Alex Jukes

Glasgow’s Platform 18 Announces 2020 Edition with Richie Hawtin, Floorplan, Fjaak (live), ANNA and More

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Platform 18 continues to reshape the Glaswegian scene with its mouth watering 2020 edition on Saturday July 4th and 5th 2020, featuring world class headliners Richie Hawtin, Floorplan, Fjaak (live), ANNA and more all playing one visually spectacular main stage in a unique urban setting.

We can now announce that local stalwart Jackmater will going the event along side techno icon Kevin Saunderson who will performing his E-Dancer show.
All this once again goes down on West Street, on the South side of the city, in a space that has only been used by Platform 18. It is a subway station car park beneath two bridges that has a raw, illicit feel that harks back to the earliest, purest days of raving. Enclosed by walls and the bridges themselves, it is a small, intense space that, in an echo of the iconic dance music phenomenon that is planes flying over DC10, has regular trains rattling by on the lines above, often adding to the electric atmosphere generated down below!
Platform 18 offer something new and fresh for Glaswegian house and techno lovers and has done since 2013. It comes from the mind of a promoter who has been putting on events for over 12 years and gives you an intimate connection with DJs: everything is set up so the raver and DJ are in sync, the selectors can join punters in the crowd for hugs and even high fives during set and they have done many times in the past, which always makes this a very special and standout occasion.
What’s more, from the beginning, Platform 18 have worked with SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) and created the healthy slogan ‘Everyone on the same level’. Over the years they have raised around £5000 in funds but more importantly continue to create awareness around the issue with young people who may be directly or indirectly affected.
The one main stage will be decided out with visuals and more production than ever before in 2020 and this year for the first time there will be a slot set aside for up and coming local artists Systematic and Tom & Gerry. “We really want to support the future and these lads have what it takes,” says founder Ivan Kutz, who also plays the festival again this year.
Musically it is another high class affair in 2020 with techno titan and Minus label boss Richie Hawtin bringing his avant garde futurism, Brazil’s leading techno proponent and Drumcode associate ANNA, a live show from the jacking Berlin outfit Fjaak, and some true school Detroit sounds from the foster daughter duo of Robert and Lyric Hood, who imbue their timeless sounds with gospel influxes and get the floor in raptures every time they play. Add in cult underground legend Domenic Cappello, plus man of the moment Fraz.ier and you have an all encompassing soundtrack.
Platform 18 is a two-day techno bonanza unlike any other in Glasgow, and the next edition is shaping up to be the best yet.
Saturday 4th July 
RICHIE HAWTIN
ANNA
FJAAK live
FRAZI.ER
GERRY KEARNS
TOM-E
Sunday 5th July 
FLOORPLAN
JACKMASTER
KEVIN SAUNDERSON presents E-DANCER live
DOMENIC CAPPELLO
IVAN KUTZ
SYSTEMATIC

Terminal V All Nighters

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Scotland’s Terminal V Festival has become one of the largest and most successful parties in the UK, and now the team behind it announce a bold and exciting new project: Terminal V All Nighters. Inspired by the simpler days of the 90s, when dancers picked their spot on the floor and kept going all night long, these new events will recapture the spirit and essence of those halcyon days, with a modern twist. 

 

Launching this summer, these special showcase events will harness the power and intensity of the iconic Area V stage at Terminal V, but all night long.  Of course, they will fit in between the landmark Terminal V Easter and Halloween parties that have become such an essential part of the yearly party calendar for those in the know. 

 

Each one will start at 8pm and run until 6am on the awesome Area V Stage, with 5000 people partying hard at The Royal Highland Centre. As is always the way with Terminal V events, the line ups will feature the biggest and most forward thinking artist and brands from the worlds of house and techno. They start in August and take things back to a more stripped down approach coupled with all the next level production the world has come to expect from Terminal V. 

 

Register for more info and presale for these events, here: terminal.co.uk/allnighters

Back of Beyond FSTVL Announces Line up for 2020

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Back of Beyond have teamed up with legendary East London dance behemoth We Are FSTVL to deliver their biggest and best lineup of all time on July 4th 2020. This unique celebration of all forms of house, disco, techno and drum & bass music goes down at Colesdale Farm in Hertfordshire with headliners Ellie Cocks, George Mensah, George Smeddles, GW Harrison, Jess Bats, KC Lights, Nightlapse, Saffron Stone, Sammy Porter, Alex P, DJ luck & MC Neat and  Andy Manston.

To celebrate three years of action, in 2020 Back of Beyond has teamed up with the award winning and game-changing team behind WE ARE FSTVL, who make their debut in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside in real style. Because of this new collaboration, everything has been improved and increased to make for a truly essential one day festival.

Reece Miller Founder and Director says; ‘Hertfordshire is an amazing place and all of us at We Are FSTVL can’t wait to support another exciting chapter in the now infamous Back Of Beyond story…..The show promises a brand new theme for 2020, an all star dance music lineup and more magic than ever before! Seek and you shall find….

The production is set to be immersive and explosive, with next level light and louder than ever before sound taking you far away from everyday life. The capacity is increased so more of you can get involved and make it an even more unifying event, and the headliners are all at the very top of their game. All the much loved Back Of Beyond Arenas will be back this year, but better than ever, as well as a few surprises.

The new location for 2020 is a special one, too: the stunning Colesdale Farm in Cuffley is nestled deep within Hertfordshire countryside on the borders of the London Boroughs of Enfield and Barnet, with very easy access to both the M25 and direct trains from the capital. This scenic new site means Back of Beyond can expand and grow with a bigger VIP area, lots of immersive entertainment and activities and all in an easily accessible site.

Musically, cutting edge DJs like frequent Beatport chart topper Ellie Cocks and fellow ABODE mainstay GW Harrison, London underground favourite George Mensah, Solotoko and SOLA artist George Smeddles, long time garage innovators DJ luck & MC Neat, the dance legend that is Alex P, plus Andy Manston, Jess Bats, KC Lights, Nightlapse, Saffron Stone and Sammy Porter all cover plenty of bases in style. 

The all new and ambitious Back of Beyond 2020 is a mouthwatering event and all for a very affordable price, with tickets starting at just £24.50 from https://events.liveit.io/back-of-beyond-festival/back-of-beyond-fstvl-2020/

Hide&Seek announces 2020 return with Raresh, Apollonia, Sonja Moonear, Sweely, Gene On Earth, VOIGT.MAS, Detroit Swindle and more

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After a stunning first outing in 2019, Hide&Seek Festival returns to the grounds of Capesthorne Hall in Macclesfield, Cheshire on September 5th, 2020 – with a world-class line-up just announced that includes Apollonia, Jeremy Underground, Sonja Moonear, Raresh, VOIGT.MAS, Ingi Visions, Detroit Swindle, Gene On Earth and many more over 12 hours of dancing. Also revealed today, festival-goers can expect entirely new stage concepts for this year as the event continues to build, while organisers plan further developments to existing stages and the wider audio/visual production standards that so impressed last time around. Most importantly, they plan to preserve the intimate close knit family feeling on site with a limited fixed capacity.
On announcement of the date, pre-sale tickets sold out in double-quick time and so Early Bird numbers have now been boosted alongside the reveal of the 2020 DJ line-up. Move fast to make sure that you don’t miss out on cheap entry tickets for this cult new festival which sold out in 2020.
After a bold and well-received debut, 2020 will see the Hide&Seek concept really come to life. Last year, the template was laid out, and the response was phenomenal – artists hung around to soak up the vibes after their sets, the crowd was in the know and travelled from the four corners of the UK and beyond. That template was forward thinking music, fresh and exciting stage designs, and a first-class showcase of cutting-edge artists that gets all the details exactly right.
Hide&Seek is located in the grounds of Capesthorne Hall Estate and bordered by picturesque, green Cheshire countryside. This truly unique venue overlooks three lakes, stunning formal gardens and once more promises to host a unique, breath-taking experience that puts you at one with nature and music.
A first class array of house, techno, disco and minimal stars will lead from the booth on the day, with the titan French trio Apollonia lining up next to underground heroes like Sonja Moonear and Raresh, who have stripped-back styles that are sure to take you on a heady, rhytmic trip. Frenchman Jeremy Underground will bring his bottomless record bag for everything from rare soul and funk to finest deep house.
Then come Dutch house duo Detroit Swindle; fearsome duos such as VOIGT.MAS (Voigtmann & John Dimas), Spokenn (Ferro & Reiss) and Ingi Visions (Samuel Deep & Julian Alexander). There is more from cult American groove maker Gene on Earth, fast-rising Frenchman Sweely with his uniquely danceable live set, Leeds legend and Back to Basics resident Tristan da Cunha and a special guest yet to be announced. Add to this emerging selectors who have broken onto the circuit in style, of whom are at the forefront of a new generation talent; You&Me frontman Josh Baker, scouse duo UZU from MODU:LAR, Real Gang head honcho / Slapfunk resident Miller & Beeyou records bossman / Infuse resident Laidlaw, all bringing their new wave sounds to the Mill Wood.
Hide&Seek‘s continued mission is to create a festival for like-minded music lovers to come together and experience something which has not previously been on offer within the North of England across one stand-out day and night. Wider line-up information, local talent, stage announcements, brand partners and more are yet to be revealed.
Line-Up (A-Z)
Apollonia (Dan Ghenacia, Dyed Soundorom, Shonky) 
Detroit Swindle
Gene On Earth 
Ingi Visions (Samuel Deep & Julian Alexander) 
Jeremy Underground 
Josh Baker 
Laidlaw 
Miller
Raresh 
Sonja Moonear 
Special Guest
Spokenn (Ferro & Reiss)
Sweely 
Tristan Da Cunha 
VOIGT.MAS (Voigtmann & John Dimas)

 

ENDS

The Best 5 Photos From Electric Gardens Festival

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Since a game-changing debut back in 2016, Electric Gardens has established itself as an essential boutique event for electronic music fans across the country.

Electric Gardens 2020 continued the event’s tradition with a world class line up featuring Armand Van Helden, DJ EZ, Craig David Presents T5, Nora En Pure, Gorgon City, Alan Fitzpatrick, My Nu Leng, Pan-Pot, Reinier Zonneveld live, and many more.

We were there with a camera and here are five of the best photos.

 

Octan announce opening party and 2020 plans

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After their much talked-about debut season, Octan Ibiza returns bigger and better than ever on Thursday, 7th May 2020 to kick start their second summer in Ibiza. Their opening party will be hosting all the key residents and new ones, plus some tasteful headliners that will bring those serious non-stop grooves we became accustomed to last summer. The season programming will see weekly residencies in addition, and will also be showcasing a series of special one-offs all summer long. 

 

In 2019, the brand new club quickly established itself as an Island and cult favourite for those looking for a more underground and intimate experience. Octan’s Basement is the perfect underground space that gives you a raw and intense energy alongside it’s dark aesthetic, low ceilings and a world class sound system. The style is sleek and stripped back with low key lighting and immersive lighting all making it an atmospheric space of pure hedonism.

 

Last summer saw Octan host Apollonia’s first weekly residency, Planet Claire, which offered the underground heads serious sets from the likes of Nicolas Lutz, Traumer, Cristi Cons, Francesco Del Garda, Doc Martin, Anthea, Pearson Sound and many more. You also saw Steve Lawler return to the Island with his Warriors brand who had artists Enzo Siragusa, GUTI, Yousef, East End Dubs, Seb Zito, Darius Syrossian and more join them in the Basement.

 

New for this summer, the Terrace has been fully redone and improved plus there have been various stylistic renovations inside the club. What’s more, the iconic artwork that adorns the outside of the venue will be all re-done by a brand new artist this season – that will be the case at the start of every new summer. The club will be open across a number of nights during the week, with special parties next to new resident brands all catering to the beat in cutting edge house, techno and minimal.

 

 

Keep your eyes peeled for the first wave of names, but be assured that Octan is set to be the most talked about underground venue on the White Isle this summer. 

 

Early Bird €15 tickets here: http://www.octanibiza.com

Get ready for Octan 2.0!

Groove Cruise returns to West Coast with the NCL Bliss – LA to Mexico

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For the past 16 years, Whet Travel has curated and produced more half- and full-ship music cruises than any other independent company. Partnering with some of the cruise industry’s most recognized and trusted brands, the revolutionary company has executed more than 50 wildly successful events including Groove Cruise, Motorboat, Zen Cruise, Salsa Cruise, and Groove Island, among others. Innovators since their launch in 2004, Whet Travel was named Inc. Magazine’s No. 4 fastest-growing travel company in the country, has won the prestigious “Charter Partner of the Year” award from Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Lines, and has been featured in USA Today, Billboard, Forbes, and more. 
Groove Cruise is set to delight the West Coast with the return of its California sailing October 15-18, 2020 aboard the biggest ship yet: The Norwegian Bliss. Groove Cruise “Captains” departing from Los Angeles will partake in six costume parties while dancing for 72 hours to non-stop electronic music from more than 50 diverse artists from all across the electronic music spectrum on multiple hosted stages and paired with unique high-end production designed for “The Ascension”-themed reunion.
“By popular demand, Groove Cruise West Coast is back and bigger than ever!” says Whet Travel founder and Chief Excitement Officer Jason Beukema. “With room for over 4,000 ‘Captains’ (our name for Groove Cruisers), both veterans and virgins alike will delight in sailing on the NCL Bliss! Designed to have all the trappings of a major mega-resort, The Bliss features over-the-top amusements such as a two-deck-high racing course where passengers compete against each other in electric go-carts — a first for a vessel based in North America! The Bliss also has a sprawling water park with multistory water slides, a restaurant-lined boardwalk, Tony Award-winning production shows, including Jersey Boys, and a giant spa. Dining options even include a modern Texas barbecue eatery called Q that will feature live pop-country music—a new concept for the cruise line.”
The public on-sale begins March 4, 2020 online with payment plans starting at just $92! Captains can follow their inner compass to groovegruise.com to reserve their spot on the next amazing adventure at sea! 
Features of the NCL Bliss include:
  • An amusement park at sea complete with racetrack, waterslides, mini-golf, aqua park, laser tag, and more.
  • 30+ unique restaurants and bars including Teppanyaki Hibachi, The District Brew House, Margaritaville, The Cellars (Michael Mondavi Family Wine Bar), Los Lobos Mexican Restaurant, The Humidor Cigar Lounge, Whisky and Mojito bars, Starbucks, Coco’s Sweets, and more.
  • The award-winning “Jersey Boys” musical
  • Single studio staterooms for GCFam sailing solo
  • Built in 2018, the Bliss is the largest ship to ever sail from the West Coast!
  • Hidden at the top of the NCL Bliss, The Haven exclusive enclave features luxurious accommodations via a variety of premium suite categories, as well as 24-hour butler service, and concierge service, plus a private sundeck, bar, and restaurant.

 

  • Not only will Groove Cruise Cali Captains be treated to sets from top DJ/producers, but also unique experiences such as:
·   Numerous artist/fan activities
·   Hosted dinners with DJs
·   Six costume themes
·   Whet Oasis Zen zone
·   Undiscovered DJ contest
·   Non-profit Whet Foundation volunteer opportunity

 

 CLICK TO TWEET: Back by popular demand, @GrooveCruise Cali returns this fall for its biggest sailing yet! Join the #GCFam aboard the @CruiseNorwegian‘s Bliss during the world’s premier #electronicmusic cruise w/ 50+ DJs, costume themes, amusement park at sea & more! GrooveCruise.com

For the latest Groove Cruise updates, become a fan on Facebook and follow the event on Instagram and Twitter.

Khruangbin and The Cinematic Orchestra to headline London’s Cross the Tracks

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Cross The Tracks completes its line up for Sunday June 7th at Brixton’s Brockwell Park with the addition of Khruangbin and The Cinematic Orchestra to already announced stars such as Madlib, Sister Sledge, Tinariwen, Gilles Peterson, Norman Jay MBE, Sudan Archives, Greentea Peng, Sadar Bahar, Coops, Neue Grafik Ensemble, Dreamcast and many more.

Khruangbin are the Texan Thai-funk trio who have become cult favourites in recent years. Their albums on Late Night tales and live shows at the finest clubs and festivals are psyched-out affairs with dubby drums, exotic leads and warm bass that takes you on a trip to the stars and back again, with funk to spare.

Legendary group The Cinematic Orchestra have been merging electronic music and cinematic soundscapes for decades. Their timeless albums are rich, lush, immersive fusions of a wide array of styles and when they perform they bring all that to the stage and more. Expect plenty off their latest Ninja Tune album, too.

Cross The Tracks is a perfect one day getaway in the blissful green surrounds of Brockwell Park, It offers a wealth of street food from the finest traders, carefully brewed craft beer as well as VIP areas, luxury toilets, chill out vibes, wellness areas and panels, art fairs, creative markets and plenty of other activities to get you feeling good, thinking deep and enjoying yourself in the sun.

The latest names come on top of another tasteful and all encasing mix of funk, soul, disco, jazz, r&b and house stars that range from brand new and red hot to enduring and legendary. These include the likes of disco queens Sister Sledge, hip hip giant Madlib, funk great Norman Jay MBE, eclectic maestro Gilles Peterson, desert blues icons Tinariwen, disco selector Sadar Bahar, the rousing London African Gospel Choir, new school hip hop from Coops, a strong modern jazz continent in the form of Neue Grafik Ensemble, SEED Ensemble, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Theon Cross and plenty of cutting edge neo-soul trendsetters such as Sudan Archives, Greentea Peng and plenty more.

Cross The Tracks 2020 is a grown up festival for people who appreciate the finer things in life. Now the full line up is revealed, the final countdown really begins.

Cross The Tracks
Sunday 7th June, 2020
Brockwell Park, London
https://www.xthetracks.com/

Facebook: @xthetracks
Instagram: @xthetracks
Twtiter: @xthetracks_

Moovin Festival 2020 Announces First Headliners

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This August bank holiday, Manchester’s best loved and most intimate festival returns. From Friday 28th to Monday 31st August 2020 Moovin Festival promises to be another explosion of sound and colour, a sensory overload packed with outrageously good world-class music, organic and immersive stage designs and decor, delicious food, mesmerising fire shows; a festival full of surprises and so much more. Across this whimsical weekend, Moovin Festival invites you with open arms and a big smile into a natural wonderland that comes alive with musical mischief, grown up fun, free spirited good times and a world of colourful characters, non stop laughs, performances and soul soothing wellness activities that play out like a cult movie featuring you as the lead star.

The festival this year is bigger and better than ever, while maintaining its bespoke and bijou feel the organisers keep the capacity strictly limited capacity as they feel this is a big piece of what makes this gathering so special . Moovin Festival somehow have a knack of attracting big acts to showcase in a much more personal setting than you would expect. The first headliners to be revealed are superstars from across the musical spectrum including Arrested Development, Basement Jaxx, KRS One, David Rodigan, Todd Terje, Mr Scruff, Eek A Mouse, Derrick Carter, Craig Charles, Beardyman, Plump DJs, Asian Dub Foundation and many more.

Moovin Festival is a close-knit and tasteful gathering of real music lovers that offers something different from the norm. The whole festival is loving crafted and curated with a real attention to detail that is made extra special by the free spirited vibe and fun-loving crowd who attend each year. The unique and escapist location is the eco-friendly Whitebottom farm in the stunning countryside in Compstall, not far from Manchester. The walk to the site itself is a magical experience, through Etherow Country Park, full of lush greenery, lakes and birds leading to a breathtaking natural gorge at the entrance to the festival site itself.

This natural wonderland then comes alive with pounding baselines, and eclectic musical mixes, walkabout performers and immersive performances, fire shows and hoopers, gong baths galore, workshops and yoga classes. What’s more, despite the world class headliners, Moovin is all about offering personal and intimate vibes that are fully independent. The lineup is stacked with quirky bands, fresh, up and coming acts, local talents, curious distractions, mouthwatering food offerings and plenty more surprises that make for non-stop adventure and exploration across the weekend.

Amongst this years headliners are none other than world renowned dance music icons Basement Jaxx, who have been behind too many chart topping hits to mention and always bring a dazzling mix of dance sounds informed by many years at the top of their game.

Hip hop lovers are in for a treat when American legends and Grammy award winers Arrested Development and New Yorks finest KRS One take to the stage bringing crisp, booming rap beats as well as conscious and empowering lyrics, while junglists will surely be happy with the combination of old school heavyweights Mickey Finn, Aphrodite, Randall and DJ SS.  Eek A Mouse, David Rodigan, Price Fatty & Horseman head up the reggae authority who will bring the finest riddims, and Mr Scruff has one of the most treasured vinyl collections in the country with everything from soul to funk, downtempo to house. Anyone who has seen Beardyman perform live will know what a spectacle it is as the beatboxer mixes up all genres with his vocal cords and gets any crowd moovin.

On top of that, Chicago house originator Derrick Carter will jack your socks off, Craig Charles brings his famous funk sound to the party, breakbeat innovators the Plump DJs , A skillz and Moovin regular Krafty Kutts are there to Keep you moovin, plus Asian Dub Foundation with their fabulous electronic mix of ragga, dancehall, south asian music and of course dub. What always stands Moovin apart is its eclectic mix of bands and DJs throughout the weekend and the specially curated focus on local acts, who are the life blood, the up and comers, the stars of tomorrow who you will no doubt leave having fallen in love with.

Moovin festival 2019 was an unprecedented success, so move fast to make sure you don’t miss out on your own special experience in the fields of Whitebottom farm it really is a festival like no “Udder”

SXM Festival Reveals Eco Program and Full Lineup for 2020 feat. Ricardo Villalobos, Bonobo, Sonja Moonear and more

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Today, SXM Festival has announced its phase three lineup, completing the underground soundtracking for the event’s fourth expedition on the paradisal island of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten. Adorned with some of the scene’s most recognized stars and rising tastemakers alike, these masters of their craft will guide attendees through five days of sonic exploration and cultural immersion, March 11-15. 

 

SXM Festival’s phase three turns its sights on scene innovators from around the world, representing the communities that make up the the event’s wide reaching attendee-core. Burning Man mainstay turned avant-garde talent Tara Brooks makes her return to the festival, New York’s Stranger Than captain Tal Ohana will bring along his deep shades of techno, plus fans can expect a journey through the deep from Canadian legend Nitin. 

 

For the 2020 edition, the event will continue to build upon its deep connection with the cultural and ecological fabric of the beautiful host locale of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten. Spawned in 2019 to help encourage the prosperity and health of the island, SXM Festival created a partnership with SXM Doet, the largest volunteer initiative in Saint Martin/Sint Maarten and the Dutch Kingdom. Attendees are encouraged to take a break from the party and meet the locals and other travelers, while offering their service to the island at specific, sponsored projects. On March 13+14, guests are encouraged to join the SXM Art Deco team and a number of artists including Amine K and Maga in two key charitable action projects. Register to build a playground at Ideal Preschool or assemble an eco-friendly, recycled playground at Green Learning Academy. There is an angle for everyone to get involved and ensure that the people of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten can enjoy their home as much as festival-goers do. 

 

The festival has also partnered with longtime SXM artist Blond:ish, Toronto’s Summerdaze, and global dance music sustainability project ByeByePlastic to host a cleanup of the iconic Sandy Ground Beach. This continues SXM’s anti-single use plastic ethos and overall commitment to the protection of the island’s sensitive ecosystem. More info on the beach cleanup here. 

 

With global impact in mind, SXM Festival has forged strategic partnerships with leaders in sustainability, focused on offsetting the carbon released by air-travel to the island. All SXMF-goers will be encouraged to calculate the emissions released via their journey and offset by donating to Climate Futures’ Peace Boat Project though a $10 per month subscription, or a one-time $25 contribution.

 

SXM Festival is committed to a net-zero emissions strategy that is measurable and permanent. Through their new partnership with Climeworks, the world’s first commercial direct air capture company, guests can now capture carbon dioxide from the air and turn it into stone in their name. Become a Climeworks SXM Festival Pioneer with a one-time contribution or subscription. Those who maintain their subscriptions will have lifetime access to super early bird rates to any SXM Festival event as of April 2020.

 

Additionally, SXM Festival has partnered with Ungalli Clothing Co. to deliver sustainable merch that is ethically sourced from Canada out of recycled and organic materials. Produced in Canadian facilities where workers are safe, respected, and paid fair wages, pre-orders are available until February 28.

 

In just one month, SXM Festival will open its gates to the global party elite with the shared purpose of celebrating our diverse scene as well as the rich culture and natural beauty of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten.