This year’s Gottwood promises to be more ambitious than ever

IT is festival season – and whether you are looking to take a break from hot city streets and dance in the countryside, or fancy catching a Tube home after a day of revellery – the options are wide.

For lovers of electronic music, the go-to event this summer must be Gottwood, which includes Camden Town DJ Call Super on the bill.

Based in a wood in north Wales, this is its 15th year and takes place next weekend – and the three-day party has grown from being a small gathering via word of mouth to the stand-out dance music event of the summer.

To mark its 15th year, Gottwood has been granted a 24-hour licence for several of its eye-catching stages. Founder Tom Carpenter told Review: “This means we can be more ambitious with our programming – and bring together a mix of established names, our underground favourites and plenty of emerging DJs from across the electronic music scene.”

Alongside Call Super, Jane Fitz is another DJ dance music lovers are raving about. Having honed her craft since the 1990s, Fitz’s hypnotic sets blend a mixture of house, techno, acid and ambient in a way that has made her a heroine of the underground house and techno scene. She plays on June 11, the opening day, as part of Butter Side Up’s takeover of The Curve Stage, alongside Grant Dell, DANCE PROTOCOL and Hamish & Toby.

There is also a strong German cohort running through the bill, as could be expected with any renowned electronic music festival.

Zip, Binh and Voigtmann all arrive with serious reputations in minimal, house, electro and techno, while Move D also adds another heavyweight presence from Germany’s electronic tradition.

Crazy P are also making another appearance at Gottwood this year. Following the tragic death of vocalist Danielle Moore in 2024, their DJ sets have continued to keep dancefloors moving with their uplifting blend of house and disco.

French DJ and producer Sweely is another exciting addition. His vast discography has defined a distinct sound that combines classic French house with acid and electro undertones.

Outside of the music, the festival still offers a space to slow down. With wellness programming, creative areas and access to a nearby beach, the festival makes the most of its beautiful North Wales setting. Fifteen years in, Gottwood has become one of the UK’s most respected independent electronic music festivals, and this year’s edition promises to be special.

• See www.gottwood.co.uk