An explosion for the senses, the latest Beonix competition actually did convey one thing new to Cyprus
Bass beats pulsed loudly by my chest as I made my approach by the crowds pausing for safety to strap a flashing wristband on me earlier than making my approach into the competition grounds. Lights, sound techniques larger than I’d ever seen earlier than, gentle designs, and glossy competition outfits had been throughout; I felt like I’d entered one other world: 9 Planet, as Beonix Pageant describes itself. Leaving Limassol behind, I had stepped into the futuristic, digital music universe the competition created for 3 days.
Beonix was held at Etko vineyard, a large competition with an enormous worldwide really feel to it, with back-to-back DJs taking part in techno, digital music, EDM and extra. I don’t take heed to this kind of music typically however in the fitting setting, I can social gathering to it and I used to be undoubtedly in the fitting place.
Upon getting into, we had been welcomed by the Backyard stage, the fourth and latest of the competition, that includes rising DJs, a lounge space with poufs, a free make-up space and the meals courtroom. To the left was a protracted and festive avenue with bars and barely larger phases on either side taking part in totally different sorts of music, resulting in the most important space of the competition, the Major Stage the place the headliners had been performing later.
Visible results, projections, a viewpoint overlooking Etko, large screens, a efficiency space the place feminine dancers wearing (skimpy) futuristic clothes popped up once in a while, dancing below pink fluorescent lights, a secret bar in a round room serving extra high-end cocktails from bartenders in fits and a ceiling with hanging flowers. There have been sights (and sounds) to absorb in every single place.
The Natural Stage, in entrance of the very photo-worthy lit-up Cyprus island design, had dwell performances mixing singing, dwell looping, DJs and digital sounds, which was a pleasant break from the limitless DJ tunes. This was usually much less crowded and supplied a superb escape when a break was wanted from the crowds.
On day two of the competition the crowds grew because the occasion was bought out. A complete of 25,000 guests got here to benefit from the 50 DJs who had been performing this yr, amongst them Story Of Us, ARTBAT, Fatboy Slim and Miss Monique. From the benefit of the VIP Backstage space, proper subsequent to the DJ sales space on stage, I had the identical view because the DJ however was behind the flashing lights and fireworks taking pictures up from the stage.
In direction of the tip of day one I had even acquired near one of many stars of the present, Fatboy Slim, who was cool and pleasant taking photos with followers within the VIP space earlier than his efficiency. He acquired within the zone in seconds, stepped onto the stage barefoot and was welcomed with a loud cheer. He was undoubtedly the spotlight of day one, and knew entertain the crowds, each these within the enviornment and people surrounding him within the VIP.
On the second night, I actually loved dancing to the sounds of Miss Monique and ARTBAT. Each huge names within the digital music scene (as is Fatboy Slim) and a formidable feat for the competition to e-book them in simply its third version. All of them had been backed by putting visible results and video projections on the large display behind the stage that undoubtedly added to the social gathering expertise.
The gang was undoubtedly worldwide – primarily from Russia, Ukraine, Israel and the UK – and a mixture of all ages. Lots of them flew in specifically for the competition, one thing that would assist improve Cyprus’ late-summer tourism but additionally create a reputation for the island as a hub for digital music.
Outfits had been diverse. Some had been dressed casually in denims, shorts and crop tops. Others had full-on competition apparel, imaginative and horny very similar to the Burning Man trend however until you had been searching for Instagram-worthy pictures, it didn’t actually matter. It was an influencer hotspot with so many eye-catching corners, that many photoshoots had been occurring.
Most individuals although got here for the music and there was loads of it to take pleasure in. It wrapped up at midnight and there was a collection of after-parties each night time at totally different venues round Limassol for many who wished to maintain on dancing.
By the tip of the weekend, a sense of pleasure stayed with me about how various festivals in Cyprus have grow to be. There are conventional festivals in rural villages highlighting Cypriot produce, music festivals celebrating every kind of genres, neighborhood art-focused festivals, others listening to the thoughts, physique and spirit and on this case, huge social gathering weekends with world-class DJs and putting visible results providing an entire competition expertise. The island’s competition scene is actually alive and buzzing and the way thrilling it’s to find that there’s something for each style.
For many who need extra digital music nights, Beonix’s preparations for 2025 are already underway and the competition dates have been booked for September 19-21. Early chook ticket gross sales at the moment are dwell for keen followers and the competition guarantees an much more thrilling line-up and expertise.
