In anticipation of its 10th anniversary, Liquicity Festival 2024 is set to deliver an unforgettable weekend of drum & bass music. This festival has grown exponentially over the years, carving out a unique niche within the electronic music scene. If you’re plotting your journey to Liquicity and seeking comprehensive tips for an unparalleled festival adventure, you’ve landed in the perfect spot! Here, we’ll provide all the essential insights and recommendations to maximise your festival experience.
When is the next Liquicity Festival? 19 – 21 July 2024
What can you expect to hear at Liquicity Festival? A high-energy, soulful mix of drum & bass music, featuring both legends of the genre and fresh, upcoming talents.
Where? Geestmerambacht, The Netherlands – a picturesque outdoor setting that complements the festival’s vibrant beats with natural beauty.
What’s the local currency? Euro
What’s the local language? Dutch, but rest assured, English is widely spoken and understood, making your experience seamless and enjoyable.
Armed with this guide, you’re all set to plan an epic adventure at Liquicity Festival, where the drum & bass community comes alive amidst the scenic landscapes of The Netherlands.
- Liquicity, initially a drum & bass record label, has expanded to host several events throughout the year, culminating in its annual festival celebrating a decade of rhythm in 2024.
- A cornerstone of the drum & bass community, Liquicity is celebrated for fostering a strong sense of unity among its attendees since its early days.
- Beyond the festival, Liquicity is a key player in the drum & bass scene, organising events across Europe to unite fans throughout the year.
- The festival is lauded for its picturesque settings and immersive experience, blending natural beauty with dynamic drum & bass rhythms and interactive activities.
- Attracting global fans, Liquicity Festival has become a pivotal gathering for drum & bass lovers, known for its welcoming vibe and unforgettable musical moments.
Ready to immerse yourself in the drum & bass paradise that is Liquicity Festival? Here’s your guide to finding the perfect ticket:
- Weekend Ticket: Festival & Campsite – Dive into the full Liquicity experience! This ticket grants you complete access to both the festival and the campsite, ensuring you don’t miss a beat of the action from Friday to Sunday.
- Friday Ticket: Festival & Campsite – Kick off your weekend early with access to Friday’s lineup. This ticket includes both festival entry and campsite access, perfect for those starting their Liquicity journey on day one.
- Saturday Ticket: Festival & Campsite – Join the festivities with a Saturday ticket. This option also includes campsite access, allowing you to enjoy a day packed with quality drum & bass and a night under the stars.
- Sunday Ticket: Festival & Campsite – Wrap up your weekend on a high note. Sunday tickets offer the same festival and campsite access, ensuring you’re part of the closing celebrations.
- Thursday Campsite Access – Get a head start on your festival experience with early access to the campsite from Thursday at 15:00. Note: This option comes with no program but sets you up nicely for the weekend ahead.
For those interested in camping options and making the most out of their festival stay, be sure to check out the next section called ‘Accommodation’.
Liquicity Festival is all about creating unforgettable memories in a community-driven atmosphere. Choose the ticket that best suits your adventure and prepare for a weekend filled with the finest drum & bass music!
Set in the idyllic “Geestmerambacht,” just 40km north of Amsterdam, Liquicity Festival 2024 promises an escape into the heart of Dutch landscapes. Here’s how you can navigate your way to this drum & bass utopia.
GETTING TO AMSTERDAM
If you’re coming from overseas to attend Liquicity Festival you can refer to my Guide to Travelling to Amsterdam. There you’ll find information on how to reach Amsterdam by plane, train, and coach.
BY SHUTTLE BUS
From Alkmaar Station: Opt for the hassle-free shuttle bus service to the festival. A return ticket costs €10.99, providing a round trip from Alkmaar Station to the festival site and back. Shuttle buses run continuously on all festival days, with the schedule to be announced prior to the festival.
Traveling to Alkmaar Station:
- From Schiphol Airport: Catch a train to Zaandam station, then transfer to a train to Alkmaar Station. The journey totals about 45 minutes.
- From Eindhoven Airport: Take a bus to Station Eindhoven, then hop on a train to Alkmaar Station. Expect the trip to last around 120 minutes.
- From Amsterdam Central Station: A direct train to Alkmaar Station takes about 35 minutes. Check http://www.ns.nl/en/journeyplanner/ for timetables and routes.
BY BIKE
Living nearby? Ride your bike to the festival and make use of the free bike parking available.
BY CAR
Drive to the festival and secure your parking with a pre-purchased ticket for €24.99, valid from Friday to Monday. Early arrivals on Thursday require the Thursday campsite access ticket but still need a valid parking ticket.
Address for GPS: Festivalweg 1, Oudkarspel. Follow signs to the parking fields, where you can unload before being directed to your spot.
CARPOOL
Share your journey by signing up for carpooling through the Liquicity website or find travel buddies in the Liquicity Festival 2024 Facebook group.
CAMPERVAN
Specific details for campervan parking will be provided closer to the event date.
BY ‘KISS & RIDE’
Conveniently drop off or pick up festival-goers at the designated Kiss & Ride area located in front of the parking entrance next to P1.
With these transport options, getting to Liquicity Festival 2024 is easy, allowing you to focus on the anticipation of the drum & bass adventures that await.
CAMPING/ON-SITE ACCOMMODATION
Liquicity Festival offers a variety of on-site accommodation options to ensure every festival-goer finds their perfect fit, combining convenience with comfort. With the campsite located right next to the festival site, you’re never more than a few steps away from the action.
- Bring Your Own Tent: Your festival ticket grants access to the campsite, allowing you to pitch your tent and enjoy the full weekend. The campsite is a stone’s throw away from the festival entrance, offering a hassle-free experience.
- Thursday Campsite Access: For those eager to start early, an extra Thursday Camping Ticket allows access from Thursday afternoon, providing a head start to the festivities without any scheduled program.
- Group Options: Friends Zone: Reserved for groups wanting to camp together. Each 36m2 field accommodates a minimum of 6 people, ensuring you and your friends can create a communal basecamp.
- Campervan: Embrace the festival vibes from the comfort of your own wheels. Stay tuned for ticket release to secure your spot.
- Rental Tents and Luxury Accommodations: Liquicity Festival offers a range of pre-arranged accommodations to suit various tastes and budgets, ensuring your stay is as enjoyable as the music.
- LiquiciTent (1-2 people): This quick-setup, Liquicity-branded pop-up tent is perfect for those who want to avoid the hassle of bringing and setting up their own tent. Available in both pick-up and pre-pitched options, it features a black-out layer for those morning lie-ins and an extra compartment for storing belongings. The pick-up option allows you to set up anywhere following crew instructions, while the pre-pitched tents await your arrival at Camping Field.
- Festipi (2-3 people): Dive into the festival spirit with a cozy, tipi-styled tent designed for two. Your Festipi comes fully equipped with sleeping mats, sleeping bags, pillows, and a lantern, providing everything you need for a comfortable and snug festival experience. Note that Festipi tents are pre-pitched and located in a designated area, ready for your arrival.
- Queen (2-4 people) & Boss (6 people): For groups or those seeking a touch more luxury, these spacious canvas tents offer comfortable airbeds, blankets, and lighting, creating a homely festival base. The Queen tent fits up to four people, while the Boss tent is perfect for larger groups of six, offering ample space to relax and recharge.
- Elvis Luxury (4 people) & Who Luxury (2 people): These premium options provide the utmost comfort with cabin-styled tents that include beds, mattresses, duvets, pillows, linen sheets, chairs, a lamp, and a doormat. Designed for those who don’t want to compromise on comfort, these tents ensure a luxurious stay at the heart of the festival.
Facilities and Practical Tips:
- Showers & Toilets: The campsite is equipped with flush toilets and hot showers available 24/7 for a fee of one token.
- Safety: Certain items like glass bottles, candles, torches, fireworks, and open fires are prohibited on the campsite.
- Pre-Arranged Tents: Pre-arranged accommodations can’t be moved to different locations except for the “pick-up” version of the Liquicitent.
- Tent Setup: Don’t set up your tent wherever you feel like, follow instructions given by the campsite staff.
- Onsite shop: it was impressively well-stocked, offering everything from ice and snacks to bedding, ensuring that if you ever forgot anything, they had you covered.
STAGES & SITEMAP
Liquicity Festival offers a celestial three-stage setup that seamlessly blends the festival’s beloved space and galaxy theme with the vibrant spirit of drum & bass. Each stage, distinct in its ambiance and design, ensured a diverse and immersive experience.
- The Galaxy Stage: This principal stage, a large high-top tent equipped with an array of lasers, served as the festival’s epicenter. With seating available at the back, it provided both an electrifying front-row experience and a relaxed viewing area, embodying the essence of Liquicity’s vast musical universe.
- The Solar Stage: Smaller and more intimate, the Solar stage featured a circular tent design centered around a sparkling glitter ball. The reflective surface of the ball amplified the laser show, creating an intimate cosmic dance floor that engaged attendees in an almost hypnotic state.
- The Lunar Stage: Tailored for the heavier sounds of drum & bass, the Lunar stage offered a unique, enclosed space with a lower ceiling, resembling a cosmic greenhouse. Enhanced with large fans for comfort and wooden paneling for an improved dance experience, it was the go-to spot for fans of deep bass and intense rhythms.
Beyond these main stages, Liquicity Festival also hides a number of smaller stages across the site, each waiting to be discovered and offering its own unique vibe and musical explorations. It’s part of the beauty of Liquicity; you need to roam and wander to find these hidden gems, making every encounter a treasure in itself.
Across the Festival Grounds: Despite the grandeur of its stages, navigating Liquicity was effortless, with each stage positioned just a short walk from the others. The festival grounds were replete with comfortable seating options like deckchairs and hammocks, alongside shaded areas that became sought-after retreats during the day’s peak heat.
Spanning three exhilarating days, Liquicity Festival showcased the dynamic world of drum and bass across three main stages, some smaller stages, plus a bonus stage for those looking to extend their musical journey into the night. For those not ready to call it a night, some DJs kept the vibes going at the silent disco, offering a more intimate continuation of the day’s festivities. The festival, known for its affiliation with the Liquicity label, offered a broad spectrum of the genre.
The lineup boasted a mix of drum and bass royalty, including powerhouse acts like Pendulum, Dimension, and Andy C, ensuring the energy levels were sky-high throughout the festival. The stages also hosted a variety of sets, featuring both genre-defining classics and innovative new sounds.
This eclectic mix ensured that, no matter your preference within drum and bass, there was always a set that felt tailor-made for you. It left many festival-goers, myself included, with the delightful dilemma of which artist to experience next.
The variety and caliber of MCs throughout the festival also deserve a nod, with special mention to Innate who, alongside Blooom, brought an electric energy to the stage.
Liquicity Festival, through its diverse lineup and impeccable sound, solidified its place as a pilgrimage site for drum and bass enthusiasts, embodying the spirit and evolution of the genre and its community.
Liquicity didn’t just excel in its lineup but also in its sound production. The audio quality was impeccable across all stages, striking a perfect balance between being engulfed in music and still being able to chat with friends. As night fell, the sound systems seemed to gain an extra layer of depth, enhancing the spectacle of the performances.
THE ATMOSPHERE
The atmosphere at Liquicity Festival was nothing short of extraordinary, with a welcoming vibe that permeated every corner of the event. It’s worth noting that this inclusive and friendly atmosphere wasn’t a byproduct of substance use — everyone, genuinely, was there for the pure joy of the experience. The camaraderie among campers was remarkable, crossing all national boundaries. Even on mornings that felt like a rough awakening, the spirit remained undiminished, with attendees maintaining a jovial and light-hearted demeanour.
The crowd truly shined bright at Liquicity, creating an environment where politeness and generosity were the norms, not exceptions. The festival felt welcoming and open, making everyone feel right at home.
The energy and enthusiasm for dancing among the Dutch and international attendees were particularly impressive. They brought an infectious vigour to the dance floor, enthusiastically jumping and moving for hours on end.
Adding to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere was the way people dressed up. Festival-goers embraced the spirit of Liquicity by donning colourful and creative outfits, contributing to a site that was as visually engaging as it was musically. The community, just like the festival grounds, was a kaleidoscope of colour, full of life and radiating positivity. This collective enthusiasm and the visually stimulating environment made Liquicity not just a festival, but a celebration of drum & bass culture at its most jubilant and welcoming.
FOOD & DRINK
The culinary landscape at Liquicity Festival catered to every palate, ensuring that even if you’re not inclined to bring and cook your own food, you’re well taken care of. With food stalls peppered both inside and outside the arena, attendees were spoiled for choice with the array of offerings available.
The menu spanned the spectrum of festival favourites, from hearty pasta dishes and juicy burgers to delicate crepes, crispy chips, and savoury wraps. But it wasn’t just about the classics. The festival also ventured into more diverse culinary territories, providing a taste of international flavours with options like Vietnamese cuisine, a testament to the festival’s commitment to variety and quality.
Vegetarians and vegans were not left wanting, as there were ample options catering specifically to these dietary needs. Whether you were in the mood for a quick bite between sets or a more substantial meal to fuel your festival adventures, Liquicity ensured that your cravings were met with delicious, satisfying options.
Beyond its musical offerings, Liquicity was dotted with engaging diversions that added depth to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere. Attendees could lose themselves in gaming zones, which included a fully equipped arcade, offering both classic and modern games for a nostalgic trip or a competitive challenge. The festival grounds were also home to playful ball pits and refreshing swimming pools, providing a perfect escape from the summer heat.
For those seeking a personal touch, Liquicity didn’t disappoint. Face painting stations allowed everyone to add a splash of colour to their festival look, while a makeshift chapel offered the unique opportunity for Liquicity marriages, symbolising the strong bonds formed within the community. Additionally, creative spirits thrived at the ‘Make your own rave stick’ workshops, where festival-goers could craft their personalised dance accessories, adding a glowing personal touch to the night.
As daylight faded, the festival transformed into an intimate gathering space. The end of the night often saw festival-goers congregating around a campfire, basking in the warmth of newfound friendships. This communal spirit, illuminated by the flickering campfire light, truly defined the essence of Liquicity Festival, making it more than just a music event but a haven of fun, creativity, and community spirit.
Attending Liquicity Festival can be a fantastic experience, but it’s essential to plan and budget wisely to make the most of your trip. Here are some tips to help you have an unforgettable time without breaking the bank:
- Book your flights and travel early: As soon as you know when Liquicity Festival is taking place, start searching for the best deals on flights and accommodations. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to find cost-effective options.
- Purchase early bird tickets: Early bird tickets are usually considerably cheaper than the final phase ticket release. Make sure to follow Liquicity Festival on social media and sign up for their mailing list to stay informed about ticket release announcements.
- Stay at the festival: Campsite packages often include your festival ticket and can provide excellent value for money. By staying on-site, you’ll save on the cost of hotels and transportation to and from the festival.
- Carpool or use public transportation: If you’re travelling with friends or meeting people who are also attending the festival, consider carpooling or using public transportation to cut down on individual travel costs.
- Bring your own food and snacks: While the food options at Liquicity Festival are diverse and delicious, bringing your own snacks and meals can help you save money. Just be sure to check the festival’s guidelines on what is allowed.
- Set a daily budget: Determine a daily spending limit for food, drinks, and merchandise. This will help you avoid overspending and ensure you have enough funds to last the entire festival.
- Take advantage of free activities: Liquicity Festival offers many free activities and attractions, so be sure to explore the festival grounds and enjoy these experiences without spending any extra cash.
By planning ahead and being mindful of your spending, you can enjoy all that Liquicity Festival has to offer without breaking the bank. Remember, the memories you make at the festival are priceless, so focus on having a great time and making the most of this incredible experience
Liquicity Festival offers a variety of amenities to enhance your festival experience, ensuring you have a comfortable and enjoyable time. Here are some of the conveniences you can expect:
Lockers – We recommend booking a locker when you purchase your tickets through the festival’s website. Lockers are perfect for storing jackets, extra layers, or any other items you don’t need during the day. You’ll receive a unique locker number and code; be sure to take a photo or screenshot of this information to keep it handy throughout the festival.
Glitter & Braiding – Located on the main festival grounds, you can find a team of professionals ready to help you achieve the perfect rave look. From glitter to braiding, they offer everything you need to get your festival glam on!
Merchandise – you’ll find a merchandise stand selling unique and limited edition Liquicity Festival merchandise on the festival grounds. Be sure to grab a memento to remember your unforgettable time at the festival.
Navigating a festival like Liquicity Festival can be challenging, but with the right tips and advice, you can make the most of your experience. Here are some helpful suggestions for attending Liquicity Festival:
Wheelchair Access: If you require wheelchair access, we recommend contacting the organiser via email to obtain more information and arrange your visit to the festival.
Don’t Forget Your ID and Ticket: Always bring your ID and have a copy of your ticket saved on your phone! You’ll need to show both of these to receive your wristband and gain entry into the festival.
Earplugs: Protect your hearing by wearing earplugs. Long or repeated exposure to loud sounds can cause long-term damage to your eardrums, so don’t risk your hearing, especially with many more festivals to explore.
Stay Hydrated: Liquicity Festival takes place during the summer months, so it’s essential to stay hydrated. Free water refill stations are available throughout the festival grounds, so be sure to top up as needed.
Take Care of Yourself: If you or anyone in your group feels unwell, don’t hesitate to seek help from the paramedics at the medical tent. Your safety and well-being are of utmost importance.
Check the Weather: Keep an eye on the forecast and pack accordingly. Weather can be unpredictable, so it’s best to be prepared for any conditions.
Go Cashless: Liquicity Festival uses a cashless payment system for food, drinks, and other purchases. You’ll need to top up your festival wristband with credit beforehand, which can be done online or at designated locations at the festival.
Zero Tolerance Policy: The festival maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for drugs and illegal substances. Thorough searches are conducted at the entrance, and anyone found with prohibited items will be removed from the festival, with potential police involvement.
Familiarise Yourself with the Schedule and Map: With so many stages and acts, it’s essential to have a plan. Download the Liquicity Festival app, which includes the schedule, map, and other useful information, to help you navigate the festival with ease.
Restitution requests: For attendees with remaining credit on their wristbands, restitution requests can be made after the festival to claim back any unspent funds, ensuring that you’re reimbursed for what you haven’t used.