When I first heard about Moondance festival I wasn’t sure about going to a rave on a Sunday, but I thought I would give it a go anyway. And it was a good choice! Moondance has been run by the “old skool-ers” for over twenty years now and you could easily see that their experience shining through by the great choice of artists selected.
Moondance Festival 2016 (Ariel DaSnapper)
Moondance Festival is organised by Found who have united with some of the UK’s most prestigious, independent promoters to celebrate the pioneers of dance music, showcasing the best in old skool, drum & bass, garage, house, jungle and grime.
This year’s event took place at a new location, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in East London on Sunday 18th September 2016, the festival becoming one of the first electronic music events to be hosted on the site.
Rat Pack at Moondance Festival 2016 (Ariel DaSnapper)
Main stage highlights included a set from US house and garage producer Todd Terry and leading house & techno artist and dance music pioneer Joey Beltram. Further performances included infamous figures of club culture including live sets from Altern8, Angie Brown, DJ Phanatasy with SAS, Channel One, General Levy and Ratpack vs SL2.
Shabba D Moondance Festival 2016 (Ariel DaSnapper)
Of course, there’s more to a music festival than the music (right?) – the food choices were rather basic. You had a choice between Caribbean Jerk Chicken and Asian Noodles. It was also cash-only at the food stands with card payments not an option.
DJ Slipmatt Moondance Festival 2016 (Ariel DaSnapper)
The bars were constantly busy but without the customary huge lines of people waiting to be served which was a welcome relief. Members of staff were working hard, turning punters around very quickly so they didn’t miss significant parts of the shows while waiting to grab a pint or two.
There was another thing which proved very good organisation, the whole Olympic Park was closed off so people didn’t have problems with getting back home with the nearest underground station at Stratford only a fifteen minute walk away.
Skibadee Moondance Festival 2016 (Ariel “DaSnapper” Majtas/Ariel DaSnapper)
Area’s hosted by Epidemic, Roast, Jungle Mania and Promised Land didn’t disappoint either. Sets in these tents included Slipmatt, Billy Daniel Bunter and Congo Natty, alongside Micky Finn. There were also appearances from house legend Marshall Jefferson and British soul star Alison Limerick,
If you still can’t make up your mind and are still thinking if you should pick up tickets for the next Moondance Festival please let me help you to make the right choice … I think you SHOULD!
DJ Phantasy Moondance Festival 2016 (Ariel DaSnapper)
Moondance is one of a kind. If you are call yourself a true raver, you can’t miss the opportunity to see all of these legends sharing stages next year! Bring on 2017!
Stormin MC Moondance Festival 2016 (Ariel DaSnapper)
Words & Photography by Ariel “DaSnapper” Majtas
Ariel has his own great website here: www.arieldasnapper.com
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