Having festivals back for an entire summer has been quite the trip. After a year off, followed by a half-season last summer (after the delayed freedom day) it’s been truly electric to be back on London’s patches of grass sipping warm lager and soaking in the atmosphere.
And, while naysayers might hold the view that festival season is now winding down, as October looms, we vehemently disagree. Waterworks Festival is giving you a chance to drink in the last of the September sun (with a kind forecast this weekend, albeit a tad chilly in the evening) and head out for a final dance before it becomes too icy for outdoor events.
A sophomore event, held in west London’s beautiful Gunnersbury Park on September 17, presents a space for festivalgoers to dance to some of the most lauded electronic artists on offer in the capital this summer. Last year marked the debut year for Waterworks, which was first announced in 2019, just before the pandemic.
Waterworks provides a meld of the scene’s most established artists alongside some exciting up-and-coming names in house and techno circles. Yes, many will flock down to see acclaimed acts; from Moxie B2B Bradley Zero to Craig Richards to Calibre to Palms Trax; but earlier sets coming from the likes of Shy One, Manni Dee and Peach are certain to thrill the masses in the buildup. Plus, fans of other genres won’t be left disappointed, with legends of dub Digital Mystikz aka Mala and Coki taking to the Siren stage at the close of the event.
If the 10.30pm closing time hurts your eyes, there’s even several afterparties associated with the festival where you can continue the hip-swinging. E1 and Corsica Studios are your ports of call once the final whistle blows at Waterworks. (Find information about each afterparty via the Waterworks Instagram).
All seven stages are outdoors, though some are undercover, and there are plenty of food and drink vendors on site in case you need to refuel between bouts of dancing. Plus, there’s a reusable cup scheme returning this year, whereby you won’t be charged a levy on the cup if you bring it back for a refill.
Doors to the festival open at midday this Saturday (September 17), and final entry is slated for 4:30pm. View the full lineup, get tickets and find more information about Waterworks here.