The stage - or, rather, stages - are all set for the return of Lost Minds Festival this Saturday with crowds set to pack out Leazes Park for a day-long music showcase.
The dance festival made its debut in Newcastle last year, proving a sell-out success, and now its April 29 comeback - billed as the region's 'ultimate EDM, trance and hardstyle' event - is promising to deliver once again with top headliners due to play across three stages. And among the stars of the show will be the likes of big room house favourites W&W, Dr Peacock and - one of last year's hits - global star Ben Nicky.
Also taking shape on-site ahead of the day have been a festival village, 'X-treme' rides, a zen tent, 'rave-aerobics' and art Installations. Organised by Dance Generation Events, it's now all set to roll and it says: "Lost Minds 2023 will be delivering the magic with an awe-inspiring spectacle of production and SFX."
Read more: Guide to 2023 North East music festivals
For those preparing to join the party, here's a guide to the event with information ranging from opening times to plans for the official after-party.
When and where
Lost Minds Festival will play out in Leazes Park in Newcastle all day this Saturday, April 29.
Line-up
Headliners include W&W - Dutch DJs and record producers Willem van Hanegem Jr. and Wardt van der Harst - plus Dr Peacock, who will be making a rare UK performance, and Ben Nicky who was a hit at the sell-out first festival. Also back from last year will be global star Ben Nicky.
There will be plenty going on throughout the day on all three stages with other names to note including Act of Rage; Bryan Kearney; Shugz and Christina Novelli. See the line-up breakdown below.
Main stage - Ben Nicky, W&W, Sub Zero Project, Third Party, Juicy M, Maddix, Olly James
Trance Pavilion - Ally & Fila, Bryan Kearney, Mauro Picotto, Billy Gillies, Christina Novelli, Shugz, Daxson
Hard Top - Dr Peacock & Da Mouth of Madness, Sickmode, Act of Rage, David Rust, DJ The Prophet, Mish, Vertile, Alex Kidd, hosted by Techno T
Support DJs - D-Willz, Healey, Joey G, Lee Follon, Mark Roma, Paul Clark, Reklus, Tephra
Opening times
The festival will open at 1pm and will run 11pm, with last entry being at 7pm. Set times won't be released online until the day but festival-goers will be able to buy a lanyard for £6 which will include the set times as well as the likes of a site map.
Note: entry to the festival will be from Richardson Road. The entrance from Barrack Road will be closed.
Tickets
By Thursday afternoon there was still some ticket availability with remaining standard options available for £49 (£55.37 including booking fee) which give access to all the main stages: see here. Any tickets left will be available to buy on the day from the site box office but they're cheaper online.
Afterparty at World HQ
The official after-party takes place at this popular club in Carliol Square, with acts including Audiofreq, Billy Gillies and Olly James. There are, says the festival, a 'last few tickets left'. They cost £14.50 (£16.39 with booking fee): see here.
Drink prices
The festival says bar prices will be 'similar to the local clubs' - ranging from £2 for soft drinks to £7 for a spirit and mixer. Options on offer are beer, cider, processco, vodka, gin, whisky, tequila and Jagerbombs plus soft drinks and energy drinks.
Banned items
Festival-goers can't take along their own food or drink but there will be plenty options to buy these on-site. Other things to avoid taking along - besides the obvious such as weapons, sharp objects and drugs - include pets, cameras other than compact cameras, chairs and umbrellas. For the full banned list see here.
Any more useful tips to know?
Unlike last year, the on-site bars, food vendors and stalls will accept both cash and card. Festival-goers are told to expect a search upon arrival. Facilities will include disabled toilets and anyone in a wheelchair or on crutches should emaill tickets@dancegenevents.co.uk in good time for help with queues.
People will not be able to leave the site and return. Anyone wanting to charge their phones can do so at an on-site 'Go Hangors' van. For full information about the festival see its website here.
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