Just a few days ago, Junction 2 hosted over 30,000 ravers in Boston Manor Park on Friday and Saturday. The festival debuted three sparkling new stages this year, including the Grid, Quad, and our favourite… the Blackout stage. The whole weekend was a wonderland of groove, and Broke Magazine delves deep into exactly what went down.
Upon entrance, we were hit with a multitude of directions, pulling us deeper into the mesmerizing realms of each stage. But, oh boy, nothing could prepare us for The Grid’s mind-blowing display of revolutionary technology, raising the bar to dizzying heights with its groundbreaking lighting, sound, and production. Renowned performances took us on a rollercoaster ride as we celebrated acts like Underworld, Adam Beyer / Cirez D, Mall Grab B2B Skin On Skin, Mathame, Max Cooper, and KAS:ST. The Grid’s overhead lighting structures reached out to the very back of the ecstatic crowd, ensuring that every raver present was completely immersed in a sensory wonderland of pulsating beats and jaw-dropping visuals. This was next-level stuff, and it left us buzzing with excitement throughout the entire event.
The awe-inspiring stage called The Quad was a sight to behold, defined by four towering production structures that set the perfect scene for a weekend like no other. FUSE and Phonica Records, two of London’s most respected music partners, took center stage, showcasing their immense talent and passion for music throughout the entire event. Stepping into The Quad was like entering a time machine that seamlessly bridged the past, present, and future of the iconic London music scene.
It was a true testament to the everlasting impact and significance of these remarkable partners in the underground music world. We were treated to mind-blowing performances from legends like Dixon, Daphni B2B Hunee, and Dan Shake. But the excitement didn’t stop there! The FUSE camp had us eagerly anticipating the epic B2B sets, featuring the dynamic duo of Enzo Siragusa B2B Dyed Soundorom and the incredible Margaret Dygas B2B Sonja Moonear.
Blackout was a stage that pushed the boundaries of daylight festivals, offering an entrancing rave experience like no other. This mind-blowing space took us on a journey to an alternate realm, surrounded by intelligent lighting and a colossal sound system. The stage delivered a musical journey that left us electrified. We witnessed the electrifying B2B set of DJ Stingray 313 and Objekt, alongside the unrelenting energy of Dax J, FJAAK, Kettama, Sama’ Abdulhadi, and I. JORDAN.
Everyone knows Junction 2 for The Bridge stage, and it once again brought unparalleled party experiences to ravers. This iconic stage, known as one of the UK’s most impressive festival spaces, attracted a star-studded lineup of top-tier artists that left the crowd in awe. The beats were pulsating as Detroit techno pioneer Jeff Mills made his debut at Boston Manor Park, delivering an electrifying set that sent shockwaves through the dancefloor. The stage was graced by the unstoppable force of techno, Charlotte de Witte, the enigmatic Nina Kraviz, and the much-anticipated UK B2B debut of Ben UFO and Helena Hauff, setting the atmosphere on fire. Astra Club’s very own Carlita went B2B with the legendary DJ Tennis, adding their unique touch to The Bridge and elevating the energy to new heights.
Saving the best for last, we have the legendary Woods stage at Junction 2, and boy, did it live up to its reputation! Renowned for its unparalleled sound quality, the Woods stage took ravers on an enchanting journey like no other, leaving them with unforgettable memories. The air was filled with electrifying beats from top-tier artists like Midland, Or:la, and CC:DISCO!, who knew just how to ignite the dancefloor. The Hessle Audio Trio, Batu, Ehua, and Miami’s very own Nick León and Bitter Babe added their unique flair to the mix, creating an experience that was simply out of this world.
This year’s edition was an absolute triumph, proving once again that Junction 2 knows how to throw a party like no other. Keep your eyes peeled for next year’s lineup, as it’s bound to be even bigger and better!
Photography by DaisyDenham, Jake Davis, RobJones and Sienna Gray.