Focus On: Garden Festival

Boutique Croatian gathering, Garden Festival, has become a firm fixture on the summer calender of many a cool clubbing cat. Not only is it an intimate coming together of people and music, but it's set in an idyllic location which is worth visiting all in itself. This year, the line-up is as strong as ever with big hitters from house, techno and disco all falling over themselves for a set in paradise. From Seth Troxler's colourful offerings and Jamie Jones's tech-house, via the live clout of 2020 Soundsystem and disco act Crazy P, past the retro funk of Greg Wilson and the deeper 4/4 of Jimpster, and on to The Revenge's disco, there's something for everyone.

Before you rush of to buy your ticket at thegardenfestival.eu, though, find out a little more from the people behind it all...

How when and why did this festival come about, and from who?

Nick and Charlotte Colgan had moved to Zadar with their family in 2004 to open what was Croatia’s first outdoor lounge bar The Garden Zadar. With a stunning location on the ancient city walls overlooking the harbour and great music supplied by many old friends from the UK’s dance music underground, it proved an instant success. Encouraged by the reactions of all who came and fell in love with the region, Nick began looking for a spot to hold a boutique festival, and had soon stumbled across an amazing beachfront site on a pine tree covered peninsula in the nearby village of Petrcane. With the help of old friends Eddie and Gail O’Callaghan who had also recently moved to Dalmatia, they set about renovating the fabulous 70s built venue ready for the first Garden Festival in 2006.

What was the original plan behind it; was that realised and if not how/why did it change?

The original plan was really to bring together all of the various groups of Djs, bands promoters and music lovers from across the UK and Europe that we had been working with over many years in promotion and provide them with an ideal sundrenched setting for a holiday and festival combined. To be honest that remains our basic aim but fortunately reaction among the music community has been so good that we have been able to broaden our horizons and book acts from different genres of music and as far afield as the US and Japan.

Will you limit numbers if needs be in the future to keep it intimate?

The intimate vibe of the festival is very important to us so after 2008 when we really did reach capacity we made the decision to contain the numbers to 2000 per week and spread the festival over two weekends, what we call the Double Whammy. We noticed that most festival goers instead of coming just for the weekend were booking for 7/10 days and were planning a holiday around the festival, so the Double Whammy was really an extension of that .We also get a chance to have a full programme of events midweek with Argonaughty boat parties, Barbarellas Discotheque club nights and beach BBQs so from the moment you get here there are opportunities to relax in the sun or carry on the party.

What makes the festival unique do you think? Why should people come out to the festival?

I think that the range of possibilities open to you is what make the Garden festival unique. During the course of a single day you can relax in the sun, swim in crystal clear waters, experience the famous boat parties, watch world class acts on the main stage and party until dawn in the nightclub. Also the beautiful old village of Petrcane being only minutes from the music stages really becomes part of the festival site. Most people stay in the village and have the option to eat super fresh seafood at the local restaurants so it gives the genuine feeling of a holiday experience with an extraordinary party going on just moments away. Also those staying longer can explore this breathtaking area and are within easy reach of islands, waterfalls and spectacular national parks.



What things do you look for in your acts?

Quality first. We work mainly in the area of the more soulful edge of the dance music underground incorporating all the music we love from Jazz, soul, hip hop and reggae through to the many wonderful facets of house music of the past, present and future. Although some of the acts we book are internationally renowned we don’t feel compelled to just list big names as we aim for a combination of proven artists who have earned the respect and admiration of the music community coupled with cutting edge acts who are extending the boundaries. Where possible all the artists stay for at least three days so they treat the festival as a mini holiday and as we don’t do VIP areas. Guests can always to be found grooving along with the crowd and enjoying the party as much as anyone! In a nutshell Divas and Prima Donnas need not apply!!

What sort of vibe do you aim to achieve at the festival?

Groovy, sun-kissed, intimate, super friendly, inclusive, blissful all with a hint of funky madness.

Can you explain the Double Whammy thing...?

See above, answer 3.

Tell us a bit about the area and what there is to do during mid-week between the weekend events...

There is so much possible in midweek now, for those who want to relax and swim in the sunshine the beach bar will be open everyday with top DJs providing a perfectly chilled musical backdrop, sunset BBQs ,Boat Parties planned throughout the week and club nights for those who want to dance until dawn. If you want to explore you are in easy reach of the Islands ,spectacular waterfalls and breathtaking national parks.

And there are boat parties, right?

Yes the Boat Parties are a bit special. The beautiful old wooden boat The Argonaut sails twice a day during the festival with two hundred revellers on each party. It’s an incredible feeling sailing away from the festival site with waves beneath your feet and the DJs are always loving the chance to go from blessed-out sunshine vibes to a full tilt party on a floating nightclub over 4 action packed hours. It’s become an unmissable highlight and the tickets always move fast so it’s best to book early.

What’s your favourite part of/thing about the Festival?

The thing I love most is the intimacy. At most festivals its difficult enough to find your old friends never mind make new ones, but here you are constantly bumping in to people you met on a boat party or at the front of the stage ,on the dance floor in the club or even in the sea.

Any tips for travelling out to the festival and Croatia?

BOOK EARLY!!! You wont be disappointed.