Awakenings has unveiled a comprehensive list of 125 performers for their new festival, Awakenings Upclose. The inaugural event is taking place on the 18th and 19th of May at Houtrak in Spaarnwoude-park, marking the company’s first move from larger festivals to a more ‘personal’ setting. Their official website describes the event as a “tribute to the dancefloor” that shifts emphasis onto “dancefloor culture” rather than “DJ-focused settings”. The highly-anticipated lineup features a range of accomplished acts, including Kevin Saunderson, ANNA, and Dax J, among others.
Founded in 1997 by Rocco Veenboer, Awakenings is one of the biggest techno festival brands in the world, renowned for its sizeable events and high-quality music offerings. The company stated in a promotional video that Upclose is a festival “for those who like their techno to be an intimate affair, to be up close and personal with the music and the DJ, to feel the beat of every track, to connect with the crowd, and to celebrate dancefloor culture”. The location for the festival gives wide-ranging accessibility, redirecting from Amsterdam city to its outskirts.
The festival organizers emphasized how important it was to have live events again after having to cancel 2020’s events and an entire season in 2021. Awakenings Dutch promoter and event director Thomas Martojo announced the news via social media, expressing his joy at being able to finally announce the team’s plans after more than a year of waiting. Vklybe.tv quoted Martojo as saying, “After 2+ years, we’re excited to present Awakenings Upclose as a concept that celebrates dancefloor culture in a more personal setting.” The launch of Upclose offers hope for the return of dance floor events to happen even with the ongoing pandemic situation.
This year’s Upclose festival plans to cater to those wanting a more intimate rave experience following the Covid-19 pandemic-related restrictions. Tickets go on sale today, March 29th, and start at 65 euros for the weekend. As the world emerges from quarantines and lockdowns, Upclose promises to be a beacon of hope for passionate techno fans around the world looking to connect under the power of music
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