Words by Dylan Bryant, Music Editor
After a year off due to the pandemic; Boundary Festival returned on Saturday 25th September for, (as promised) the biggest 2021 party in Brighton and the anticipation for the fifth edition of the one-day festival was palpable.
Stanmer Park was home to multiple stages and high-tech sound systems, lighting displays and an impressive line-up featuring the likes of SHY FX, Wilkinson, Sonny Fodera and Andy C.
With the music heavily based around the House and Drum & Bass genres, I could hear the shaking and reverberations of heavy bass lines and big drum beats as I approached the arena, before becoming part of the predominantly student crowd; who were heading for the various stages.
The first act that I watched was Wilkinson. Having cemented himself as one of the biggest and most successful acts in dance music, with massive hits such as ‘Afterglow’ and with over half a billion streams, this wasn’t a set to be missed and the crowd were full of energy as he made his way through his set of massive club anthems. The mixing and production were flawless, and the atmosphere was electric.
In high spirits, I made my way over to the House Tent for Purple Disco Machine. With his impressive catalogue of feel good club hits such as ‘Hypnotize’ and ‘Fireworks’ the crowd were jumping and dancing about, clearly enjoying being back. Mixing upbeat grooves and poppy bass lines, the reception was incredible. A highlight was when he played a remix of Eurythmics ‘Sweet Dreams’ which the crowd adored and then Earth, Wind & Fire’s iconic song ‘September’. After a long, unrecognisable introduction, the anticipation was high and when the audience finally got it, there were cheers of appreciation filling the tent – take note of the date that festival was taking place.
Contrary to the disappointing weather forecast, the sun came out, which made me one of the smug ones, as I had remembered my sunglasses, which came in handy as I finally queued for a beer – finally because the card machines were faulty earlier in the day.
Beer in hand, sun shining and overall a great festival vibe, it was time for some sing along bangers. Hardy Caprio was the act who provided exactly this. Flying the flag high for Croydon and establishing himself in the Grime, Rap and Garage scene with big hits such as ‘Best Life’, ‘See Nobody’ and ‘Unsigned’, the crowd welcomed his ‘Special Guest’ set.
The energy carried on throughout the remainder of the festival with huge sets spread across the 4 stages, with SHY FX being a personal favourite. Armed with hits such as ‘Gold Dust’ and ‘Roll The Dice’, the crowd were up and jumping throughout his set and a special moment was when he played ‘Call Me,’ which with its slow and soulful introduction, inspired the crowd to light up the tent with their phones which looked pretty special from side stage.
With the festival coming to an end, fans made their way to their choice of either Sonny Fodera or Andy C. A hard decision but nonetheless, a perfect ending to a festival season that just a few months ago, no one was sure was even going to happen.
A massive thank you to Boundary Festival 2021 for an amazing day of music and an immense line up.
Check out ‘The Best of Boundary 2021’ playlist on our new Badger Spotify –
