HomeMusicWe Are FSTVL 2013 review

We Are FSTVL 2013 review

We Are FSTVL is a brand new festival taking place in Essex this weekend. The brand spanking new 15,000 capacity event promised a state of the art production that was never applied to a dance festival in the UK before alongside sets from 70 acts across 10 stages and arenas. Being Essex residents we couldn’t let the most exciting festival event of the year get passed us. So did it live up to our expectations?

Well We Are FSTVL felt like an adventure from the moment we made our way on to the site. With shuttle buses running every 3 minutes festivalgoers had plenty of transport to get them there and the spirits were certainly high with everyone singing and laughing on the way. Once we got to the door the full impact of the 15,000 capacity event hit us with large queues at the box office and festival entrance but that aside and it being the first year running we weren’t phased.

As we entered the site we were impressed with the effort that went into creating a great atmosphere, there were sandy beach arenas, secret arenas, art lasers, other arty installations and if you were VIP you got to enjoy free pampering, hot tubs and exclusive DJ sets.

Music-wise it was a clubber’s paradise, with the main stage alone hosting world class DJs, Sascha Dive, Martinez, Sven Vath and Ricardo Villalobos were the Cocoon Heroes that entertained the biggest crowd and with the sunshine out it was almost too good to miss. Vath hosted a strong set with deep beats and headliner Villalobos added his special exotic touch to his own set.

There was a lot more going on outside the main stage with live acts including Rudimental at the Speaker Box where we spent a lot of time hearing sets by Modestep, Jaguar Skills, Sub Focus and radio presenter MistaJam. Jaguar Skills came with his own stage props, which included a gigantic arcade game and his set that was filled with The Prodigy anthems all accordingly remixed in Skills unmistakable style. Sub Focus also played a set that was enjoyed by the busy tent and drum and bass fans got their money’s worth.

Highlights of the day included some exciting beats from the Defected stage, which was our favourite by far, the fact that the stage was indoors also made a difference in sound, giving the crowd a more powerful experience. We also raved in the Creche and Kigu stage after dark when the beats certainly got more serious.

We Are FSTVL hosted a great event this weekend and undoubtedly anyone who was there will be back next year for more. The line-up was outstanding, the atmosphere was electrifying all we can do now is wait for another year to pass before we get to experience it again.

Head to our Facebook page for all images.

Ricardo Villalobos & Sven Vath Ricardo Villalobos & Sven Vath credits: Marley Beck We Are FSTVL credits: Marley Beck We Are FSTVL credits: Marley Beck We Are FSTVL credits: Marley Beck We Are FSTVL credits: Marley Beck We Are FSTVL credits: Marley Beck We Are FSTVL credits: Marley Beck We Are FSTVL credits: Marley Beck We Are FSTVL credits: Marley Beck We Are FSTVL credits: Marley Beck We Are FSTVL Credits: Marley Beck We Are FSTVL credits: Marley Beck We Are FSTVL credits: Marley Beck

Sarah Bargiela
Sarah Bargiela
Sarah aka Bargi is the Assistant Editor and Music Editor for Entertainment Focus (EF).

Must Read

Advertisement