Going Back To My Roots

Three years after first hearing about this magical place of incessant sunshine, funky beats, and all round goodtimes a ticket was bought, flight purchased, and accommodation found for 2011's instalment of Croatia's The Garden Festival.

Situated on the tip of a peninsula, shaded amongst crowd-weathered pines is a rehabilitated 60's hotel, which was at one time a series of pools and sunbathing terraces and is now dotted with beds and cocktail bars. A Terrace 'stage' juts out towards the sea, it's wooden floorboards withstanding a constant pumping bass and the appreciative stomping of a 2000 strong clientèle over the course of a week. The main stage hosts live funk and disco bands from the afternoon until dj's step in to keep the mood strong throughout the night til the early hours when party moves inside the discotheque Barbarella's in order to keep the peace with the locals who live in the surrounding fishing village of Petrcane.

The intimate atmosphere cannot be praised enough as, in light of growing UK festivals, the friendly, live feel of outdoor, 3-7 day long music events is what makes them so special. I am nevertheless looking forward to returning with glee to Glastonbury come 2013, but this summer has convinced me that Croatia can have my 2012, my body, mind & soul. Take them tan them, infuse them with glorious music, relax them and send them home happy. Again.