Before I get into raving (pun intended) about the festival and artists. I just want to acknowledge Beat-Herder’s triumph over adversity in what has seemingly been a trying time for everyone in the arts. In my preview, I referred to Beat-Herder’s announcement about creating a ‘bijou Beat-Herder’ and reducing the size and capacity. In this statement they said ‘The savage economic realities have put us in a bit of a pickle. We could call a fallow year and come back swinging into 2025, it’s the risk-free option that’d allow us to sleep at night…but sleeping at night is not what we’re about!’ I’m not gonna lie, I was worried. Even though they promised that they wouldn’t be cutting corners, I was fearful that the ‘bijou’ element would result in a reduction of infrastructure and artistry which contributes to the festival’s uniqueness that I have become accustomed to and that they have received awards for. I was worried that a smaller crowd might impact the vibe I have experienced in recent years, which has always been exceptional. I had additional concerns they might jack up the prices to make up for the smaller capacity and that it might feel crammed in the smaller site.
My fears were diminished on the first walk around of the festival, which I’ll now enthusiastically relay to you. IT WAS BETTER!!! That’s not meant as a criticism of previous Beat-Herders, I’ve enjoyed all that I’ve been too. In saying that I didn’t discover Beat-Herder until 3 years ago, it has been running since 2006 and every Beat-Herder enthusiast I’ve spoken to has raved (pun still intended) about the early days. I heard many of those enthusiasts chatting this weekend about how it felt just like the Beat-Herder’s of old and I felt privileged to be part of that experience.
It was smaller, it wasn’t too crowded, there were just enough loos, the beer prices were a bit higher (an increase from £4.50 a pint to £6) but this seemed consistent or cheaper than every other festival I’ve attended this year and don’t forget you can also bring your own drinks and food in.
More importantly to me, the festival retained its attention to detail and flair. It’s still as beautiful as ever. A compact cacophony of beats, art and creativity from sets built by locals who really love a party, just read this interview with Jamie Foxen in festival insights to gain an understanding of how this festival was raised from conception to creation.
All of this combined with the people makes for an unforgettable party. I know I said it last year but this fact remains true and it should be shouted about. Beat-Herder is the friendliest festival I have ever been to. It’s a diverse crowd of smiley, creative, chatty people who love fancy dress. This year the fancy dress theme was the letter F. My crowd of a fungi queen, fortune teller, Freddie Mercury and me as a fraggle made friends with our fancy dress counterparts, fairies, a fridge, Frank Sidebottom, a flamingo and many other barmy characters.
Whilst I’m talking about people, I need to give a shout out to the accessibility team – particularly Chantelle – who took such amazing care of my mum. You can read about Beat-Herder’s accessibility arrangements here, and I can attest to the fact that they act in accordance with their values. Also the wonderful press team, particularly Rachel who went out of her way to arrange some incredible interviews over the weekend.
Upon reflection, I can truthfully say that Beat-Herder has pipped Glastonbury to the post for my favourite festival. I’m not even sad about that, Beat-Herder is convenient (for us), smaller, friendlier and just as stunning with certainly, based on my experience of Glastonbury this year, just as much production value and creativity. Also Beat-Herder has my mum and friends there. On with the acts and interviews.
Charlotte Devaney
This woman was so inspirational that, as a result, I am now going to DJ school. London based DJ, producer, singer, dancer, and actress, this overachiever gave her time generously for an empowering interview, and she was sooooooooo nice. I made friends stay up until 2am to catch her set and it was so worth it. Performing to a full audience in the immense geologic structure that is the ring, fusing Drum & Bass, Jungle, with some cool samples from 90’s tunes and beyond. I noted the excellent solidarity shown to fellow female artists when she sampled Venbee. This was whilst giving us a brilliant dance performance and motivational soundbites to keep the energy up. If I was flagging before, I wasn’t once she started and I blame her solely that I managed to catch the sunrise the following morning, as I was too stimulated by the beats to go to bed. Her set is a work out, I’d argue that I’m a fitter person for attending. Who’d have thought that rave could extend your life!
Madame Electrifie
Gutted I didn’t get to meet her because based on the written interview she gave, I think she should be running for parliament. Former Ministry DJ going by the name of Little Jo, also the one half of Evil Twin with Mini Da Minx, and producer in electronica/trip hop trio Cassini Circles, the genre defying DJ mixed some cool beats with hip hop, a heavy disco vibe and some old school techno. From the offset you could tell this was a seasoned DJ and you were in safe hands if you wanted to have a good time. Her Friday afternoon set started with a small but committed audience, which grew and grew as presumably passers-by were tempted in by her sound. I remember looking behind me towards the end of the set and noticing the place was rammed and dancing.
Venbee
Oh wow, I met Venbee! This was the only interview I was nervous about. I reviewed her at Beat-Herder last year, where I said that I was certain I’d see her on many big stages over the coming years. Since then, she has exceeded all my expectations by releasing what might be my favourite album of 2024. She’s done a world tour, been nominated for a Brit award and played an uncountable number of festivals. It was clear from her performance that she has grown in confidence as an artist and her vocals, backed by her live band which still includes my favourite drummer, and a guitarist created the perfect soundtrack to the gorgeous Beat-Herder sunset. I don’t know if I ever want to go to a Beat-Herder that doesn’t have her on the line up.
Porij
What genre melting wizardry is this? They initially presented as an indie band, with drums, bass, guitar, synth and keys. This wouldn’t have been a bad thing, I love a little indie pop. However I was soon to find myself in a state of confused loveliness, as they escalated to what I experienced as occasionally psytrance, other times as liquid drum and bass, with a gorgeous mellow ballad (my only love), sang by the absolutely delightful Eggy, who was also playing keys. Perfect set for a Friday tea time slot, warming you up for the madness of the festival. Sadly, I didn’t get a chance to meet them but I came across this great interview in Notion, in case you’re wondering what kind of humans they are. They seem to really love getting to know their fans, after reading their words the lyrics to their songs seem to make so much more sense to me now.
Crazy P
This band has been going since the 90’s so why is it only now that I’ve taken time to see them? This has been a grave error on my part, they were great. Playing decent house but to my pleasant surprise, holding a strong disco vibe. It was kind of old school and also fit perfectly amongst newer artists like Porij and Venbee. The band’s extensive experience glowed as lead singer Danielle Moore gave powerful vocals and a friendliness to the audience akin to Dolly Parton. And there were costume changes, I love a good costume change. I want more of Crazy P in my life.
So that was it. Thank you Beat-Herder for putting on the loveliest, most creative and ravey festival I have ever been to. Thank you all of the artists who generously gave their time for interviews, including Grace Garcia and Infrared, I will definitely be catching your set at next year’s Beat-Herder if not before.
Tickets go on sale for the next Beat-Herder on 26th September 2024, get in there for early access