Field Maneuvers' Dirty Little Rave Returns for Fifth Magic Summer Send-Off

Last weekend, Field Maneuvers returned for its fifth year, with its most impressive line up to date.

A stones throw from London, in a secret location, 700 festival-goers descended on the FM field for a weekend of mischief, mayhem and music from the Field Maneuvers motley crew of residents and a solid line up, nonchalantly boasting some of the most revered artists in the world.

Field Maneuvers 2017 again was uncompromising with it's offerings, with Midland, Billy Nasty, Ben Sims, Shanti Celeste, Octo Octa, Storm, Ryan Elliott, Nick Höppner, Soichi Terada, Brackles, Nick the Record and more all taking to the tents across the weekend.

Field Maneuvers' Friday afternoon kicked off with Our Mutual Friend and Ears have Eyes on the Main Stage. Sets from Telfort, Matt Pond, Tom Dicicco and more paved the way for late night grooves and plenty mischief across the field. Soichi Terada brought all things weird and wonderful to the tent, enchanting dancers with his high octane live performance and trademark tomfoolery, closing the first night on a real high.

A firm festival fave, the Sputnik was a mesmerizing, ravey heaven with serious selectors spinning everything from garage to trance to techno and back. Standout sets came from Ben Sims, Volvox, Local Group, Mark Archer and Brackles and legendary lady, Storm, who whipped dancers into a laser lit frenzy with a special Blue Note set. The Field Moves tent, curated by Jane Fitz and Jade Seattle, was alluring in all senses. Sadly due to illness, Jane was absent. However, Jade lead the arena like a trooper - props! All dark red hues, incense and thundering techno from Night Moves friends and fam. Backdrop's Dr Joseph and Simon made their FM debut with a raucous set, while closing sets from Ben Boe and Alex Downey stole the Field Moves show. In addition to this, a lucky few explorers struck gold and caught surprise second sets from the likes of Spencer Parker and Miro Sundaymusiq* on the pumping, unannounced stage set up.

Bristol's Rough Draft and woman of the moment, Iona, brought weary revellers back to life during Saturday's outdoors shakedown with infectious energy 'til sundown. Optimo Trax affiliates, Golden Filter performed a stellar live show, before Housework members Shanti Celeste and Golesworthy brought magic to the main stage with a killer back to back session. A real highlight, Midland took revellers through to Sunday morning, closing on an emotional, choral high with the sassiest drag dance troupe to boot. Sunday's rain did nothing to dampen the rave spirit, the ecstatic crowd filled the main tent right through until the wee hours. Returning FM residents and dance floor mavericks, Nick Höppner and Ryan Elliott rounded out the weekend with serious party vibes.

For this outing, Field Maneuvers welcomed over 700 visitors to the four stages offering everything from ambient and electronica, disco and soul to garage, house and techno. The Vegan Pyramid, the Pineapple Tea Shop and Baked in Brick kept hunger at bay and energy levels up with delicious food and exotic drinks offerings.

It's friends and fam at the festival's core, as Field Maneuvers crew host their returning residents and some of the world's most revered selectors alongside local legends and upcoming spinners with pretence free, fun loving spirit to an authentic music loving crowd, year on year. A big thank you, too, to the crew, volunteers and local authorities for a faultless weekend.

Field Maneuvers rounds out the summer season on an all time high. A meeting point for friends old and new with an electric, intimable vibe, the not-for-profit festival is adored by DJ's and dancers alike. With non-stop smiles and dancing rain or shine, it's clear to see why it's everyone's fave dirty little rave.

Thank you Field Maneuvers, see you next year!

Photo Credit: Jake Davis / Mike Massaro

To post a comment, you must register and login.