Described as the musical equivalent to LSD, it is a fast and intense trance music that aims to elicit a euphoric fugue state from the listener. It originated in Goa in the 1980s, and although it has spread across the globe it remains a relatively niche musical genre. But, for fans of psytrance it’s a way of life.
The Return of the ‘Normal’ Summer?
It’s a way of life that needs community, large scale events and a feeling of euphoric freedom — all things that the COVID-19 pandemic made impossible. Now, for the first time in 2 years, with the world breathing a sigh of relief, it seems that we could be in for a — whisper it — normal summer!
And one of the things that means is festivals!
Our Guide to a Psytrance Festival Season
Festivals are something that the psytrance community are no slouch at, and they are certainly making up for lost time! We’ve listed all of the psytrance festivals coming up in 2022 for your delectation. Whether you’re an old hand or a newbie wanting some fresh experiences post eternal lockdown, we’ve got you covered.
Read on and start planning your summer of psytrance freedom!
Groove and Bass Festival 2022
Canada
29th June to 5th July
This Canadian festival is only in its second year, but it boasts a wide line up of trance DJs from home and abroad. Located in Quebec, there is a large selection of psytrance acts to choose from and they promise ‘your ache for dancing will be remedied’.
Orange Sun Festival 2022
Germany
1st to 3rd July
This German festival takes place on the banks of the Rognitz river, and boasts its own ‘Psycastle’. They encourage you to bring both your dancing shoes and your swimsuit!
Noisily Festival of Music & Arts 2022
UK
7th to 11th July
This festival, which has been away for 3 years, has been counting down the days before it will be ‘…like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the wind of its loyal family driving it forward into a new era. A festival reborn, taking great care to honor its past whilst looking firmly toward a bright and bold future.’
Kosmos Festival 2022
Finland
7th to 10th of July
This festival in dreamy Finland paints itself as the ‘gathering of electronic tribes.’ There is a vast line-up of artists as well as a Solar Temple for creative workshops and lectures, as well as a Healing Area for yoga and breath work sessions and ceremonies.
Shankra Festival 2022
Switzerland
13th-17th of July
This festival, nestled in a Swiss valley beside the Alps, features over 200 acts including a lot of psytrance. The 2023 edition will take place in Sri Lanka.
Antaris Festival 2022
Germany
14th to 18th July
Calling itself the ‘Mother’ of German psytrance festivals, this extravaganza is back after 2 years. Taking place on the oldest airfield in the world it boasts ‘Goa-Psychedelic- Hippie-Trance Symbiosis’ and a 25 year old history.
Boom Festival 2022
Portugal
22nd-29th July
This festival which takes place every 2 years, is one of the biggest and shiniest psytrance festivals, attracting 50,000 visitors. It had to postpone its 25th anniversary edition last year, rescheduling it for this summer. Expect great things from this ‘transformational, multidisciplinary, psychedelic and sustainable festival.’
O.Z.O.R.A Festival 2022
Hungary
1st-7th August
This festival is loved throughout the psytrance community, welcoming 30,000 visitors every year. Situated by the Balaton Uplands National Park it runs entirely on renewable solar energy, and was the first carbon neutral festival in Europe.
MoDem Festival 2022
Croatia
8th-14th August
Another festival celebrating a postponed anniversary, MoDem (or Momento Demento if you’re fancy!) will be 10 this year. This ‘biggest smallest’ psytrance festival welcomes thousands to its week-long event.
VooV Experience 2022
Germany
12th-15th August
VooV is another big one, welcoming 20,000 festival-goers every year. Dubbing itself the ‘Mother of all Goa festivals’ it also has a world renowned laser show for your eyeball’s delight.
ZNA Gathering 2022
Portugal
15th-22nd August
By a beautiful lake in a Portuguese nature reserve this festival promises a retro-futuristic celebration. It is thought to be one the most unique psytrance experiences worldwide.
Indian Spirit Festival 2022
Germany
25th-29th August
Known as the festival that sees out the summer, this festival welcomes 15,000 guests every year. It celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2019.
Sacred Earth Open Air 2022
U.S
1st-5th September
This festival, organized by the ‘Chilluminati’ is in its 17th year. It will ‘take you on a voyage through space, hyperspace and the dreamtime’.
Psy-Fi Festival 2022
Netherlands
14th-18th September
This festival is only in its 8th year but is one of the most renowned psytrance and art festivals around. Psy-Fi’s 2022 ‘Guardians of Gaia’ edition will promote their mission of peace and healing.
Mushroom Valley 2022
Australia
16th-18th September
This family friendly festival has a wide range of international acts and is located near the beautiful O’Connell River.
Organik – Gaian Dream 2022
South Africa
14th-16th October
This festival, situated at the foot of a towering mountain is celebrating its 15th year. Entrance is free if you are over 60!
Is Your Diary Full Up?
So, is your summer diary full up? We hope you’re inspired to make summer 2022 a psychedelic season of love. If you can’t make it to these festivals, why not gather some friends, a bluetooth speaker and have a little party in the park? Add a sprinkle of shrooms and you’ll be in the psytrance vibe in no time.