Exams are over and with the thrill of summer finally upon us, we’ve compiled a little list of our top festivals in electronic music to whet your appetite:

GOTTWOOD
11.12.13.14 June
Carreglwyd Wood, Wales

From the 11th to the 14th June 2015, Gottwood festival returns for its 10th year in a row, inviting you once again to channel your inner free spirit and venture into the Welsh wilderness for four nights of electronic music, arts and pure escapism.

Although it has grown rapidly in popularity over the past few years, this ‘mystical little party hidden in the middle of the woods’ has been kept small and independent, with organisers capping ticket sales at just 5,000 and avoiding contracts with commercial sponsors. This, along with the almost fairytale woodland setting, all contribute to the intimate party atmosphere for which this fairly young festival is quickly becoming renowned for. Through their efforts, Gottwood has managed to inspire that heady feeling of ‘back-to-basics’ freedom, which many would agree has all but disappeared from the over-corporate ‘mega-festivals’ like Glastonbury, and combined it with the best and most diverse sounds in electronic music to create a weekend that is sure to excite and delight in equal measure.

Photo: Roo Lewis

MEADOWS IN THE MOUNTAINS
12.13.14 June
Rhodopes Mountains, Bulgaria

Meadows is a festival admired for its intimacy and friendly ethos, a far cry from the corporate, profit-driven festivals we try to steer clear of. It’s tiny capacity (of about 1000) and its isolated setting in the beautiful Rhodopes Mountains of Bulgaria is what makes the Meadows experience so unique. Every aspect of the festival is focused on quality, not quantity, hosting underrated House and Dance music across its two stages. The Orpheus Pool Party offers festival-goers the opportunity to relax and unwind in a Bulgarian spa following the excitement of the four-day festival. ‘Friends, family, love, music and nature’ are at the heart of this family-run festival, which does its best to reinforce the close-knit vibe at every corner. Happily isolated in enchanting Polkovnik Serafimo, Meadows in the Mountains makes for the ultimate escapist retreat.

Photo: Meadows in the Mountains

THE GARDEN FESTIVAL
1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8 July
Tisno, Croatia

2015 sees The Garden Festival go out with a bang. Envisaged as an intimate party between friends and family by its English creators, The Garden has been running for 10 years on the beautiful adriatic coast. Despite its gradual expansion, The Garden team have done their utmost to retain the magic and intimacy of their first venture.  This year’s Garden promises to be the best yet, welcoming back old favourites like Craig Richards, whilst introducing a variety of new DJs and live acts to its stunning Tisno site. Eddie, Gail, Nick and Charlotte are the dream team behind the festival, truly dedicated to a love of good music and great people. Every aspect of the festival’s organisation reaffirms their refreshing ethos, and the lineup truly pays testament to the relationships the team have built.  The 7 day festival-cum-holiday comes to a final close with DJ Harvey at Barbarella’s, his eclecticism and vibrance embodying everything The Garden has come to represent. What better way to bid farewell to this truly extraordinary festival than to experience it one last time.

Photo: Khris Cowley

 

DEKMANTEL
30.1.2 July-August
Amsterdam, Netherlands

This summer Amsterdam is set to draw many Brits with a penchant for the innovative and nostalgic side of electronic music as Dekmantel Festival kicks off on the 30th of July. Based in three venues across the Dutch capital, Amsterdamse Bos, Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ and Melkweg, the festivities continue for four days until the 2nd of August and will be led by the likes of Jeff Mills, Madlib, Squarepusher and Four Tet. Particularly techno-centric, Dekmantel nonetheless boasts an impressive range of self-described “leftfield” electronic music, and given its location revellers can spend the days recovering through the exploration of this historically rich yet decidedly modern metropolis.

Photo: Dekmantel

DIMENSIONS
26.27.28.29.30 August
Fort Punta Christo, Croatia

Since its conception in 2012 off the back of Outlook Festival, Dimensions has become a rite of passage for techno and house enthusiasts, and rightly so. It’s unparalleled sound systems and its outstanding lineups have come to be regarded as some of the best in electronic music. This year’s offerings include a mix of live acts and DJs, varying from Parliament Funkadelic to 90s house legend Lil Louis. Among our highlights are Moodymann, Juan Atkins, Mala and Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra, but every name on the lineup is a name worth seeing.  The opening festival, which takes place in Pula’s stunning amphitheatre is a must. Offering an amazing soundtrack to Croatia’s backdrop of sun, sand and sea, Dimensions is one festival not to be missed.

Photo: Dimensions

Bestival
10.11.12.13. September
Robyn Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight

Bringing the UK summer festival season to close is Rob da Bank’s summer of love themed magical offering, Bestival. Within the idyllic grounds of the Robyn Hill Country Park, Bestival has broken records with the world’s largest disco ball, amused punters with a walk in inflatable head of Lionel Richie, and amazed ravers with ‘The Port’, where they imported a gigantic ship filled with lasers and fire breathers. Bestival has style and balls, and with its 2015 lineup consisting of the likes of  Underworld and The Chemical Brothers, you are set to flourish in its fantasy. Other acts include Seth Troxler, Tale of Us, Duran Duran, Jurassic 5 and many more!

[Joe Schwenk, Harriet Shepherd, Alexander Peel]