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The Unforbidden Festival’s first edition was no- thing short of a captivating success, held from September 14th to 15th, 2024, just outside Istan- bul at the verdant Bonus Parkorman. Organized by the visionary team behind Monkey Project, this festival exceeded expectations by blending elec- tronic music, art, and community in an immersi- ve, forested environment. What could have been another new event on the festival circuit instead evolved into a standout experience that engaged attendees with its mindful design, innovative pro- gramming, and an atmosphere that underscored a strong sense of unity and purpose.
From the outset, the scenic location set the tone. Bonus Parkorman’s natural surroundings provided an ideal backdrop that not only distinguished the event from typical urban venues but created an environment where music and nature seamless- ly intertwined. With thoughtfully arranged pa- thways and two stages – the Moonstone Arena and Coral Cove – navigating the grounds was effortless. Every aspect of the layout was desig- ned with accessibility in mind, ensuring minimal congestion and smooth transitions between spa- ces. For attendees, this meant ample freedom to explore, connect, and immerse themselves in the festival’s offerings.
The lineup was notably well-curated for a debut festival, bringing together global headliners and rising talent. Jamie Jones, Honey Dijon, Marco Carola, and Loco Dice brought their characte- ristic styles to the Moonstone Arena, with each artist delivering a powerful set that kept energy levels consistently high. Jamie Jones’ deep, groo- ve-driven performance set a captivating pace, while Honey Dijon’s high-intensity techno-house fusion electrified the crowd, underscoring her re- putation as a formidable force in electronic mu- sic. Meanwhile, at the Coral Cove stage, live acts like Satori created a different atmosphere entire- ly, with emotive, layered soundscapes that offe- red a compelling alternative to the more classic DJ sets.
Despite having only two stages, the organizers achieved a commendable balance between gen- res and energies, giving audiences a sampling of various styles while maintaining a cohesive flow across the event. The back-to-back set between Marco Carola and Loco Dice was a particular hi- ghlight, as the two artists played off one ano- ther’s strengths, creating an organic chemistry that had the crowd fully engaged.
Art and self-expression were integral to Unforbi- dden Festival’s design. Scattered around the ve- nue were installations from renowned local and international artists like artists like Emre Yusu- fi, Artem Martis, Cengiz Yatagan, Beste Alperat, and Seckin
Cebeci.The artwork contributed to an immersive experience, with each piece adding a dimension of creativity and discovery to the fes- tival’s landscape. The thoughtful curation and placement of these pieces encouraged attendees to explore and engage with their surroundings, making the event feel as much a celebration of art as it was of music.
Complementing this focus on art, Unforbidden offered a series of workshops, something not com- monly seen at electronic music festivals. These included mindfulness and movement workshops, which provided attendees with the opportunity to learn, connect, and ground themselves amid the weekend’s festivities. The workshops underscored the organizers’ commitment to holistic experien- ces, engaging both mind and body, and added a layer of meaning to the festival. For many, the- se sessions became a quiet highlight, fostering a sense of community and encouraging introspec- tive moments between sets.
Practical amenities were handled well with faci- lities such as restrooms in abundance, allowing for short wait times even at peak hours. Food and beverage options, while of high quality, did have some areas for improvement. Drink prices were relatively high, with a single shot costing around £13.50, which might have posed a barrier for some attendees. However, with first-phase ticket pri- cing at £89 for the entire weekend, the festival remains one of the more accessible options in ter- ms of entry fees, especially for a debut with such a strong lineup and curated experience.
Unforbidden’s overall atmosphere was inclusive and welcoming, aligning perfectly with the orga- nizers’ mission of fostering unity, freedom, and self-expression. Staff were attentive and approa- chable, enhancing the positive atmosphere and ensuring that every attendee felt at ease throu- ghout the weekend. Language barriers were ma- naged efficiently, and the festival felt genuinely international, attracting a diverse crowd from around the world. This cultural mix contributed to a palpable sense of openness and mutual respect, which set the Unforbidden Festival apart from other events on the electronic circuit.
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