Euronews Culture ventured to the picturesque coastal city of Limassol, Cyprus, to explore BEONIX Festival, a newcomer on Europe’s vibrant dance festival landscape. Join us in uncovering whether this event has the potential to become a must-attend occasion for music enthusiasts.
Key Points:
- Last Dance of the Season: BEONIX Festival took place from September 22nd to 24th, offering revelers a final opportunity to bask in the joy of open-air dancing before the arrival of autumn. Situated in Limassol, Cyprus, this festival capitalizes on the region’s unique geographic and cultural blend, making it an ideal setting with consistently balmy temperatures around 32°C.
- Year-on-Year Growth: BEONIX’s inaugural edition in the previous year featured two stages and a star-studded lineup, including renowned DJs such as Carl Cox, Boris Brejcha, Deborah De Luca, Paul Kalkbrenner, Sasha, Sven Väth, John Digweed, and Adriatique. In 2023, the festival evolved by relocating to ETKO, a former winery revamped as an event space, adding another stage to enhance the experience.
- Impressive Main Stage: A standout feature of the new location is the grand Main Stage, meticulously crafted by the festival’s Ukrainian organizers. The stage boasts a massive high-quality screen, showcasing mesmerizing visual displays akin to an IMAX cinema. Additionally, the festival prioritized top-tier audio quality, delivering crystal-clear sound with a rich, well-balanced bass.
- Diverse Stages: BEONIX offered a diverse range of stages, including the Hangar Stage—an air-conditioned indoor space reminiscent of renowned venues like Warehouse Project. After the Main Stage concluded its performances, dance enthusiasts flocked to the Hangar Stage for an electrifying continuation of the festivities. The Organic Stage, shaped like Cyprus itself, served as both a chill-out zone and a platform for showcasing local DJ talent.
- Headline Acts: The festival’s lineup for 2023 featured headliners such as Maceo Plex, Paul Kalkbrenner, and Black Coffee. Opening night dazzled with live sets by Jan Blomqvist and Stephan Bodzin, setting the mood for Maceo Plex’s captivating deep house performance. ANNA’s techno set on the Hangar Stage provided an enthralling sonic journey.
- Setback on Saturday: Saturday brought an unexpected setback as festival-goers were informed that the music schedule, initially planned to run from 7 PM until the early hours, would be limited to 7-12 PM due to administrative orders. Set times were swiftly adjusted, attributing the change in part to challenges in convincing local authorities of BEONIX’s cultural and economic significance for the region.
- Future Prospects: BEONIX, managed by a Ukrainian team, represents a unique addition to Cyprus’ event calendar, aiming to elevate the country’s profile in the world of clubbing and music festivals. Despite online criticism related to scheduling changes, the festival’s spirit remained strong, with remarkable performances throughout the weekend.
- Closing Night Extravaganza: The final night featured artists like JAMIIE, Fiona Kraft, and Black Coffee. The audience was treated to a mesmerizing display of pyrotechnics and a graphic in support of Ukraine. Black Coffee’s euphoric house set culminated in a blissful conclusion to BEONIX 2023.
- A Promising Future: BEONIX’s second edition attracted 5,000 attendees from across the globe, with plans already in motion for the next installment. Cyprus, previously lagging behind its European counterparts in terms of summer festivals, now has BEONIX as a noteworthy contender, promising an exciting future in the dance festival landscape.
BEONIX 2023 impressed with its expanded lineup and captivating performances. Despite minor hiccups, it left attendees eagerly anticipating the next edition, solidifying its status as a rising star in the dance festival scene.
As BEONIX continues to establish itself as a cultural and musical destination in Cyprus, it has the potential to catalyze the growth of the country’s clubbing and festival culture. With its unique location and commitment to delivering exceptional music experiences, BEONIX’s future appears promising, promising a vibrant dance festival scene in Cyprus for years to come.
