Lost Village Festival is set in a forrest near Lincoln in Lincolnshire. This year the festival turned three and delivered another stellar electronic line-up up. With the likes of Soulwax, Moderat, Nina Kravitz, Black Madonna and Jackmasters headlining, this immersive festival promised to be a dance music fan’s delight and so I went and found out for myself.
Thursday night the festival kicked off with a secret forest party that saw 2 many DJs take on the decks before Lost Village officially opened! A few lucky festival-goers won tickets via Amazon and were able to see this secret set, which was truly special.
A sunny Friday greeted me and with it came wealth of good music. The first day at the festival was all about discovery. First I wandered into the woods where I met some of Lost Village’s inhabitants, who promptly told me about the forest’s story and upcoming threats. It was my first time at an immersive festival and I thoroughly enjoyed taking part. After a few hours doing that I decided to check out some of the great music on offer that day and that included sets from Mercury nominee, Loyle Carner and hip hop legends De La Soul. Their sets were powerful and showcased the best of new and old hip hop. I loved every minute of it.
Friday night was spent in the dance dens provided in the magical forest. Adorned with beautiful art decorations and magical lights. The forest looked very inviting to dance fans. At the Abandoned Chapel, Hot Chip took over and entertained fans with music that inspired this much loved English band.
Saturday was another glorious day with a much heavier music tone. Having been to a few dance festivals already this summer I wanted to know if Lost Village could compare with some well established events and my expectations were surpassed by a long stretch. DJs such as Ben Pearce and Dusky warmed up the crowd ahead of Bicep and Jackmaster who both played at the Burial Ground. I had never seen Jackmaster DJ and I am glad to say I wasn’t disappointed. Jackmaster started his set slowly but quickly ramped up and played a mixture of old and new dancefloor classics. The night ended again at the Forgotten Cabin in the middle of the woods where Ben UFO and Nina Kraviz delivered heavier house tracks, which kept the crowd going till the early hours.
The weather gods were kind again Sunday as another gloriously sunny day started and with it came great music. My favourite festival finale was definitely at Lost Village’s lake, where the story peaked. Not contempt with a fireworks display, Lost Village festival organisers treated festival-goers to a show set on the lake complete with dancers and acrobats. It was truly magical. Music-wise I enjoyed Max Cooper on the main stage who delivered yet again a great set even after a power cut half-way through his performance. Fatima Yamaha on the same stage played some heavy house before letting headliners Moderat take over for one of their last ever sets. Over in the forest it was at the Forgotten Cabin that I found dancing satisfaction under the well crafted sets by Denis Sulta, Midland and Dixon.
Having been to a few festival already this summer I was prepared for a decent line-up and ok sound system but Lost Village completely exceeded expectations with a state of the art sound system and showcasing exceptional DJs. The setting in which the music was delivered was simply magical and breathtaking. I highly recommend this festival for anyone looking for something more than just your average dance festival!
