I was desperate to book myself a beach holiday this year, and also set on going to a house music festival, so when I saw Hideout Festival advertised the decision was easy.
A mixture of beautiful scenery, crystal clear waters combined with a huge 3-day festival, hosting some of the biggest names in the electronic music world – perfect. So I excitedly bought myself a ticket. Many obviously felt the same as Hideout had its fastest selling year to date and is now sold out.
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Moving away from the usual weekend event, the Festival will now begin on Wednesday 3rd – Friday 5th July in Croatia’s Island of Pag.
Croatia is slowly becoming the next big thing in terms of a clubbing destination for electronic music lovers, possibly taking over from Ibiza. Many are taking flight from the Spanish Island just to attend the festival. Let’s face it, every major DJ is going to be in Croatia between the 3rd-5th of July.
Hideout is held on the beautiful Zcré Beach and its adjacent clubs. There is a huge line up comprising of electronic acts Marco Carola, Julio Bashmore, Seth Troxler, Soul Clap, Eats Everything – just to name a few, and Chase & Status, Skream & Benga for the Drum & Bass and Dubstep fans.
With daily boat and pool parties the action really doesn’t stop. However, don’t be fooled into thinking that these parties are included in the ticket price like I did, because they are not.
There are 16 boat parties in total all with a different host and DJ playing. Forget the festival, I’m looking forward to the boat parties most! Dancing to some of the best house music in the world, whilst watching the sun go down, all from a boat in the middle of the ocean… Paradise!
The boat parties have often been referred to as a highlight of the festival by many so be sure to book at least one. I know I will certainly be getting tickets for the ‘Crosstown Rebels’ boat hosting to Damian Lazarus and the ‘20:20 Vision’ boat with Maya Jane Coles on board. (Tickets due for release March 1st). I was worried I would have to pick between the boat parties and the beach, but fear not! The boats get back no later than 9pm, just in time for the evening’s proceedings, so you wont miss a thing! The boat parties are host to an intimate crowd with no more than 300 people on board.
Accommodation can be as simple as bringing your own tent (£12 per person per night), or you can get the ‘Luxury Bellepads’ (basically tents that are already set up for you upon arrival). And for those of you who prefer not to camp (like myself) and are prepared to pay a bit more, can stay in one of the many surrounding hotels/apartments – that’s if you have any money left over after paying for flights. Bear in mind that flights from London to the festival’s local airport start from £450 return and are not necessarily direct flights. I managed to get myself a bargain as I booked in advance, but for anyone who has not yet made travel arrangements, be prepared that the only flights available will most certainly be to an alternative airport, meaning you will need to get the ferry the rest of the way.
Note: Travel to and from the festival seems to be its downfall.
But at least you know everyone who is at Hideout is there because they really want to be. With Early bird tickets as cheap as £99 for a line up as strong as this, you really cannot complain – you just need to be tactical when planning your travel.
A massive selling point for Brits is the guaranteed sun! Whilst this is a positive, the heat combined with the many party-goers choosing to party for hours on end, could result in people passing out on the ridiculously crammed buses, as they travel from venue to venue. It’s an uncomfortable, sweaty journey that I know I will not be taking too often. My suggestion: GET A TAXI.
All credit given to Hideout though for not giving in to their own success. They have a substantially larger line up compared to previous years but have sold the same amount of tickets to maintain the same vibe. They are not giving in to the commercial aspect of making as much money as possible by selling the maximum amount of tickets.
Lets just hope Hideout’s positive reviews don’t end before they ever truly began. With the festival only in its third year, and an increasing number of Festival-goers attending just to get paralytic, and treat it like a standard Magaluf holiday, the festival may attract people who do not have a genuine interest in the music. The first name to pop into my head is Charlotte from MTV’s ‘Geordie Shore’ announcing recently via Twitter that she would be attending. This has already made a few ticket holders question if Hideout is going to entertain the sort of crowd they want to be amongst….
We will soon find out! Roll on July 3rd 2013.
For more information and tickets see our guide to Hideout Festival.
Watch 2012 highlights
