Details of the incredible debut from Sunscape Festival are today revealed. Taking place in the beautiful surroundings of the Mediterranean’s most hidden island of Gozo-Malta, the festival promises an all-encompassing immersive experience for music and adventure lovers. From the 3rd-10th September, Sunscape will take over the bays and beaches of the island to welcome a wide variety of international DJs, live acts and artists spanning the creative landscape. Get Physical founders and electronic pioneers M.A.N.D.Y will feature on a line-up that also boasts Crosstown Rebels maestro Guti, Thomas Schumacker, Carlo Lio, South African electronic duo Goldfish, electro duo Pig&Dan and Clockwork & Avatism, bringing their acclaimed live show to the Maltese paradise. In addition to the music offerings, a vast array of activities are on offer to challenge and inspire, from adventure sports such as zip lining, archery and sea kayaking, to starry sky outdoor cinema, interactive art installations and holistic area, making Sunscape one of Europe’s most original and epicurean experiences on the festival calendar.
Set amongst the 17th-century watchtowers and fishing villages of Gozo, voted the 3rd best island in Europe by Trip Advisor, the region is home to some of the most idyllic landscapes and diving spots in the whole of the Mediterranean. Amongst this stunning backdrop Sunscape will fully immerse itself in the local culture of Gozo, whether it’s relaxation or recreation.
THE MUSIC
‘The Headland’, set on its own serene peninsula, will play host to takeovers and showcases from some of electronic music’s leading labels. New York house and techno pioneers ReSolute home to Kiki and Tiefschwarz, will take on hosting duties alongside the colossal Get Physical Music, Arupa, Prime Time, Why So Serious? and local talents Electro Swing Malta.
As founders of ‘Get Physical’, releasing tracks from the likes of Carl Craig, Erol Alkan and Loco Dice, M.A.N.D.Y will demonstrate why they have become one of the biggest names in electronica. The classically trained ‘Clockwork’, who has seen releases on Hot Creations and Life and Death, and Avatism, whose recent debut album ‘Adamant’ continues to receive rave reviews, also join the line-up in a very special collaboration. Both are formidable forces in their own right but together they will set the shores of Gozo alight. Formidable in their genre-defying mix of live instruments, South African electronic music duo Goldfish will perform live and not to be missed.
With a sound that takes inspiration from the synth pop of New Order and Depeche Mode to the energy of acid house and 90’s techno, Berlin’s Thomas Schumacker has become a name on everyone lips having spent over 20 years as a DJ and producer. Add these to a line-up that features household names such as Guti, the pioneer of ’emotional house music’ and the genre-bending Sebo K, alongside electro duo and hugely popular Pig&Dan then you see why Sunscape acts as an epic round-up to summer.
LIFESTYLE & ART
While Sunscape will host an array of boat, beach and after parties amongst the magical surroundings of Gozo, the isle will be the playing field for a celebration of unique performance, art, illusion and cinema, affirming that Sunscape is so much more than your regular festival. The village, in amongst the restaurants, bars and hotel rooftops, will act as the canvas for an immersive and experiential art installation that will be built especially for the event. Collaborative works from local talents and creative thinkers alike will span the paths and walkways of the village, while festival-goers can immerse themselves in the many recreations on offer, from archery, zip lining and kayaking to yoga, Pilates and craft workshops.
HOLISTIC
With a location that could not be any more ambient and atmospheric, Sunscape presents the Holistic Arena. Under the dominance of the Xlendi watchtower, and perched on the very tip of the peninsula, senses will be tantalised by the abundance of therapies, workshops, exhibitions and tastes. Discover and experience new therapies, indulge in the spiritual rituals of yoga, Pilates, crystal healing, Reiki and meditation, or indulge in the sensation of a floatation tank, created in a natural rock pool, and heated by the natural suns rays. The festival promises to keep the heritage and beauty of the sites intact with its active Environmental Policy and “Leave No Trace” philosophy. Sustainable initiatives are in place throughout all aspects of the festival from planning stages to pack down, and will continue to expand through years to come.
ACCOMMODATION
The island of Gozo opens its arms wide for visitors with a range of budgets, and Sunscape offers everything from beachside camping to bay front apartments. Standard, self-pitching and boutique camping options are available, while the village offers a range of authentic Maltese apartments and hotels situated in the midst of the celebrations. For what will be the perfect close to the summer, Sunscape has saved the best festival until last.
Tickets are now available from day tickets from €39 to camping packages from €135 and apartment packages from €300. Sunscape offers one of the best value getaways of the entire festival season in arguably Europe’s most hidden and breathtaking locations.
Official Website: http://sunscapefestival.eu/
FestPop Editorial Staff