A celebration of joy and music, Paradise City celebrated its 10th edition with a sold-out event across three days and a general success on many fronts.
Photo Credit: Paradise City – Official – Facebook
From the variety of music offered to the impeccable organization, from its sustainability to the vibes of the many smiling people, Paradise has confirmed yet again its reputation as one of the most relevant festivals in Europe. While it is hard to see where they might get any improvement for next year with such high standards, Paradise still manages to improve on details that make the experience better with every passing edition.
Friday and Saturday each welcomed 15,000 visitors, and Sunday was sold out as well. Ravers were dancing around 7 distinct stages, each with its own setting and vibes, playing electronic music in its many forms. From the housey atmospheres of the Sweet Spot stage, to the industrial techno scenario of the Contrast stage, and all in between.
That being said, at Paradise, music is always the main protagonist. On Friday, as 5000 campers were entering their designated area, music started early. There he was, Theo Parrish, showing off his house, jazz and soul-infused music knowledge, and Toon Timmerman, bringing us a lively and bouncy house set in the Forest stage. He was preparing the crowd for Chris Stussy, who delivered one of the best sets I have heard in recent times, and, judging by the crowd, everyone was feeling the same way. Pegassi closed the Castle stage, a huge improvement for him, who last year packed the Orbital stage. The Belgian talent gave us his signature cross-gender electronic music, from trance to electro and techno and more.
In the mornings, activities for those who camped there, from yoga to relaxing massages, prepared them to endure another day of partying. On Saturday, I happily discovered DJ Travella at the Orbital stage, an unexpected mix of a wide range of genres; I have not danced like that in a long time. Finally, Helena Lauwaert returned to the festival for a back-to-back with DJ Fuckoff at the Contrast stage with a match made in heaven, and a set all the ravers will remember for a long time.
On Sunday, legendary names like Laurent Garnier and Jeff Mills, and new emerging talents like Stanislawa and Fenrick gave us another day of dancing.
All in all, this was another successful edition for the festival, and one of the best musical experiences I have enjoyed. With its legacy firmly cemented over the past 10 years, we can’t wait to see what’s in store for the next one.
