The New Age: 'Who needs a looking glass when you have a portal?

Words by Ellis Kerwood @ell.icious

Edited by Mia Sakai @miasakai95

Secret Garden Party 2023

Secret Garden Party 2023

Image: Andrew Whitton @andrewwhitton

This year's Secret Garden Party transcended all expectations, seamlessly blending its renowned whimsical charm with a futuristic twist. The festival brought forth a stunning amalgamation of traditional fantasy elements reimagined in a visually breathtaking and immersive landscape. Notably, the festival unleashed an unprecedented ethereal drone spectacle, featuring mesmerising shapes dancing in the sky alongside a colossal space invaders. SGP once again shattered visual boundaries, crafting a transfixing world of pure enhancement for its devoted ‘gardeners’. This year, elaborate costuming celebrating iconic science fiction movies filtered through the festival. Each festival area was more exciting than before, from a traditional English pub transformed into a Sci-Fi haven, to a psychedelic forest featuring erotic dancers and a disco ball suspended amidst the treetops, every corner of the festival held its unique allure. Not to be outdone, one of the stages stood as a magnificent robotic face, a testament to the festival's unwavering dedication to pushing creative boundaries.

Image: Andrew Whitton @andrewwhitton

Image: Andrew Whitton @andrewwhitton

This year's theme, 'A New Hope,' couldn't have been timelier, resonating deeply with current events swirling around alien rumours, rapid technological advancements, and the astounding abilities of artificial intelligence in creating beautiful art and  probably clever enough to write a better review than me. In fact, the theme felt exceptionally topical, intertwining flawlessly with the festival's vibrant tapestry of experiences. Indeed, Secret Garden Party once more captivated its audience, inviting them to step into 'The New Age,' a realm where imagination knows no bounds and the possibilities are as limitless as the stars in the sky.

Aether’s Highlights

While Secret Garden Party offers a visual feast, music serves as an indispensable sustenance to nourish our souls. Amidst the joy of witnessing beloved artists, it is crucial to take a moment and recognise that Secret Garden Party thrives on the spirit of discovery. Venturing into a roster of tiny tucked-away stages, the Aether team embarked on a journey from unorthodox drag shows to immersive 80's electronic nostalgia at 'Venus with a Penis', and further delved into the trippy garage classics concealed within the extravaganza's hidden 'G-Spot'. This exploration aspect sets the festival apart, rewarding attendees for their adventurous spirit in seeking out unexplored art. Beyond the music and performances, Secret Garden Party curates an array of unique workshops, offering attendees transformative experiences. The 'Movement is Medicine' workshop on Sunday ran by Mady Miles exemplified the perfect fusion of meditation and pure dance, expertly rejuvenating and centering the Aether team. Secret Garden Party is not just a spectacle for the eyes but a celebration of discovery and artistic revelation. The festival's array of hidden gems, workshops, and immersive experiences foster an atmosphere where attendees are richly rewarded for embracing the unexplored and embracing the magic of the moment.

Mady Miles @madalena222_ from @movementismedicine.uk, Image: Mia Sakai @miasakai95

Workshop @movementismedicine.uk Image: Mia Sakai @miasakai95

One of the major highlights for the Aether team revolved around the 'Noirganica' stage, a dedicated platform aimed at showcasing the freshest BIPOC talent. This stage pulsated with the finest music and infectious exuberance throughout the festival, drawing in an enthusiastic crowd that danced and revelled in the vibrant and dynamic melodies of Amapiano, Jungle, Dancehall, Hip-Hop  and more. The sight of an entire stage immersed in dance and celebration was a testament to the sheer energy and spirit that emanated every performance.

Furthermore, this year's 'Main Stage' witnessed an awe-inspiring lineup of renowned artists, delivering performances that left a lasting impression. Bathed in sunlight, Lava La Rue graced the stage with an enthralling display of dance and mesmerising, seductive vocals that captivated the audience. On Sunday, De La Soul took the reins, infusing the atmosphere with an electrifying energy that lifted everyone's spirits and set the perfect tone for a day of unabashed boogieing. However, one of the unquestionable highlights of the festival was the legendary Fabio and Grooverider, joined by the full Outlook Orchestra. Their performance was nothing short of masterful, flawlessly blending technical perfection with infectious dance music. As the rain poured down, the entire stage and crowd became electrically charged with a pulsating energy, igniting a collective euphoria as people danced with unbridled enthusiasm.The Main Stage served as a magnificent showcase of unparalleled talent, leaving festival-goers with memories that will reverberate in their hearts for years to come.

Lava La Rue, Image: Eric Aydın Barberini @eric.aydin.barberini

“ Indeed, Secret Garden Party once more captivated its audience, inviting them to step into ‘The New Age,’ a realm where imagination knows no bounds and the possibilities are as limitless as the stars in the sky.”

Fabio and Grooverider accompanied by the Outlook Orchestra, Image: Matt Higgs @matthiggs

Secret Garden Party soared to new heights this year, committing aesthetically to a fantastical theme and went above and beyond by setting a precedent in technological innovation with a breathtaking drone spectacle, proving that they are at the forefront of pushing creative boundaries.The stage design was nothing short of extraordinary, inviting festival-goers to immerse themselves fully in a realm of individual escapism. The call to 'step through the portal' resonated deeply, and those who answered were richly rewarded with a transformative experience like no other. With an eclectic range of musical performances, awe-inspiring visual acts, and top-notch interactive classes, each attendee's journey was a singular tapestry of art and self-discovery. Secret Garden Party fostered an atmosphere where creativity thrived, celebrating the arts and uplifting the talented creatives who breathed life into the festival's magic. Undeniably, Secret Garden Party stands as a rare gem among festivals, where the celebration of art, innovation, and human expression converge to create an unparalleled and unforgettable experience.

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Links: @thesecretgardenparty @aethermagazine www.secretgardenparty.com

Many thanks to the team: @miasakai95 @ell.icious @oceanholder and @rotate.publicity

Watch our highlight video below:

Video & Edit by Ocean Holder @oceanholder

Secret Garden Party, A New Hope: A look through the portal into the Future of Art

Secret Garden Party, A New Hope: 

A look through the portal into the Future of Art 

By Ellis Kerwood @ell.icious

Image by Joshua Atkins, courtesy of Secret Garden Party

In a darkening forest in Huntingdon, the last natural light of the day reflects on sparkling waters. The liquid's surface begins to ripple as a robotic face appears from the depths, heralding the beginning of a weekend of sheer fantasy.  

Varying tents protrude from a clearing, inviting the crowds of partygoers in. Alien lighting distorts the natural shapes of the forest, creating a little slice of wonderland. Once you go through the portal, there is no looking back, but why would you want to anyway? The unmissable Secret Garden Party has returned; and this time, it has better toilets! 

About the festival  

The award-winning festival is back for a four-day party filled with arts, camping and music. Secret Garden Party returned last year and instantly reinstated itself as an unmissable event for out-of-the-box creatives. The festival will commence on 20th July at its usual grounds in Huntingdon. This innovative summer event will feature unique sculptural pieces, parades and performances. 

But what sets Secret Garden Party apart from other festivals I hear you ask? Well it is the largest UK music festival to launch as a social enterprise, with 65% of the profits going to music-based charities that the artist and attendees have picked. It demonstrates a festival dedicated to giving back and helping to nurture the arts, showing an earnest passion for this world. 

Episode XVII: A New Hope 

Secret Garden Party is an award-winning event; and just like all the best events, there is always a creative theme. This year is entitled 'A New Hope', and with a focus on how we can return to the future, they are 'inviting you to dip bits of yourself into a future romantic scape and shoot for the stars.'  

They have curated a team of artists and designers who have worked hard to breathe life and create a sci-fi dystopian world. Having gone so far as to make a variety of intricate alien artefacts, revamped Tuk-Tuks and disguising them as emergency escape pods – they have even created an ethereal 12ft robot that emerges from the centre of the lake – transforming the grounds into a visually astonishing fantasy playground for attendees. 

There is nothing Aether magazine loves more than creating outfits to match a theme, and this year we will be travelling through the portals of the festival to hunt for the most elaborate and impressive outfits. We are excited to see and document the different interpretations as well as see how people have creatively interpreted the brief.    

Aether, as a magazine, is all about uplifting smaller creatives which is why the Secret Garden Party is such an intrinsic festival for us. We inspire and are inspired by art, so as a team we couldn’t be more enthusiastic to see how the festival designers this year have worked to construct this space-themed world, whether from the impressive visual displays to the 'street' artists showcasing their craft.    

Music  

Secret Garden Party is a complete celebration of the arts, and this year they have curated an outstanding roster of music artists for attendees to enjoy. The line-up features big names and a few Aether favourites such as Roisin Murphy, Fat Freddy's Drop, Peaches, Biig Piig, and others performing on the main stage. The line-up is curated so that no matter who you are, there will always be performances that resonate with you.  

It is a festival of discovery, and that does not change when it comes to music, whether that be exploring through the mazes to discover exclusive stages with refreshing talent or making your way to unmissable covert queer parties. Secret Garden Party has always found the most exciting new up-and-coming artists, giving them a stage to display their work. 

Fabio & Grooverider and The Outlook Orchestra are among the most Aether things there – this is a truly legendary collaboration. Fabio & Grooverider are an iconic duo in the jungle and drum and bass scene. They have teamed up with The Outlook Orchestra to create something quite incredible. Having an orchestra perform live jungle, garage and drum and bass tunes is an innovative and genius idea with an even better payoff. Get ready to see the genres redefined by this influential collaboration.  

Moreover, Aether is readying to join the circus as the iconic queer party crew, HE.SHE.THEY are back and presenting their new Circus Maximus. There is no party like a queer party; this collective knows how to throw the best one. With local and international talent, it will be one of our highlights, including magazine favourites such as BBC 6 Music's Jamz Supernova, Chloe Robinson b2b DJ ADHD and SHERELLE and I.  

Aether magazine has been curating a unique world and vision for some time, and there rarely seems to be a real-life escape that reflects the universe we have created. Secret Garden Party perfectly echoes our creative plane; it mixes visual escapism with music and art, making you feel extremely present. The portal to a new hope has opened, and we are not looking back. 

Links

@aethermagazine / Secretgardenparty.com / @thesecretgardenparty 

Image by Andrew Whitton courtesy of Secret Garden Party