Noisily Festival 2023 has come and gone like a glorious supernova, leaving us in a state of euphoric disarray. Nestled amidst the lush Leicestershire countryside at Barkestone Wood, this year’s edition was a triumphant explosion of mind-bending trance, cutting-edge shopping, wellness, and unforgettable experiences that set souls on fire.
Broke Magazine rocked up to the glowing gates at Noisily for an unexpected weekend of total ego euphoria. We knew in our hearts the music and vibes would be on point but gosh… we were just at the starting line. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Noisily transformed into a vibrant mini village and quickly we nestled into our fabulous bell tent, sorted out our selection of outfits and made our way towards the rainbow-coloured horizon, settling in for what would be into an idyllic weekend.
We wandered into the vast forest space exploring the hippy marketplaces, food vendors from heaven and an eclectic array of stalls. From psychedelic clothing that danced with kaleidoscopic energy to mystical trinkets that whispered ancient secrets, the shops alone were a feast for the senses. Revellers immersed themselves in the vibrant energy, dressing themselves in the wildest attire to truly embrace the festival’s essence.
Delving into the festival’s array of music, we discovered genre boundaries were shattered as an eclectic mix of electronic music shook the forest to its core. From the raw energy of techno to the ethereal melodies of progressive trance, Noisily Festival 2023 was a melting pot of sonic experimentation.
The festival is synonymous with transcendent sounds, and this year, Noisily pushed the boundaries of sonic enchantment. Across multiple stages, trance music enthusiasts surrendered to the relentless beats that reverberated through the night, while our feet didn’t stop grooving. The meticulously designed stage layouts ensured an intimate connection between the audience and pulsating music, allowing a collective euphoria to sweep through the crowd like a tsunami of sound.
The Noisily Stage was the largest and showcased the most thought-out design, which catered for the music and the music only. The enchanting sounds of Calessi & Sarah Kreis also graced this stage, stirring the crowd with their infectious blend of house and garage. Meanwhile, deep house maestro Bedouin took us on a hypnotic journey through the depths of sound, captivating us with every beat. The Noisily stage also saw artists Gregor Tresher, Nanoplex, Joris Voorn, Petar Dundov and many many others mix wonders.
Our favourite musical section from the weekend was Parliment of Funk, and it is exactly how it sounds… Funky! We boogied [under disco balls] to a mixture of upbeat artists like Marcelina Wick, a London-based DJ and party organiser – a set that was very close to our hearts.
The likes of Perfect Stranger and Goldie mesmerized the crowd, transforming the forest into a dark, mysterious realm where time ceased to exist. Legends like Dr Trippy and Cubex unleashed psychedelic soundscapes that sent shockwaves through our souls. The energy on the dancefloor was palpable as festival-goers surrendered to the infectious grooves, losing themselves in a sea of pulsating basslines and euphoric melodies.
For us, it wasn’t just the headliners who stole the show. Rising stars like Slothboogie and Dreems left their mark, delivering sets that pushed boundaries and defied expectations. Their fearless approach to music ignited the crowd, leaving us in awe of their talent and artistic vision.
But, Noisily wasn’t just about the music; it was a multidimensional playground where art, technology, and spirituality collided. The Visionary Art Gallery transported us to realms unseen, showcasing awe-inspiring works that seemed to breathe a life of their own. Interactive installations like the Psychedelic Forest allowed us to step into a kaleidoscopic wonderland, blurring the boundaries between reality and fantasy. One of our favourite moments was interacting with Natural Symphony – a collective that unleashes the sounds of nature, and we witnessed the trees DJing… something we are keen to see from more festivals.
Stepping outside of the musical magic of Noisily, away from the stages you’ll discover hidden nooks of wonderment within the woods, for those looking to explore their spiritual side, you might spend a night nestled around the ever-roaring campfire. For those looking to reconnect with nature, we suggest a trip to Noisily’s enchanted forest, an intimate space where Natural Symphony – a collective unleashing the sounds of nature – turns trees into DJs through sticky pad technology, translating the sounds of nature into an auditory experience for attendees, if you’re not already sold, the space is filled with colourful LED mushrooms, synced to the sounds of the forest.
Amid the energetic musical chaos, Noisily introduced an unexpected twist—an oasis of calm in the form of festival saunas. Attendees seeking solace from the wild dancefloor indulged in the rejuvenating warmth and relaxation of these mobile saunas – the vibes and happiness were unmatched and we knew this was our weekend’s safe space. It was packed with festival-goers exchanging stories and laughter, the saunas became a melting pot of serenity and connection, leaving revellers refreshed and ready to dive back into the frenzied rhythm.
Noisily Festival descended upon us with a vengeance, catapulting us into a realm where music, expression, and connection collided. With its unrivalled shopping experiences, otherworldly trance music, soothing festival saunas, and infectious energy coming from inside our bell tent, this year’s edition will forever be etched in our hearts as a true revolution of rave.
Noisily Festival dared us to embrace chaos, and in doing so, we found our truest selves amidst the pulsating madness. We are now left with memories etched in our hearts, indelible imprints of a transformative experience. Until next year, Noisily, keep the beat alive, and let the chaos reign supreme!
Photography by Sammy Leigh Scholl and Jake Davis