The summer festival scene is saturated. Every year sees the launch of yet another new offering which promises a fresh approach to having fun in a field. Despite the competition, certain British festivals are almost universally recognised as being a cut above the rest. Gottwood certainly falls into this bracket.
On 7th June, the boutique festival returns for four nights, bringing renowned names from across the underground scene to the Welsh countryside. The location itself is one of the festival’s strongest assets – the stages are hidden amongst the trees of the scenic woodland site, giving each a secluded, intimate feel.
It would be easy for Gottwood to rely on this picturesque setting to make up for a lack of line up. But consistently the event delivers on this front. Alongside a glut of top DJs is a strong selection of live sets at the festival’s Lawn Stage, forming one of the most forward-thinking curations of any UK festival. Head to the Lawn for atmospheric sounds from Erased Tapes’ Rival Consoles, or Romare’s critically acclaimed electronica, amongst others.
DJ-wise, attendees are spoiled for choice. Craig Richards, Andrew Weatherall, Crazy P, Mr. Scruff, Hunee, and Margaret Dygas are just some of the names topping the billing, alongside perennial festival favourite Move D. Outside of the well-established names, Leeds favourite Hamish Cole represents local promoters Butter Side Up, as well as Back to Basics legends Dave Beer and Ralph Lawson.
If you’re reading this, you probably go to Leeds. So you knew all of this anyway. If you’ve got this weekend free, why not round off the exam period with a trip down to Wales? It’s set to be another picturesque party.
Day and weekend tickets are still available here.
Dan King