Edc Uk

The world renowned Electric Daisy Carnival returned to the UK on 11 July for its 3^rd edition. 

One week before the festival excitement on social media was reaching its peak.  Around this time I stumbled across a group on Facebook for people going solo to EDC.  By the day of the festival there were over a 100 people in this group from not only all corners of the UK but from further afield too.

A number of us decided to meet up at Lake Furzton, Milton Keynes, close to the festival site, the morning of a festival.  The sun was shining and we were all in good spirits.  A short while after the gates opened we made the short walk over to the north entrance of the National Bowl where entry was dealt with quickly and efficiently. 

I soon hit the KineticFIELD, a lush green and wooded area which is set in a gigantic bowl meaning no matter where you stood in the arena you had a great view of the stunning KineticCATHEDRAL main stage.  With a glowing neon pipe organ bookended by gigantic, 45 foot tall twin owls, the stage played host to a full stage show incorporating dozens of performers, and of course DJs including Steve Aoki and Hardwell, that unfolded throughout the day.  The 90 feet high and 240 feet wide structure weighs more than 200 tons.  It featured 20 multi-coloured lasers and multiple massive LED screens, giving the illusion of detailed stained-glass windows to match the cathedral theme.  

I took a break from the KineticFIELD to check out the rest of the site.  It was a very hot day but at the chill tent the wellbeing crew were on hand giving out water and sun cream to festivalgoers (or Headliners as EDC prefers to call us).  This was a nice touch. 

Around the back of the main arena I came across the NeonGARDEN.  The stand out set here came from  headliner Jamie Jones. 

I walked a little further and hit the CircuitGROUNDS, a playground for lovers of bass heavy beats.  This large tent was very busy all day and Pendulum and Sub Focus went down a storm. 

My favourite of the smaller arenas was the CosmicMEADOW where the sweet sounds of trance and electronic rang out.  Cosmic Gate put in an awesome performance in the afternoon.  Later in the evening trance legend Ferry Corsten showcased his new track Anahera under his alias Gouryella.  Paul Van Dyk headlined this stage to a smaller than usual crowd due to his clash with Tiesto in the KineticFIELD.

At 9.30pm most of the 35,000+ ravers descended on the KineticFIELD to see the aforementioned legend that is Tiesto close the show.  He was accompanied by a full on stage show including fireworks, waterfalls and streamers.  It was a sight to behold from up on the hill.  His set included my personal favourite, his iconic remix of Adagio for Strings.    

Photo courtesy of Insomniac

EDC UK is a very well organised festival in a wonderland setting.  It has excellent production values not only on the main stage but in all four arenas.  EDC UK has established itself as a festival big boy so the others had better watch out!