From the blockbuster billing consisting of some of the world’s biggest acts and best music on offer to the impeccable production and incomparable crowds in attendance, every factor must be on point and deliver. Thus far in this series, my festival tips have included the likes of techno titan Time Warp in Germany, UK show stealer Parklife, We Are FSTVL which will take place in Greater London this year, Eastern Electrics Festival and more! Each and every one of the festivals mentioned ticks all the boxes above and more required to classify them as festivals you simply can’t miss in 2016. Here’s part three of my festival tips for 2016….
Awakenings Festival – 25th-26th June 2016 – Spaarnwoude Houtrak, Netherlands
https://www.awakenings.com/nl/en/
The 16th edition sees eight stages two of which are open-air and almost 100 different techno artists ready to take over the Netherlands…
…still not guessed it? Well, for two days towards the end of June, Awakenings Festival comes to the Netherlands! With every type of techno music being represented from traditional to fusion styles, this festival is tailor-made for any techno addict.
Still not convinced? Well, let’s have a browse through the names of this year’s line-up. From Richie Hawtin, Adam Beyer, Dave Clarke, Sven Vath, Ricardo Villalobos, Loco Dice, Nina Kraviz and Joris Voorn to Maceo Plex, Ben Klock, Voices from the Lake (Live), Bicep, Jackmaster and Joseph Capriati…the perfect ingredients are present to create the perfect Awakenings Festival formula.
ULTRA Europe – 15th-17th July 2016 – Split, Croatia
There was no doubt in anyone’s minds that this monster European extravaganza was going to make its presence felt amongst my festival tips at some point during this feature.
With a little over four months to go until this star-studded premier destination music festival takes place, revellers from across Europe are simply chomping at the bit to get involved with this three-day fiesta at Split’s magnificent Poljud Stadium on the Dalmation coast.
It isn’t surprising to see why either following the announcement of Phase One of the line-up. With such heavyweight profiles as Above & Beyond, Adam Beyer, Afrojack, Alesso, Armin van Buuren, Carl Cox, Dash Berlin, David Guetta, Hardwell, Jamie Jones, Marco Carola, Martin Garrix, DJ Snake and Solomun appearing…
it looks like Croatia is on your agenda this July.
Sundown Festival – 2nd-4th September 2016 – Norwich, Englan
http://www.sundownfestival.co.uk/
Back bigger and better than ever before, this three day blockbuster is set to blow the roof off of Norwich (that’s if cities had roofs of course) with brand new concepts left, right and centre ready to mesmerise their loyal fan base. So let’s begin with the best part, for 2016, Sundown Festival will be hosting a third stage meaning more music, more headliners and more action. This year will see the Showground welcome a brand new layout for Sundown Festival too.
If this isn’t enough to convince you to purchase a ticket (general sale began on Thursday 3rd March – GET YOURS NOW!), then maybe this will. Phase One dropped a huge bombshell when the first names for the Sundown Festival line-up for 2016 were revealed. The likes of Jason Derulo, Jess Glynne, Dizzee Rascal and Years & Years were all announced.
Following this announcement was the revealing of Phase Two – this included names like Chase & Status, Krept & Konan, Blonde, Goldie and more!
