Kowen forest, located just outside Canberra was this years host to the Dragon Dreaming Festival which is held annually over 3 days during the October long weekend.
I have never been to this festival before and my only expectation was that it was going to be fun. I have not been to a ‘forest party’ for many years and I have fond yet rather hazy memories of good forest times past.
As we travelled along the dirt road towards the sounds of music we were like children in a free candy store, pepped up on sugar and ready to explore. We parked our car among the masses and enthusiastically entered the festival grounds. The adventure began by following a trail of brightly coloured rope lights and lanterns which hung majestically amongst the tree tops. These lights led off to 4 different areas that were scatted amongst the forest. The areas included a market place and 3 music stages all of which provided a welcoming, inclusive and visually stimulating atmosphere.
As we explored the forests sculpture garden of totem poles, and took in all the sights and sounds we ate some delicious wood fired pizza. We wandered around with pizza in hand discovering each space one by one. Fire Dragon was the first to be stumbled upon a fully enclosed acoustic and chill out space, where you could listen to anything from chilled beats to live jazz . Air Dragon the next, an electronic dj stage cranking out Psy-Trance with its very own flying dragon hovering above the crowd. Last but by no means least, my personal favourite Earth Dragon aka the Drum & Bass and Dubstep stage.
Each area was as equally interesting and enticing as the next.
There were many sites to enjoy from gnomes to laser beams, even a random wheel chair made it to the party.
Fortunately for me I arrived at the Earth Dragon space right on time to witness Crooked Sound System and MC Harlequin perform. These guys played an absolutely wicked set featuring their own unique and original style of Dubstep which had the crowd entranced and jumping.
Following the Crooked Sounds Crew was Dj Dred who mixed up a smooth batch of fresh Drum & Bass. What can I say apart from mad skills and massive tunes!
Buick and I played a freestyle, old skool, Drum & Bass set which I must say, was extremely fun, funky and very appropriate for the early hours of the morning. After mixing for an hour 1/2 and fighting off sleep deprivation I ran away from the decks to warm my hands by the fire drums and to watch Buick skilfully mix up a delightful selection of my favourite tunes.
Djs Buick and Dred closed off the evening by playing a sublime set of chilled out Dubstep as the sun began to creep up above the trees.
My expectations of this party were totally blow out of the water, fun is an understatement, this event was freaking awesome! It had it all, each area was professionally set up with quality, sound, lighting, Djs, performers, entertainment, and visuals to boot.
As far as I’m aware this was the first time Drum & Bass and Dubstep had been included in the array of musical delights that the festival showcases, it truly added a crucial element to this spectacular evening.
Dragon Dreaming Festival is a well planned and executed event that’s certainly worth a look.
Jay Cee
Great review JC!
driving there was the best. Yummy forrest pizza! starwars tent was cool.
great read.
We have been keen to have DnB and Dubstep at one of our events for a few years now. Seeing that goal finally realised at this years Dragon Dreaming, I have to say our expections where totally realised. You guys rocked that space.
Thank you so much for your efforts.