After a long hiatus, the much-anticipated Junction 2 Festival returned to its original home at Boston Manor Park, and it delivered beyond expectations. Despite the rain that persisted throughout the day, the festival grounds were packed with enthusiastic ravers, proving that the allure of Junction 2 is as strong as ever. With an unforgettable lineup, fresh stage designs, and a vibrant sense of community, the event exemplified LWE’s signature excellence.
Upon entering the festival, the familiar iconic flyover greeted attendees, with a sea of dancing ravers below. Conveniently located at the top of the entrance were food and drink stalls, lockers, and a medical/welfare tent, ensuring everyone’s well-being. A notable change this year was the shift to card-only payments, streamlining transactions and letting festival-goers fully immerse themselves in the music.
As the day wore on and the rain persisted, the fervent crowd remained undeterred flocking to all the stages. Even the allure of the Woods stage proved irresistible to the unwavering crowd who watched masterclass performances by the likes of Nick Leon, Batu and Hessle Audio amongst others. The day’s excitement unfolded with captivating sets on the Bridge stage. For most, the highlight of the day was undoubtedly the DJ Tennis and Carlita B2B, a set that exuded energy and kept the dancefloor buzzing. But as the tempo shifted and the evening rolled in, the atmosphere intensified as Nina Kraviz took the stage, delivering her signature trippy and high-energy tracks.
Beyond the Bridge stage, three new immersive stages added to the experience. Grid boasted a melodic techno lineup with Asch Pintura, Chris Avantgarde, Mathame, and KAS:ST, culminating in an explosive back-to-back set by Adam Beyer and Cirez D. Quad hosted the Fuse stage, with a delightful selection of tech house performances by DJs like Raresh, Praslea and Enzo Siragusa. The duo of Sonja Moonear and Margaret Dygas showcased their expert curation, demonstrating why they’re revered as the ultimate selectors in the scene.
Blackout, the only indoor tent stage, was a magnet for festival-goers looking to escape the rain and indulge in the hard-hitting lineup. The queue for Blackout seemed never-ending, as the stage featured artists such as Adiel, Sama Abdul Hadi, and FJAAK. Closing the night with his trademark blistering set, Dax J drove the crowd into a frenzy, proving once again why he’s hailed as one of the industry’s most intense performers.
Finally, it was time for the birthday girl, Charlotte De Witte, to take the helm at the Bridge stage. By that point, the stage had reached capacity and was operating a one-in-one-out policy, yet the energy from the audience was palpable. Charlotte closed out the stage with a mesmerizing set, celebrating her special day in style.
Throughout the day, the festival’s production by LWE was impeccable, ensuring a seamless experience for the attendees. Everything ran smoothly, and the dedication of the organizers was evident in every detail. It’s safe to say that Junction 2 was a resounding success and well worth the wait.
And just a few days later, LWE shared the exciting news with six massive events announced at the new 15,000 capacity Drumsheds venue. Pre-sale tickets for all events will be released on Wednesday, August 2nd, for those who register.