Liz Nicholls reflects on a wondrously sunny and starlit weekend at Stowaway Festival in north Buckinghamshire.
We made it… to Friday, I mean, after a slightly bumpy landing back into the working week. But now, fully recovered (mostly), rehydrated (definitely) and still finding the odd bit of glitter in unexpected places, my fellow Stowaway Festival crew are basking happily in the afterglow of what might just have been the best one yet.
There are so many reasons why this fiercely independent festival has become one of the fastest-growing on the scene. Word has spread through the rave community like a whispered secret: 30-odd years after the heyday of the free-party generation, people still want to dance under the stars… they just appreciate a decent frozen piña collada, non-Trainspotting-esque toilets and somewhere the kids can have a brilliant time, too.
Celebrating its fifth birthday, Stowaway delivered another gloriously eclectic line-up. Friday’s Hospital Records 30th anniversary takeover of the Shake Off stage was an absolute belter, with London Elektricity, Lens, DJ Zinc and Makoto reminding everyone why drum & bass remains one of Britain’s greatest musical exports. Say She She brought sunshine-soaked soul to the main stage, while Saturday’s Calibre and Skream kept the energy soaring before Nightmares on Wax and Kokoroko closed the weekend in sublime style.
One golden example of the festival’s spirit was little Remi, who threw herself into female jungle pioneer Dazee’s Friday night set in the Shake Off tent. Laura, from Bristol, summed it up perfectly: “I really loved the Friday night – the heavy-hitting drum and bass sounds from Dazee were bone-shaking and booty-wiggling!”
The setting remains utterly magical. Ancient woodland transformed into a kaleidoscope of lasers, mirror balls and coloured lights; a beautiful lake where paddleboards drift by day and reflections shimmer by night. Yes, plenty of trees were hugged.
The family vibe isn’t an afterthought here – it’s woven into everything. Nicky Blackmarket’s daytime rave for little ravers was one of the weekend’s happiest sights.
Ten-year-old Ethan, from Milton Keynes, told me: “I have had a great time at Stowaway and I liked Calibre – as well as the skateboarding! So much fun.”
Gemsy, 45, from Berkhamsted, was another first-timer. “This was my first time at Stowaway Festival but definitely not my last! The woods were pure magic, especially at night with the lasers, disco balls and incredible visuals. The sound systems were amazing, the whole festival was so well organised, and the team were incredibly friendly. Such a fun, vibrant festival for all ages. We’ll definitely be back next year with the family.”
Our lucky Round & About competition winner, Tessa from Reading, brought along her teenagers and was equally smitten: “Stowaway Festival was brilliant with a happy, playful, family vibe. We loved the different zones and especially the Listen Here area in the woods. Everyone was chilled out, enjoying each other’s company.
“One of my favourite acts was on the Sunday morning with improvised classical vibes. Not many people were up at that time, but I enjoyed the most relaxing cup of tea on a Sunday morning that I’ve had for a long time. I would recommend Stowaway to have fun and recharge in a great setting.”
Trying to pick favourite moments is impossible. George Michael’s ever-growing woodland shrine once again became a place of joyful pilgrimage, and one of my favourite bits was dancing to camp anthems by him and Madonna at The Jetty, with proprietor Duncan hitting the desks. I lost my voice, but it was worth it.
And can we just take a moment for the practical luxuries? Queue-free showers. Enough room to dance without accidentally elbowing your neighbour into next week. It turns out middle-aged ravers have standards.
Special mention, too, to the wonderfully wholesome cocktail wagon crew, who somehow made campsite espresso martinis feel like an entirely sensible breakfast option.
Stowaway still feels like a festival created by friends rather than accountants. No giant corporate branding. No endless queues. Just brilliant music, happy people, beautiful surroundings and that increasingly rare feeling that everyone is genuinely pleased to be there.
Oi oi… see you next year.
