We’re not usually ones for the countryside. The Broke team spend most of our days and nights tucked in the underground spaces of London’s tightly packed nightlife scene or festivals confined within the capital, so when the opportunity to attend Gottwood, a three-and-a-half-hour train journey to the arse end of Wales appeared in our inbox… it raised a few eyebrows from our Editors.
Gottwood unveiled its enchanting wonders within the remote woodland of Anglesey, North Wales at the mesmerizing Carreglwyd Estate. We instantly became enchanted by the event, a mystical and extraordinary hidden gem that captivated a fusion of critically acclaimed, independent, and intimate underground dance music.
We talk about the escape of festivals a lot, for a day or two we get to forget the reality of life, wander around a field filled with DJs that get us through a miserable Monday, or hype us up for a long-awaited weekend. But nothing compares to the set up of Gottwood, set around a lilypad-covered lake, the festival’s seven stages and multitude of hosts transport you to another world, a mystical land where fairies wouldn’t feel out of place.
Defining the essence of a truly extraordinary festival is no easy task, but one thing is certain: at Gottwood, every aspect intertwines to create an unforgettable experience.
The awe-inspiring spectacle at the Trigon stage metamorphosed into a mesmerizing sci-fi pyramid, its angular frames ablaze with mystical radiance. The Barn unleashed thunderous beats capable of shattering walls in two. And let us not forget the captivating allure of the Walled Garden, a subterranean sanctuary that beckoned with its wild allure, remaining alive and vibrant well into the moonlit hours.
Gottwood opened the stages and started their event early on Thursday morning. The lineup featured Blissy E, Conducta, Not Bad For A Girl, NIIX and Outhouse sounds at the Gottwood Radio stage. In the forest we marvelled at Talking Drums engage the crowd for an unforgettable weekend ahead. Behind the walls of the Walled Garden we witnessed magical melodies and mystical ambience from spin-masters Pete Melba, Nicolas Duque and Anna Wall. As we wandered over to the barn, Phila, 2 Bad Mice, Remarc among many others blessed our eardrums. The day also saw sets from the Gottwood residents Itchy Rich, Mella Dee, DJ Tennis, Jive Talk and Make A Dance.
Friday picked up the beat and fully formed the festival into a music lovers’ idea of heaven. Headliners Crazy P, RISHI and Malissa performed at Gottwood Radio mainstage – as we sat in the sweltering sun to soak up the rays and sound waves. At the Trigon stage, we saw sets from Ralph Lawson, Evan Baggs, Dr Banana and Danielle while over at the Half Baked stage, The Curve, Sweely mixed boppy blips, as well as Francesco Del Garda who had a cheeky b2b with Raresh.
In our eyes, Saturday was our favourite – we secured some memories to cherish for a lifetime. The Lighthouse stage featured the vibing Saturn Sisters, trippy-guy 101 Acid James, Rossa, Ruf Dog and caught the wonders of Yung Singh. The Curve was hosted by our friends at Picnic Records and they organised sets from Loa Szala, B.Love, Phone Traxxx and FREAKENSTEIN. Earlier in the day over in the Walled Garden, we jumped behind the decks with LaidLaw to see his magic music hands in action. Other acts throughout the stages and day included Ed Steel, CASE, Joe Harvey, Mara, Adam Pits Roza Terenzi, Move D, Zaremba, Outhouse Sounds and soo many others we were amazed by.
By Sunday our bodies ached from 24 hours of non-stop moving but we didn’t succumb – the music was too good to pull ourselves away. We started the day with Channel One Soundsystem for some of their signature Dub and Reggae at the Gottwood Radio stage as we lay next to the fairytale-like lake.
The Ghost and Gene on Earth teamed up to unleash a menacing torrent of acid house and techno in The Walled Garden – as well as Faze and Bowes who performed throughout the day. Groovelicious flavour came from sets by Zak, Mordan, Yant, Sam Watson in the Barn. While over at The Trigon, we were blessed with bops from Hammer, Dan Shake, Pretty Girl and champion of the decks DJ Boring.
Whether you’re an electronic music explorer or a devoted connoisseur this was an auditory adventure like no other, where the eclectic mix of sounds allowed every raver to carve their own path through the captivating experience, finding the perfect harmony to match their mood. At grassy stages, soothing melodies floated through the air, enticing crowds to bask in the golden rays, surrendering themselves to hours of pure bliss. Just a stone’s throw away, a tempestuous storm of industrial techno beckoned, drawing in a throng of wild-hearted, shirtless revellers.
Gottwood, a realm of enchantment, extends far beyond its breathtaking natural surroundings. What truly sets it apart is the welcoming embrace it extends to all who enter. Whether you found your rhythm amidst the swaying crowds or in the intimate corners of the dancefloor, a profound sense of unity pervaded the festival, binding everyone as a vibrant, connected community.
Explore, dance, and revel in the magic that unites us all at this extraordinary gathering.
Photography by Jake Davis