Report: Feel The Island Breeze Through Bestival Bali 2017!
(9/30) It is a rare opportunity to witness a well arranged and beautifully designed world-class music festival like Bestival in our country. The festival was first founded in Britain from its founders Rob da Bank and his wife, Josie da Bank as well as John and Ziggy. Together, they aimed to make an independent music festival that also spreads love to every of its attendees. The festival has now become a franchise and Bali became the first installment of its kind in Asia. Officially titled Bestival Bali, the festival lasted for two days from 30 September until 1 October 2017 at Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, Uluwatu, Bali. The announcement of the award winning music festival in Bali became a breathe of fresh air to Indonesia’s music enthusiasts who hoped that the festival presents a one of a kind concept that does not only put music concert as the main attraction, but also the whole vibe of dancing, interacting, and experiencing more than music itself. When we first came to see the festivity of Bestival Bali, it was a truly unique sight. Starting from the splendid venue which presented the stages among limestone cliffs at GWK. The tropical theme could not be more suitable to befit the island feel of Bali with its scorching heat in the afternoon and cool breeze at night.
The performers at Bestival Bali successfully took all the audience to dance non-stop till it was over. The sight of people dancing in groups or individually while holding a drink of their choice was so common that we could not help but be swayed to dance as well. ALT-J, Pendulum (DJ SET), Purity Ring, The Cuban Brothers, Kilter, Ras Muhamad, Lady Flic, Phat Phil Cooper, Marc Roberts, Kaiser Waldon, Aldrin, Damian Saint, Dea, Stu Mac, Globetrotter Social Club Pres. , Diskoria & Darker Than Wax, Indra Riggz, Project — IIIDJ’S – Matty Wainwright, Marapu, Dan Wilshire One Love, Chief Rakka & Indo Strictly Blazin, Dave Dorrell, Aray Daulay & The Island Souls ft, Richard D’Gilis, Brother Joe and The Peaceful Warriors, up to Juik Cobra managed to heat up the first night of Bestival Bali. The second day with Rudimental, Colour Castle, Bag Raiders, De La Soul, George Clinton Parliamentary Funkadelic, Curt Reynolds & Sam Blacky, Stars & Rabbit and many more also brought the house down.
These performers were split into three stages that were scattered in some spots in GWK. There was Main Stage which was located in the middle of Lotus Pond, Island Sound Stage which brought chill vibe and Reggae Roots Stage which delighted us with reggae and Jamaican sound all night long. Besides those renown and exciting performers, the festival also had some booths that you could enjoy. Starting from the F&B booth and sophisticated looking bar and merchandise stalls that you would not want to miss. Inside the area there was also lounge with super comfortable beanie bag to enable the audience to enjoy their meal or drinks while staring at the starry night. The cashless transaction made it easy for the visitors to purchase, since you could top up the money using the bracelet that also served as entrance ticket. If there was some money left after the show was over, you could refund it into cash in a separate booth in the festival area. Overall, Bestival Bali was a sight to see with its stimulating visual and it exuded a strong tropical and island breeze which made us relax and chill. The performers also seemed to enjoy their sets and just like George Clinton said on stage, “Let’s chill together Bestival Bali!”, we hope to see another edition of this festival in the future!
Reporter & Pic : Freddy Wally/Editor: Novita Widia
