It may only be February, but the buzz about summer festivals is slowly building as tickets go on sale and strong line-ups are being released across the board. It’s no surprise that February weather has us dreaming of watching the best possible DJ’s in the sunshine. But which electronic festivals have the artists and the extras to convince you to part with your money and commit to buying a ticket? We compiled a quick guide to the best looking electronic line-ups this summer, to try and help you navigate your way through the noise.
Houghton
This music and arts festival in the Norfolk countryside is growing in popularity at an impressively rapid pace. Set up by tech house DJ Craig Richards, the event aims to present high quality artists, DJ’s and musicians alike with ‘equality and meritocracy.’ Leeds very own Midland and Ben UFO (Hessle Audio) are amongst the returning DJ’s, as well as the likes of the ever-popular Roman Flügel. Whether you’re looking for some underground disco from Horse Meat Disco, some impeccable techno from Objekt, or the alternative sounds of Mr Scruff, you’ll find it at Houghton. The only catch is it recently sold out. So if you were lucky enough to secure a ticket: well done. If not: there’s always next year.
Gottwood
At the end of term with dissertations in, exams done and a uni year over, what better way to celebrate than a trip to Wales for an electronic festival with a well-curated line-up. Standout acts included the varied sounds of Hunee (an essential DJ to see live), as well as house and disco from the likes of Move D, who takes on Wire later this month. Other artists include Jackmaster, Avalon Emerson and Palms Trax, making the line-up an electronic music must. Tickets will set you back around £175 plus a jolly coach trip to Wales. Celebrate the end of the term in style.
Farr Festival
Taking place in an uninhabited wood in Hertfordshire, Farr Festival is a music and arts festival with a diverse line-up and a stylish selection of acts. Headliners include the chilled out Maribou State and Tom Misch, but you will also find the likes of Young Marco and DJ Stingray set to take the stage, both of which are, once again, at Wire this weekend. Acts that you would be silly to miss include the upbeat sounds of Canadian dance DJ Jacques Greene, as well as the arguably underrated Or:la. Cadenza would also be a must see, the West London producer who has collaborated with Jorja Smith and Loyle Carner and remixed the likes of Mabel.
Lost Village
Set in an abandoned woodland village, Lost Village is an alternative, artsy festival with a stellar line up. Amongst the saunas, hot tubs, and global street food restaurants, sets from The Black Madonna, Giles Peterson and Denis Sulta are guaranteed to impress. Giants Four Tet are also headlining, as well as Australian Mall Grab, who recently took on Headrow House and at Wire, both of which will be acts you cannot miss. With the likes of Honey Dijon and Peggy Gou also booked, as well as the promise of the ‘lake of tranquillity’, you will truly be spoilt for choice. If you’re after a festival with theatre, music and great food, Lost Village is for you.
The Garden Party
Although the odd one out on this list due to the fact that it’s day festival, The Garden Party is a Leeds cult classic, and keeps getting bigger and better every year. This two-part event takes place at Canal Mills under the (hopefully) May sun, and is a sell-out year after year. Part One line-up impresses with the likes of Patrick Topping and Jeremy Underground, as well as supporting Leeds based event DJ’s from Limit, Patchwork and Rubik. Part One tickets are already on fourth release, and Part Two line-up is yet to be announced, so negotiate your essays and don’t miss out.
Soundwave Croatia
If you’re feeling planning a holiday and splashing out on some Croatian sun, Soundwave could be for you. Located in the idyllic Tisno, this year will be the tenth and final year of the event, so it’s your last chance to get a dose of Dalmatian coast sunshine to the tune of Soundwave’s wide-ranging line-up. Artists and DJ’s from across reggae, afro, soul, funk and drum and bass make up the event, and Loyle Carner is set to beautifully headline. Highlights will include DJ Marky’s lauded drum and bass, Rinse Fm’s Josey Rebelle and the liquid sounds of Calibre. Romare will also be arriving in Tisno with a full live band, so if you’re fancying seeing an eclectic selection of artists and topping up your tan, Soundwave is for you.
Amelia Whyman