Lovebox
The Guardian once called it “an annual love letter to the capital”, and the event itself began with the mission of bringing the heart and soul back into festivals. Initially a response to the lack of inner London park festivals during the mid-2000s, Lovebox festival has grown from an alternate dance hall party for a few hundred to the 2-day sell out event it is today.
Featured is a boundary-crushing mix of headliners. Previous acts included Snoop Dogg, Skepta, NAS, Hot Chip, Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club, Little Dragon, Cypress Hill, Rudimental, New York City Joey Bada$$ and Mark Ronson.
Expect light hedonism, a focus on London’s dance music counter-culture, and some some of the best people-watching around. All kinds of personalities seem to be at home here. Families are welcomed, and young children are often spotted with noise-cancelling headphones firmly on, nodding to the beat beside their parents. Performance art and filmic set pieces are dotted around the park, and are great pulls for those needing a break from dancing. In recent years, some of the best installations have made a pilgrimage here from their founding home at Burning Man.
Performers are frequently heard praising the crowd for matching their energy, so bring lots of it. The pace is quick, and whether one comes to watch, dance, sing or experiment, make sure a little mischief and a lot of love come through the gates too.
WORDS OF WISDOM
- Find the Despacios Tent. For those seeking a mini-club experience within the wider festival grounds, this area is a favourite. Run by ex-LCD Soundsystem frontman James Murphy and Belgian duo 2manydjs, the tent features a mammoth eight speaker stack, shiny disco ball and very little light.
- Chaperone any under 18s. Lovebox has never been an 18+ only event, however they insist that anyone younger than the legal drinking age is accompanied by someone older.
- Splash out as a VIP. Lovebox’s VIP Village is located in a shady tree area and features its own exclusive line-up. Perks in this cordoned off area of luxury have previously included lavish cocktail bars, tea lounges, massage tents, tattoo parlours and guest appearances from London celebrity chefs. Succumb to being doted on, and all it takes is a VIP ticket.
PRE EVENT WATCH: Lovebox 2015 Festival Film. Video by Lovebox Festival
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