If you’re looking for the perfect combination of laidback holiday downtime and upbeat party vibes, Noisily Festival is 100% one you should look into. Picture this, you are smack bang in the middle of the UK, focusing on your mind, body, soul and wellness whilst getting down with the groove. Sounds like the perfect balance… right? That’s because it is.
This year for 2024, Nosiliy pulled out all the stops. Since changing location 2 years ago to the fresh landscape of Barkestone Woods, the organisers have definitely got to grips with the inner workings of the forest and festival weather. Noctis Magazine felt like we had entered a fairy woodland and became one with nature and all things hippie.
Upon arrival, we got sucked into the music blasting from the Khappa bus, which, has been told, is always on the move pumping body-grooving tracks. After witnessing a truly remarkable remix of Britney Spears’s iconic single ‘Toxic’ we nestled our way to the front and found a little opening… and if you know how to network then you know we welcomed ourselves into the vibe. After wiggling through the side shutter we could see the decks in front of us, our eyes glistening! Multiple DJs switched and swapped that night as it was the first night of the festival and gave the start of the weekend the perfect lift-off it needed. Before heading to our bell tent to call it a night we made sure to secure the sauna passes and soaked the last droplets of goodness.
Friday morning came around and we had planned our whole weekend’s agenda using the super easy Noisily app, going through and liking anything that tickled our fancy. From massages to meditation to moving to making things, every day at Noisily presented a new experience for us to try out. We quickly gravitated to the Parliament of Funk stage which was dreamy beyond belief with sets from Underground London, Wax Material, Louis Jay and wonder-woman Marcelina. The joy of this stage came from how it was heavily focused on 70s disco vibes by pumping soul-bouncing house music, not to mention the hundred disco balls hanging from the canopy. This year they had a chill-out spot next to the decks, created out of velour moulded in different shapes, which was a special touch.
We bounced around the other stages each bringing a different atmosphere and theme to the party. The Treehouse Stage was DnB heavy and hosted Nu: Tone and MC Ruthless alongside Fred and Ayah Marar who had ravers skanking left right and centre from midday until 4 am. The positioning of the sound systems across all festival stages meant that wherever we were, we still had the same sound quality and room to let loose (which for me as a raver who needs space, is ideal!)Â
On Saturday, we woke up refreshed and invigorated, thanks to the rejuvenating sauna session the night before. The festival’s wellness offerings are not to be missed. From invigorating yoga sessions at dawn to immersive sound baths that soothe the soul, Noisily ensures every raver can find their zen amidst the party. But the cherry on top of it all is that when it became night, that’s really when the magic happens. The woodland becomes magical with light displays, holograms, talking plants and soooo much trippy artwork. Neon colours fill the sky and are projected over the leaves until the early hours at Noisily.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, we made our way to the performance area for an awe-inspiring comedic journey from multiple different acts. Comedians, dancers, acrobats, fire eating and so much more! Festivals aren’t just about the music you know… Sunday came around far too quickly, but Noisily had saved some of its best moments for last. We spent the morning lounging in a hammock haven, swaying gently. The intimacy of the performances at Noisily, lodged among the trees, really created a remarkable sense of connection between the festival and the raver.
We couldn’t help but feel a mix of exhaustion and euphoria. Noisily Festival 2024 exceeded all expectations, offering an eclectic mix of music, wellness, and immersive art that touched the soul. It’s a rare UK festival gem that strikes the perfect balance between hedonistic revelry, mindful retreat and a good dance. For those seeking an unforgettable experience that nurtures both the body and the spirit, Noisily is the festival to be at. Until next year, we’ll be dreaming of those magical woods and the vibrant community that made it all so special.
We already can’t wait for next year and you can get ahead of the game and grab tickets here.
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Words: Izabel Rose
Photography: Christophe Reynoden and Nick Caro