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Ticket to Loveland TEXT: FRANK VAN LIESHOUT  |  PHOTOS: LOVELAND FESTIVAL

Set amid the enchanting Sloterplas lake and forest, Amsterdam’s premier festival is sure to bewitch you with a delicious line-up and some deeply felt love. Ever since its inception in 1995, Loveland Festival has been a highlight on the international party calendar. Mixing timeless values with a modern vibe, the festival presents a wide variety of techno, house, minimal and techhouse acts on six stages. “From the very beginning, Loveland has been about sharing our passion for music and to spread the love between people,” says Loveland founder and director Marnix Bal. “Loveland is more than just a catchy name, you see. It encapsulates our philosophy to connect the audience through music and dance.”

ranges from people who’ve been with us from the very start to young dance lovers who are completely new to the festival. They all come to experience great dance music, fantastic sound quality and an infectious vibe of originality, creativity and wonder.” It is a vibe that is in no small measure helped by the enchanting backdrop of the Sloterplas site, with its lake, fields and woods. When they moved here 12 years ago, Marnix and his team knew right away that they had found the perfect spot. “It’s in Amsterdam, it’s easy to reach by car, bike or public transport, and at the same time it feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city,” he

explains. Festival-goers can roam vast stretches of the area’s fields and forest, relax near the waterside, go for a swim or boat around the lake. They can even unleash their inner creative selves and have a go at painting the Loveland logo. “And don’t be surprised to spot some fairies among the trees either,” Marnix smiles. “It’s a magical place, you know!” Loveland is held on 12 August 2017. You can see the full line-up on www.lovelandfestival.com In May, Loveland will be able to announce a unique and exciting new collaboration. Watch the website and social media for more news.

This year’s festival features up-andcoming talents such as Reinier Zonneveld and Ferro, as well as top acts including Adam Beyer, Pan-Pot, Joris Voorn, The Martinez Brothers, Solomun, Tale of Us and more. “It’s a varied line-up which attracts a wide audience,” says Marnix. “It Issue 41  |  May 2017  |  31