Like you needed any more reasons to sack off dry January…
Bugged Out Weekender is the antithesis to everything 21st century Januarys are supposed to be: dry, boring, reclusive and sober. If you find yourself in the first month of the year, itching to get out and get on it but everyone else is in the midst of a ‘dry January’, then you need to round up a group of your nearest and dearest and tell them that there is another way. Three hedonistic days in Butlins, Bognor Regis (which if you, like me, never went on kid’s ‘adventure’ holidays, is still an absolute novelty), surrounded by people who are about to become your new family, some of the world’s best DJs and live acts, and an array of activities to take part in on and off the dancefloor. Trust me, you want to be here, there is no other way.
What’s so special about Bugged Out Weekender then? Being the first major party of the year means it sets the bar for everything that comes afterwards. Approaching its fifth year, the weekender has gained the support from party-goers and DJs alike, who all flock back to the event year after year – even after that time it went to Southport… I jest! The weekender has hosted legions of massive names over the years – the likes of Frankie Knuckles, Inner City, The Chemical Brothers, Carl Craig, Sasha and Fatboy Slim have all taken part in the post-Christmas festivities. Every year sees a whole host of massive names fight to take part, many of whom are now basically part of the furniture, all enjoyed through a meaty, Funktion One sound system that is brought along especially – imagine if Butlins actually had a Funktion One all year around…
I digress. This year, BOW welcomes 90s house hero and all-round don, Armand Van Helden to the fold for not one, but TWO massive sets. Teaming up with Jackmaster, Eats Everything and Skream for arguably the biggest back to back Bugged Out has ever seen, as well as putting on a special 90s party jams set, that alone is not worth missing. Couple that a line-up that includes Âme, Erol Alkan, George Fitzgerald, Dusky, Joy Orbison, Paranoid London, Heidi, DJ EZ, Deetron, B.Traits, Lil Silva and more, and you’ll understand why people are sacking off their sobriety to dance around in a holiday park.
So what else? Well, aside from the fact it’s in a Butlins and attracts gargantuan names in house, techno and beyond, there’s never a shortage of things to do. Pool parties (last year saw Fatboy Slim and Mike Skinner take over music duties, with Jackmaster and Bicep on hand this year to make sure it all going swimmingly), secret parties, hidden discos, pub quizzes and Rave Karaoke. Yes, you heard that right, karaoke. Last year also saw Jackmaster’s inaurgural ‘Mad Wi’ It’ crazy golf tournament at 6am which saw James Ford, Artwork and Jack himself fight it out to be king of the clubs, so keep an eye out for surprise activities and competitions released closer to the festival date.
Plus, this year will see The Rhythm Parlour providing hair cuts and styles just for the ravers – these cats were voted one of London’s best pop ups, so I’m excited to see what barnets will be floating about. Plus, there’s all the usual fun and games a Butlins provides – ten pin bowling, arcade games (be careful you don’t get addicted to winning the tickets, just to have them robbed off you by Benton) and those weird little Van Gough photo booths that sketch a picture of you looking your sketchiest. I got one done on a Sunday morning at the 2013 edition and it came out as a big, black, charcoal blob. Quite apt if you ask me.
So to summarise: BOW will provide you with all the fun, games, entertainment, high jinx, music and all round good times that your heart could desire. All you need to do is fall off the wagon with us and indulge in all the glory and excess that January was truly made for. Friendships will be forged, memories shall be made and yes, hangovers will probably nearly finish you off come Monday. It’s all part of the journey.
Get your tickets now: buggedoutweekender.net
Words By: Yasmine Ben-Afia