On Saturday 10th September we went to The Social Festival, here is what went down..
For a week where the electronic community had come together in the wake of Fabric’s closure, The Social Festival felt like a fitting return to normality for fans and artists alike.
On entering, there was certainly a boutique feel to what was, line up wise, a mammoth festival. The site isn’t large and it makes getting around the various stages pain free.
The Meadow had some early teething issues with entry, but once inside it was well worth the wait. Patrick Topping, who released his early anticipated remix of ‘Dem A Pree‘ this week, and Richy Ahmed played a triumphant B2B set that set the festival alight, even in these early hours. A notable highlight came in the form of 2 Guys On Acid’s – House Music (All Night Long) which saw the sizeable crowd really begin to move.
Away from the vast Warehouse of the Meadow, The Stables offered a different kind of atmosphere as DC-10 regular and Phonox resident Jasper James took to the stage; his blend of techno and house proved a hit with those around us and once again places James amongst one of the best and most sought after artists on the circuit.
Solomon announced his arrival at the Meadow with a booming B2B alongside Adriatique, the sound system within the venue is impressive and fittingly it is the pairs ability to tease the crowd into a frenzy.
Finally, Carl Cox makes his arrival – even after years of playing there is always a sense of anticipation and the unknown. With the repertoire that Cox has he has the ability to add such variety to his sets. And when he does arrive it is monumental, with a heavy set with booming sounds Cox is clearly enjoying himself booming “OH YES, OH YES!” over the PA. The crowd respond almost religiously to every song.
The event finished for us back at The Stables with Bicep, the pair are arguably the most exciting in electronic music currently and this is noted by the sheer size of the crowd that they draw. Their sounds are triumphant and their remix of Higher Level proved a standout moment from an excellent set.
Words By Tom Wiltshire