The two festival heavyweights go head on this weekend in London & Split respectively. The Sherp pits them against each other and breaks down what each has to offer.
With the primary editions of both Ultra & EDC (In Miami & Las Vegas respectively) enjoying massive success, the two mammoth gatherings are set to take place over the same weekend β in their new homes.
As arguably, two of the most popular & attended electronic music festivals in the globe β itβs an absolute no – brainer that both of them are going to deliver top notch standards, in terms of line β up, stages, organization and other features that give each of the festivals itβs unique appeal.
The Experience
Insomniac Events has always been passionate about the experience of their attendees. EDC is its own magical world from the moment you enter. Art is a big interactive part of the festival as they invite you to connect, interact, and discover all of the amazing pieces strategically placed between stages. The dΓ©cor at EDC is like that of a giant amusement park filled with free carnival rides, delightfully decorated stages with signature daisies and theatrics to keep you entertained far beyond the music. This year, fans will get a dose of some of the biggest names in dance music, plus get the chance toΒ experience the worldβs largest 360 degree LED show.
While Ultra Europe is also set inside the massive Poljud Stadium in Split, it does not really match up in terms of the sheer imagination thatβs put into EDC whoseΒ stage designs are very futuristic and technologically spectacular and the Vortex design on main stage at the recently concluded Miami edition was quite a revolution, but Ultra has a more music centric focus and relies heavily on itβs performers to provide the ammunition.
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The People
The Vibe around EDC is heavily contributed by happy festival goers who symbolize the now, widely used EDM lingo β PLUR.Β An overall happy vibe catalyzed by the amazing amount of effort put into art installations gives EDC a vibe which is rarely replicated elsewhere. Festival goers were able Β tie the knot, renew their vows or celebrate friendships in a non-legal ceremony at a wedding chapel for the first time ever in last yearβs edition.
The Ultra Music Festival aura is like an extended club gig, except almost 6 times the size, 6 times the artists. Itβs energetic, loud, and dancing till your feet give in is what is expected of you. We know this is generalization but most of people you come across at Ultra are fall into the hard category of βravers’ who’re just there Β there to experience loud, eclectic, bass heavy music. Β Basically lotβs and lots of teenagers making the most out of their summer break
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The Tickets
A regular EDC UK General Admission Pass is 65 pounds, which is roughly about INR 6500. Β Considering the acts on display and the recent cancellation of Day 2 of the festival, the price seems legit for the sheer experience offered.
You will have to shell out 129 Euros to attend the 3 day extravaganza at Ultra Europe, which is about INR 10,000 β a tad bit inflated, but watching the top DJβs in the world at the largest music festival brand on the globe is a one- time expenditure worth making.
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The Setting
EDC will be staged in the Milton Keynes Bowl, an easily accessible location barely 45 minutes away from London, about an hourβs drive from Birmingham, and 2.5 hours from Manchester. Providing shuttle services for the same is a priority, and in case you want to avoid travelling, there are cheap Camping options available for you outside the main venue as well. But the highlight of the show has to be the enormous 360 degree LED show they’ve lined up for the spectators. From large-scale art installations to full-sized carnival rides, youβll find adventure at every turn. The iconic stadium is popular for holding the most popular concerts in the country, namely β Metallica, The Prodigy and more recently the Swedish House Mafia Farewell concert in July 2012.
The Poljud Stadium in Split is a multi use stadium, located on the northern side of the Split Peninsula. Its impressive seashell-like roof structure, spanning 215 meters, has been copied by a large number of world stadiums in the years that followed. The lighting on the stadium has also been the subject of much acclaim. With a capacity to hold about 62,000 people, the Stadion Poljud will provide the perfect stage for an event the size and scale of Ultra.
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The Line – Up
Avicii, Steve Angello, Steve Aoki, Nicky Romero, Martin Garrix, Showtek, Paul Van Dyk, and Ferry Corsten are just a handful of the artists that will light up the Kinetic Field, Cosmic Meadow, and Circuit Grounds. And with Calvin Harris set to perform on Day 1 due to the cancellation of Day 2 of the festival, if you could package the best there is in EDM out there β EDC has done that.
As the festival continues to expand in both size and stature, the now three-day festival proudly saved their best for last. At the frontline is former Swedish House Mafia one of three Sebastian Ingrosso, alongside house veteran Erick Morillo for Carl Cox & Friends at Ultraβs Worldwide Arena.Β Also included in this fantastic list is DJ Snake, Kill the Noise, Hot Since 82, Vicetone, Nic Fanciulli and more. Β Much more to choose from in terms of genres.
So, if you had to choose between the two, where would you go?Β
(Photo Credits: Ultra Europe Facebook & EDC UK Facebook)