In 2006, Petrcane, Croatia, a handful of party-goers, made their way in the pouring rain, to the first ever Garden Festival. With emphasis on local and relatively unknown talent, a unique setting, and that unparalleled atmosphere that only a festival can deliver, all that restricted the festival was the attendance.

12 months and some emphatic word-of-mouth promotion later, and the Gardeners were back, this time in their thousands, taking in a blend of brand-spanking new beats and 900 year-old scenery. The picturesque live stage terrace, the seaside Tiki bar and Barbarella's after-party discotheque have since provided the thousands with a concoction of sea, sun, scenery, and above all, soundtrack.

That combination clearly proved a hit, as funk fans have since returned in their droves, making the Garden Festival a hugely anticipated event in the Eastern European dance music calendar.

The line-up for this year's festival has been finalised, and combines the likes of Ame, Floating Points, Jimpster, Bonobo and Filthy Dukes, with club hosts such as Futureboogie and Glasgow's Sub Club, throughout the new 'double-whammy' set-up, spreading the festival over two weekends (July 2nd - 11th).

The lads from headline promotion 'Futureboogie' have spoken very highly of the double-weekender. "It's definitely the best festival we've done," said the boys from Bristol. "They've restricted the attendance to 2000, so you can get a much more intimate thing going on, and make more new friends."

A view echoed by rising reggae stars Overproof Sound System. "It's such a wonderful place," said the Birmingham based crew. "It's an opportunity to come and play to, and meet some wonderful people."

 

 

As the crowds descend on the glorious Croatian fishing village this July, those in charge remain satisfied that as the event grows in to something special, the seeds that were sewn in 2005, remain firmly rooted in place.

The blissful daytime atmosphere remains as placid amongst today's thousands as it was amongst the hundreds five years ago. The energy then rises, as the sun sets, and the beats adopt a far more energetic pose, but the vibe remains as relaxed as the calm seas overlooked by the festival.

This year's festival promises to maintain the progression of previous years, whilst staying true to the roots it grew from. A well-constructed line-up of DJs and live acts, engulfed within sun-soaked antique Croatian scenery.

A refreshing cocktail of old and new, which after five years of partying, is its fifth year still going very strong indeed.

Words: James O'Connell

 

 

• Garden Festival

Related Links:

• Extalgic Festival 2011
• Urban Art Forms Festival Returns
• Glade Festival 2011
• Electron Festival Returns
• Upfest 2011

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