IT MAY be billed as the UK's premier underground music event, but this year's Eastern Electrics Festival is well and truly out in the open as it returns to the grounds of the historic Hatfield House.
From 11am on Sunday, August 1, a host of more than 50 DJs and 12,000 festival goers will come together for a day celebrating the best house and techno music.
Born in a warehouse seven years ago, Eastern Electrics has rapidly grown in size and reputation and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever with an extra stage added to the event.
Headlining the main stage is Welsh-born house DJ Jamie Jones, who is in the middle of playing a number of dates across Europe, along with east London club scene-stalwart Enzo Siragusa, pioneering Dutch DJ Joris Voorn and many more.
Skreamism will be taking over the Big Top stage, showcasing a line-up featuring dubstep pioneer Skream, award-winning DJ Boddika and top UK house DJ Richy Ahmed.
Over at the Switchyard stage, tINI - one of Germany's most highly acclaimed house and techno artists - has put together a variety of special acts for Eastern Electrics.
London-based label Black Butter Records, which helped to launch the careers of artists including Rudimental and Clean Bandit, makes its debut at the festival with its own stage, topped by Tottenham-born garage legend DJ EZ.
Organisers from popular entertainment night Sink The Pink and XOYO host Gloria's Stage this year, proudly presenting the founding father of house music Lil’ Louis as their first headliner. In 1977, aged just 16, Louis has been a leading light of the Chicago music scene.
Along with a varied line-up of DJs, there are chill-out spaces for the assembled to take a break from dancing and tap into an array of weird and wonderful entertainment in the Electric City - with paint fights to fairground rides to accompany the music. For those who want to crank up the vibe, there is even an after-party at The Forum in Hatfield.
Eastern Electrics Festival, Hatfield House, Hatfield, Sunday, August 1, 11am to 10pm. Details: easternelectrics.com
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