The UK festival season has officially kicked off, and it's all about dance and electronic music! As the sun shines over Sunderland's Herrington Country Park, BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend is set to get people moving with a focus on the dancefloor. This year, the festival is using all its stages to host a 'huge dance party', marking a significant shift in focus towards electronic music.
One of the highlights of the opening day is the performance of Australian producer Fisher, known for his carefree and fun energy. Fisher's set is sure to get the crowd moving with his adrenaline-filled banger, 'Losing It', which earned him a Grammy nomination in 2019. His catalogue also includes hit remixes of Gotye's 'Somebody That I Used to Know' and Bob Sinclar's 'World, Hold On'.
Another notable performance is by American producer MK, who has become a defining force in electronic dance music over the last three decades. MK's set will feature his dance-pop collaboration, 'Dior', with Bolton-born Chrystal, which became a viral hit last year and secured him his first UK single. His style blends deep house and techno, influenced by UK bands like Depeche Mode, New Order, and The Cure.
The festival's focus on dance and electronic music is not just a trend but a renaissance. In recent years, the genre has seen a resurgence with artists like Fred Again, Sammy Virji, Charli XCX, SOPHIE, and PinkPantheress revitalizing hyperpop. Clementine Douglas, who performed on the Main Stage earlier, noted the genre's emergence from the underground and its growing mainstream appeal.
However, the festival's emphasis on dance and electronic music is not without its challenges. The ground at Herrington Country Park is muddy due to recent rain, and attendees are prepared with sturdy footwear, including cowboy boots. The weather forecast, however, is promising, with sunny skies and warm temperatures expected throughout the weekend.
As the festival continues, fans can expect more live collaborations and sets from Radio 1's best disc jockeys, including Danny Howard and Jaguar. The main stage will feature performances by MK and Fisher, and the night will be capped off by dance legend Fatboy Slim. With around 100,000 fans expected to attend, this year's Big Weekend is set to be a memorable celebration of dance and electronic music.
In my opinion, the festival's focus on dance and electronic music is a refreshing change from the typical pop and rock lineups. It's exciting to see the genre's resurgence and its growing mainstream appeal. However, I can't help but wonder if the festival's emphasis on dance and electronic music might overshadow other genres, leaving some fans feeling left out. Nevertheless, the festival promises to be a fun and vibrant celebration of music, and I can't wait to see what surprises are in store!
