The Garden Festival may have waved it’s final goodbye last year, but this summer it got a suitable replacement – Love International.
First things first, the location is stunning: nestled into a picturesque harbour, The Garden, Tisno, is home to a full summer-long programme of events that keep the town of Tisno busy for weeks. The lost valley of hedonism’s chilled schedule of events means that people dip in and out, relaxing on the beach by day, maybe catching a boat party later on, having an explore around the town and a discona, before hitting offsite club Barbarella’s until early morning.
The festival takes place in a surprisingly compact space in and around the site itself – the main stage being located just down from the reception amongst myriad trees, the beach bar facing the stretching blue carpet of the Adriatic dotted by revellers sat on inflatables, with several other DJ booths being located around the site.
Arriving late afternoon on day two of the Festival, we grabbed a Cocktail and soaked up the atmosphere by the beach bar. Looking around, it was clear that the clientele was predominantly young and British, but in contrast to so many UK events of a similar demographic, the atmosphere is completely friendly – people were chatty, inviting and appreciative of the surroundings. Consequently, what transpires is the festival equivalent of a house party on a summer’s day – relaxed, joyful and celebratory in sublime surroundings.
Musically, Love International has it sussed,with each and every set showcasing a refreshing mix of forward-thinking music, presented over a couple of stages. PBR Streetgang’s disco infused techno set on the Main Stage was nothing short of sublimation, and Midland’s forward-leaning techno and disco at Barbarella’s rounded things off beautifully. Although hazy, the 6AM memories of him dropping 90’s house classics such as Duke – So In Love With You (Full Intention 12″ Mix) are sure to last forever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLFcVZ7ZisQ
But for us, it was the unexpected brilliances that made the line-up stand-out – catching lesser-known DJs churning out brilliant sets to adoring crowds became a normality; in fact, there was no point during the festival when we heard what was playing and thought ‘that’s not for us.’ How often can you say that?
Friday’s Magic Door Boat party provided an alternative setting, and while spending 4 hours on a boat without being able to get in the sea isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, the positive energy, sunsets across the water and perfect soundtrack from the DJ’s was enough to alleviate any concerns. Leading up to the festival we were told the Magic Door boat was one that wasn’t to be missed, and we were so glad we didn’t! Taking it fully in our stride, we joined the packed boat of revellers in donning glitzy headbands and faces full of glitter rejoicing in the sheer musical magic of Maxxi Sounsystem , Jukes of Hazard and Deano Ferrino. It must be something in the sea breeze that makes DJ sets seem ever more eclectic, during our voyage we heard tunes from the likes of Butch, Tom Trago and even a bit of Madge was thrown in as we dropped anchor.
After an incredible time on the boat we quickly rushed over to the Main Stage to catch the last hour of Eats Everything, whose wide-ranging and eclectic set was a soaring masterclass in crescendo. Doing what he always does best, he wowed the crowd with all sorts of house, disco, and techno tunes. Highlights were hard hitting house banger Claptone’s Another Night and one of Eat’s old favourites Mariah Carey – Fantasy (Def Club Mix). Our only criticism was it was over too soon for us…..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eaEwGrdFqo
It wasn’t too much to get down about though as it was swift boat taxi over to Barbarella’s to see a Detroit infused master class from Stuttgart’s own Motor City Drum Ensemble. The course of the night provided beats a-plenty and many hands in the air/ people on shoulders moments. Then it was time to crash…….
When Saturday came it was time to recuperate. The choice of many was to float around the bay on a lilo, sipping carafe’s of cocktail from a long straw. All this to the back drop of Eats Everything, Luke Solomun and Friends laying it down on the beach stage.
As the evening drew closer, the chilled atmosphere was turned up a notch. Midland kicked off proceedings expertly, treating the main stage to plethora of disco classics and foot stomping techno chuggers. His emphatic mixing skills left the crowd wondering ‘Where is he going next?’ – a near impossible act to follow. However, Joy Orbison was the man for the job and was straight in with an equally potent set as he effortlessly pleased the audience. This included chilled grooves such as Mathias Meyer – Infinity and nostalgic garage anthem Azzido Da Bass – Dooms Night. All the while, musical connoisseur Hunee was doing his thing in front of a packed out beach stage, drawing in those landing from the boat parties with disco boogies and house bombs.
Tisno and The Garden subtly seduces you; you tend to dip in and out of the festival on account of a narrative you don’t really decide, it just happens. It was three days of making friends, diverting from real life and losing ourselves in a pretty unique and special environment, with of course a genius musical undercurrent.
It was a sad ending, one we did not want to leave. But, we are already counting down the days until next year!
