AirBeat One is a giant festival in every possible way. The crowd is massive, the production is massive, the line up is massive. But it wasn’t always this way, as the festival started off relatively small 18 years ago before growing into the behemoth it is today.
The location is a lush large and green open space in Germany’s Neustadt-Glewe that is totally transform with stages as big as you can imagine and surely a no expenses spared approach to production and design: the main structure is a castle straight from Disney, with turrets, towers and a grand faced that explodes with fireworks throughout the festival. It is actually an ode to the Taj Mahal after constantly revolving themes in the past which follow 2017’s ‘Rome’ inspired festival and 2018’s ‘London’ effort.
People come here from all over the world - they are all young and keen, with lots of energy that means the dance floors are never less than full and ever-moving. They are friendly and welcoming and the vibe throughout is nice - you always feel safe despite the sheer scale of it all. There is also lost of great food and dirk to take in, all easily accessible and well laid out. These small basics made AirBeat One that bit more pleasurable.
Musically the sound systems are powerful, with booming bottom ends and crisp highs all heard throughout. The cashless payments system also means things are nice and easy when you need to refuel and you will, cause it is a musical marathon.
Highlights for us include a special set from Seb Ingrosso who drew 70000 people for a special back to back between him and former Swedish House Mafia member Steve Angello. It was a wild moment amongst many, with DJ Mag’s Top 100 fav Matin Garrix blowing us away with a high energy selection and trance gods like Armin van Buuren, Tomorrowland icons Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike and US stars The Chainsmokers and many more all making their mark. Ultimately this is a huge festival that should be experienced once in your life at least, cause there really is nothing else like it.