Friday’s Festival Guide special has a shufty at certified heavyweight rave-camp EXIT. In its 15th year, the Serbian fiesta was handed the double-positive “Best Major Festival” gong at the European Festival Awards – an odd touch of glamour to the world of hedonistic endeavours and shit-splattered Porta Loos.
Carl Cox vs. Friends has just been added to the festival format as EXIT look to ramp up their teamsheet to play in the unparalleled atmosphere of the Dance Arena at Petrovaradin Fortress – a dry moat set deep in the grounds surrounding the 17th century landmark, on the banks of the river Danube. Easily the most spectacular sunrise on the festival map, as night becomes day and the true scale of the house and tech pit is revealed. The lineup features a series of back-to back sets from a tantalising cast, most appealing being Ben Klock vs. Marcel Dettmann.
Carl Cox took part in the first round of b2bs at EXIT in 2009 when he tag-teamed with Green Velvet. Unable to contain himself, Coxy recently blurted: “Cannot wait to get back and do it all over again. It was truly amazing the last time around.” The acid house veteran, techno generalé, original rave-cadet Cox partners one of New York’s finest in Danny Tenaglia.
Berghain to Belgrade, then a quick ride to Novi Sad – top gun techno-lords Ben Klock and Marcel Dettmann go back-to-back to bring a slice of Berlin to the party with slightly more bitesize samples of their legendary, marathon sets. The good times keep rolling as Eats Everything spews out sounds from deep in the belly of the underground, up against Panorama Bar resident Cassy AKA Catherine Britton. Dusky vs. Paul Woolford and Jackmaster & Oneman Present – Can U Dance round up an otherwise mainstream set of acts so far. But it’s still early days with the list of confirmed DJs to no doubt balloon in the coming weeks.
From our experience EXIT festival is as hot as they come with searing heat way over 40°. The atmosphere in the metaphorical sense is all peace and love, though some of the locals look pretty serious. Best advice if camping is get there early as shaded spots get gobbled up and the spiny trees offer little protection from the midday sun. In fact, if your tent isn’t covered you’re best steering clear of it altogether or risk waking up shrivelled like a raisin and having to peel yourself from the lining to flake out in the dirt. Get there too late and also face the horror of a five minute walk to a shower through the valley of death.
All that said there’s life on the campsite, a bar, music and good vibes and it’s not far from the ‘beach’. The festival is definitely worthy of its reputation. Hard to think of a better camping festival and the whole thing is usually pulled off with aplomb, especially considering the scale and location, it really is unique and an all-round bucket-lister. Another major selling point is Serbia being cheap as shit with a pack of 20 lung-bleeders and a litre bottle of local ‘pivo’ Lav for little over a quid. Bureks also recommended.
The festival takes place from the 10th July to the 13, Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad. Tickets start at £95 and for an extra tenner can get yourself a wristband for the Sea Dance Festival which kicks off on the 15th at “one of the most beautiful beaches on the Adriatic,” Jaz Beach. Nice. If you’re thinking of going though, look into the travel packages they offer which include ticket, transfers and accommodation for the modest price of £115.
As usual we’ve hand-picked a fine selection of sets from the EXIT lineup, including the original Carl Cox vs. Green Velvet set from EXIT ’09 and a six-hour, sledgehammer mix from Ben Klock and Marcel Dettmann b2b in Rotterdam. Perfect for next time you fancy a road trip to Aberdeen.
[iframe class=”minilogs-player” type=”text/html” width=”500″ height=”600″ src=”//minilogs.com/e/tjtaxa8?bar=FFFF00″ frameborder=”0″]
