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DREAM VILLAGE
Never stop dreaming TEXT: ANNA VILLELEGER | PHOTOS: DREAM VILLAGE
‘Be unique and stay unique’; this is the ethos behind dance festival Dream Village. Founded in 2010, this unparalleled event unites sounds from across the dance music spectrum for a musical experience like no other. Organised by Eye4Dance, the team also behind events including Daylight Festival, Ploegendienst and Winterland Breda, Dream Village features ten stages and a line-up of more than 200 artists over three days. There is literally something for everyone: whether your taste ranges from underground to mainstream, hardstyle to hardcore or techno to urban. Expect some big names on the Lipstick stage: this year The Partysquad, Dannic and Broederliefde are just a couple of the headliners. One of the key things that makes Dream Village stand out is its setting. The event moved from its original location in Oosterhout to the current Breda space in 2016, with the entire site being transformed 30 | Issue 41 | May 2017
into a real ‘Dream Village’. ‘Down Town’ is the festival’s beating heart and will this year feature an official pop-up restaurant. There is also the cosy Dream Café, while the Dream Cinema is perfect for chillout time. Gamers will appreciate the Game Hall, while there is even the chance to glam up at the Make Up & Hairdressers shop. Met the love of your life during the festival? The Wedding Chapel awaits! If Dream Village sounds like a perfect weekend of escapism, it is because it has been designed that way. “Dream Village is distinguished by creativity, it is not just about the stages but for the overall experience,” explains Eye4Dance owner Arno van der Star. “The visitor comes from the entrance into the Dream Village atmosphere, a village where you no longer think of the daily routine.” Last year, Dream Village expanded to two days, while this year it will run from 1 - 3 September. As Van der Star explains: the
growth was inevitable. “Our first edition attracted 1,750 visitors. By 2016 that had risen to 18,000 with more and more visitors coming from outside the region and abroad.” The festival may be naturally expanding, but growth has never been the main goal. Of course, the festival’s expansion every year creates new things that will be a great success, but this truly original event will always stay true to its roots. “Be unique and stay unique,” grins Van der Star. For tickets and further information on Dream Village 2017 visit www.dreamvillage.nl