Pukkelpop 2017

[DDave]

17 minutes ago, Disco_Fudge said:

Disco Dave; is your profile pic from a Radio Soulwax mix???

 

Certainly is. The Bowie remix, which is excellent.

[Disco_Fudge]

Good lad! Shall be seeing you the 2manydjs set then!

[DDave]

44 minutes ago, Disco_Fudge said:

Good lad! Shall be seeing you the 2manydjs set then!

Will be there. Massive fan of all that kind of stuff, seen em countless times in different forms. Seeing Soulwax again at Best Kept Secret and the set at Pukkelpop will be ace too. Keep saying it but the dance side of PP is absolutely top notch again.

[Disco_Fudge]

15 minutes ago, DiscothequeDave said:

Will be there. Massive fan of all that kind of stuff, seen em countless times in different forms. Seeing Soulwax again at Best Kept Secret and the set at Pukkelpop will be ace too. Keep saying it but the dance side of PP is absolutely top notch again.

I'm seeing them at Brixton next week. Unhealthily excited!

[Semprini]

Dave, arcuse and others have done a great job of answering your questions Disco_Fudge and I just want to echo what they say - PKP is an amazing festival! I've been going since 2007 and won't even entertain the idea of doing a UK fest instead.

In terms of dance music, it's always been well catered for but the last couple of years have really seen it take a firm hold. They don't class it as a 'dance village' but the area where the 4 specialist tents are (Dance Hall, Boiler Room, Castello and The Booth) has pretty much now become that. The Dance Hall has a mixture of live acts and the odd DJ (I've seen the likes of Justice, Underworld, Groove Armada, Disclosure and Chase and Status in there, as well as DJ sets from Jamie xx, Boyz Noise, Above and Beyond and DJ Fresh) and probably has the most diverse crowd out of them all. A couple of friends I go with every year are quite a bit older (one is over 60) and they only go in the Dance Hall when in that area of the festival. The Boiler has the youngest crowd as that's just DJs from start to finish. They have some great names for my personal tastes (Loco Dice, Joris Voorn and Nina Kraviz one after the other last year was a real treat!) but some of it is pretty dire (Steve Aoki's played a couple of times and they've got Marshmello this year). There's always some decent drum and bass DJs too and the production is usually a highlight of the festival - they really go to town on it!

The Castello is my favourite stage most years as it is a completely enclosed tent that feels the most like a club. The daytime programme can be quite diverse (leftfield is probably the best description!) and it attracts a slighter older and more discerning crowd. The last few years has seen DJs playing from about 9/10pm but they always have some great live acts too (Dusky, TEED, Karenn etc). Some of my favourite DJ sets have been in the Castello (Maya Jane Coles in 2013 and George Fitzgerald last year were definite stand outs) but it does suffer from becoming a sweat box when the weather is good. One fantastic change they made last year was for the Castello to carry on until 4am. It used to only be the Boiler that went past 2am (always with local DJs playing) but last summer they programmed the likes of Seth Troxler and MK late on which meant less clashes. Another new addition last year was the Booth. This was an outdoor stage that focused on Disco, House and Techno which also carried on until 4am. It was the highlight of the festival for me and offered a great alternative when the music in the Boiler was crap and the Dance Hall had finished. Was a mixture of local and up-and-coming international DJs (Hunee and Prosumer were both amazing) and the vibe and atmosphere was superb all weekend. Like the Castello, it attracted a slightly older crowd who were well into the deeper sounds. Dave and I spent quite a bit of time there in the early hours and my favourite set of the whole festival was the very last one from a guy called Kiani and his Legion.

The dance area is buzzing all weekend but it really comes into its own after dark. You'll see a few casualties around (mostly on Weds and Thursday night) but it's not like UK fests where people are lying comatosed in pools of their own vomit. There's plenty of people on various substances but it's highly unlikely you'll be offered any. The Belgians know how to handle their drink and drugs and, like Dave, I've not even seen the slightest hint of trouble in all the years I've been. As much as I love dance music, I always go and watch loads of bands across the other stages and the mix on offer is another reason why I keep going back. It's the best of both worlds really. If you're prepared to do a bit of research before you go then you're guaranteed to discover some amazing bands and artists - the organisers are really good at unearthing new talent.

I can't comment on the other festival you're looking at but I've yet to speak to anyone from this forum or elsewhere who didn't have a great time at PKP. It's a safe bet and I'm sure you won't be disappointed if you decide to come along! My only regret is that it took me so long to find it as I wasted a few years going to V. Another big advantage of PKP is that you'll get some great tips and advice from this forum. There's quite a few locals who regularly contribute as well as a few of us who have been a number of times. It's almost guaranteed that someone will be able to answer pretty much any question you have! We've had a few loose efests meet ups over the years and there's now a decent sized group of us who get together at various points over the weekend. My Mrs only came along the very first year and I love the fact I can go off and watch whatever I like for an hour or two and then meet up later with my friends for bands we all want to see. 

I haven't taken much notice of hotel availability this year (Dave is the man in the know for that!) but I'd be interested to hear which ones you're looking at? They usually sell out really quickly so might be a struggle to get something at this stage.

Edited March 31, 2017 by Semprini

[DDave]

Quite good availability for hotels this year actually. Definitely down to the high prices though. Currently about 600 euros for 4 nights in the Holiday Inn/Radisson etc which is eye watering compared to previous years.

[arcuse]

20 minutes ago, DiscothequeDave said:

Quite good availability for hotels this year actually. Definitely down to the high prices though. Currently about 600 euros for 4 nights in the Holiday Inn/Radisson etc which is eye watering compared to previous years.

Aren't (air)bnb's a better option if you're going to choose to have a bed and some comfort etc? I mean 600 eur is quite the price damn  

[Semprini]

Radisson used to be over 800 euros for the 4 nights. Even at current prices though that's still extortionate. Did look at air bnb last year but they all went quite quickly. Might be the best option now though for someone looking for an affordable roof over their heads.

Been listening to a bit of Peggy Gou and well impressed with her sound. Reckon you'd be into it too Dave, especially as she'll likely play the Booth!

[Stef_P82]

18 hours ago, Disco_Fudge said:

Thanks, but I was half hoping that someone else would pipe up with "thats nonsense, there are loads of older ravers there!"

34 here, been going to PKP since '98 with a bunch of friends. Love the variety of bands and DJ's each year. Everything has been said by other forum members. Come to Pukkelpop, you won't regret it.

Edited April 1, 2017 by Stef_P82

[Stef_P82]

7 minutes ago, Stef_P82 said:

 

Can't seem to delete this post, sorry...

Edited April 1, 2017 by Stef_P82

[DaveRSV4]

19 hours ago, Disco_Fudge said:

Thanks for the reply, all sounds good. Just a bit wary on the age range. Don't want to feel like the Granpa at the festival. Will have to weigh this up

I was 36 when I went to Pukkelpop for the first time and kept on going since then because it is a wonderfull, amazing festival with a big diversity in music styles, lots of artists to discover, great people,.... Will be 42 this year and can see myself still going for several years. Never had remarks, difficulties, ... on pukkelpop or for that matter on any belgian festival. Never feel/felt like grandpa there  BTW: Dave Clarke is 49 and Richie Hawtin will be 48, and they're still raving! 

Edited April 1, 2017 by DaveRSV4

[Disco_Fudge]

Ticket booked.  Along with 5 nights at the Radison Blue

[Semprini]

27 minutes ago, Disco_Fudge said:

Ticket booked.  Along with 5 nights at the Radison Blue

That's fantastic news, you've made a great choice!!! That also goes for the Radisson, it's regarded as the best hotel in Hasselt. Another little bonus with that is you'll very likely bump into some of the bands each morning at breakfast! I used to stay at the Holiday Inn Express and would always see a few of the smaller bands and DJs there - Seasick Steve was probably the most memorable one as he was such a nice guy and really happy to chat. However, the headliners and most of the other big names will stay at the Radisson so you can expect to rub shoulders with them over the weekend.

[DDave]

1 hour ago, Disco_Fudge said:

Ticket booked.  Along with 5 nights at the Radison Blue

You won't regret it. Staying at the best hotel with the best view as well. You can see the festival site from the bar which is on one of the upper floors. We pop in for a brew now and again before the boozing begins.

 

[Semprini]

Just noticed that Kraantje Pappie is now the only act listed for Wednesday. There were definitely two others in the last announcement - one was Kai Wen and he's now on Friday and I think the other might have been Tycho (or maybe Tamino?), who are also now on Friday.

[arcuse]

29 minutes ago, Semprini said:

Just noticed that Kraantje Pappie is now the only act listed for Wednesday. There were definitely two others in the last announcement - one was Kai Wen and he's now on Friday and I think the other might have been Tycho (or maybe Tamino?), who are also now on Friday.

Yup, on the poster 'De Nieuwe Lichting' aka Tamino, Kai Wen & The Lighthouse were on Wednesday. In my opinion I think Wednesday evening is a better spot than Friday at noon but ya ://

edit: I actually don't see The Lighthouse on the site anymore?

Edited April 1, 2017 by arcuse

[Semprini]

If anyone's interested, Rodhad is coming live from Timewarp in about 10 minutes on this link: http://concert.arte.tv/de/time-warp

He's pretty high up on my 'must see' list so looking forward to a preview tonight!

[Semprini]

33 minutes ago, arcuse said:

edit: I actually don't see The Lighthouse on the site anymore?

They're still there, playing Friday.

[Trufflehound]

Just to throw my belated tuppence into the age thing, I've been going to PKP since 1990, back when it was one day, one stage, and in a totally different location to where it is now. This year will be my 15th visit. Never felt old or out of place even if 95% of the people around me are 16-18. Belgian kids of that age group tend to be (for the most part) a bit better behaved when out in public than many of their British counterparts. You will even see a few who aren't drunk...

For what it's worth, this month marks 40 years since my first-ever gig, and next year will be 40 years since my first festival (Knebworth, not that anyone gives a shit).

And I'm not even the oldest one in our group, let alone the oldest at Pukkelpop.

[SilverLining]

On 3/31/2017 at 3:17 PM, Disco_Fudge said:

Thanks for the reply, all sounds good. Just a bit wary on the age range. Don't want to feel like the Granpa at the festival. Will have to weigh this up

Hi mate, I too have been to countless UK Festivals and many other festivals all across Europe. I have to say after going to PKP last year it has been/was probably the best experience I've had at any fest in years. 

I enjoyed myself so much that I pretty much decided that I was going again this year before the line-up had already been released. 

I definitely recommend makes some UK festivals look like they've been organised by a bunch of college students.

[Disco_Fudge]

Just reading on the official website about fest opening times. Has left me somewhat confused...

 

"The ticket desks at the festival entrance open on Wednesday afternoon at 12 noon. You can pick up your festival wristband there when you show your ticket. 

A combi or Thursday wristband gives you access to the festival site from 6pm on.

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday the doors will open at 11am"

I've got a combi ticket. Is there a word missing there after "gives you access to the festival site from 6pm on" i.e. wednesday. or do I not get in till the Thursday? Does that also mean; that unlike UK fests, it runs each day from early evening until early morning?

[DaveRSV4]

46 minutes ago, Disco_Fudge said:

Just reading on the official website about fest opening times. Has left me somewhat confused...

 

"The ticket desks at the festival entrance open on Wednesday afternoon at 12 noon. You can pick up your festival wristband there when you show your ticket. 

A combi or Thursday wristband gives you access to the festival site from 6pm on.

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday the doors will open at 11am"

I've got a combi ticket. Is there a word missing there after "gives you access to the festival site from 6pm on" i.e. wednesday. or do I not get in till the Thursday? Does that also mean; that unlike UK fests, it runs each day from early evening until early morning?

No, it means you can pick up your ticket wednesday from 12 h noon, but the festival starts wednesday from 18.00. Only combi- and thursday-ticketholders are allowed on wednesday. The festival starts around 11h on thursday/friday and saturday and lasts till about 4am. 

[Semprini]

Wednesday is the pre-party but it wasn't until a couple of years ago that they officially included it in the festival dates i.e. 4 day festival. They only ever used to have music in the Boiler Room but you could have a look around the Dance Hall too (the rest of the site is always fenced off). In 2015 they announced a bigger programme for the Boiler, Dance Hall and Castello, starting as DaveRSV4 said at 6pm. The Boiler still had mostly Belgian DJs and the Castello was a mix of local live bands and DJs. The Dance Hall was Radio Soulwax and had a cracking line up - included Tiga, Paranoid London, Altern8 and 2manydjs from what I can remember.

Last year they altered it slightly by ditching the Dance Hall and opening the new Booth stage instead (Boiler and Castello were pretty much the same as previous year). We always head up to the site for an hour or two on Wednesday, mostly to get our wristbands and exchange vouchers for tokens. The atmosphere is always great though and it's a brilliant way to kick off the party. I camped for the first time last year so spent most of the night at the pre-party. Had a great time up by the Booth and hoping it's open again this summer.

[Disco_Fudge]

Cheers guys. I know its not going to happen again, but I'd be absolutely made up if they laid on another Soulwax tent!

[gigi21]

Hello everybody!
New to the forum but I've been reading it a lot. I'm from Italy, I'm 35 and it will be my second time at Pukkelpop this year (always in camping). I love the lineup and I think the average age will be a little bit higher than usual this time, even if it's not a problem to me.