Aberdeen’s biggest electronic music festival Cultivate will return this weekend with immersive sets from homegrown and international talent.
Here’s everything you need to know about the two-day event – from when and where it will take place and who will perform to food and drink and travel options.
What is the Cultivate music festival?
Cultivate is the north-east’s biggest electronic music festival which first took place in 2018 to showcase the best in underground dance music.
True to its name, it seeks to bring together homegrown talent and international artists to foster a sense of community, while delivering a diverse musical experience.
It praises itself for providing a unique opportunity to taste a variety of styles and sets from DJs, artists and musicians who come to the north-east specifically for the event.
Last September, north-east EDM fans were entertained by a star-studded line-up – including Scottish production duo LF System and award-winning DJ Patrick Topping.
When and where will Cultivate take place?
The fifth edition of Cultivate will take over Aberdeen’s esplanade on May 12 and 13.
Gearing up to be the best yet, this year’s festival will bring more than 50 artists, musicians and DJs from across Scotland and beyond.
The city’s esplanade will be transformed into a unique, custom-built venue with five stages across two floors to accommodate the thousands of raving fans.
Who’s going to perform?
Once again, Cultivate has packed its line-up with some of the biggest and best names in electronic, house and techno music.
Friday line-up
As gates open on Friday, attendees won’t miss a second of music goodness, with sets beginning at 3pm on every stage.
TeeTime will kick off the party on the main stage, followed by Matt Guy from 4pm to 6pm and local DJ and production due testpress from 6pm.
DJ Schak will then warm up the crowds from 7.30pm, before headliner and local breakout star Hannah Laing rounds out the festivities from 9pm to 11pm.
Meanwhile, dozens of DJs and artists – such as Polka Dot Disco, Tibasko, DANNSA and Rawfox – will be offering the ultimate music experience across the other four stages.
VIP attendees will also enjoy sets from Home Alone, Dylan McPhee, and Lee Forsyth.
Saturday line-up
Opening an hour earlier, Saturday’s live music extravaganza will begin at 2pm with Tedzx on the main stage, followed by Dominique from 3pm to 4pm.
Crowds will then enjoy sets from TAAHLIAH, Franck and Charlies Sparks to keep everyone on their feet before headliner 999999999 takes over the stage at 9pm.
Saturday’s RARE Terrace line-up includes Voyage, Main Ingredient, All Night Passion, Tais-Toi and Swatt Team.
Yet more action can be found at the Pano stage, with RARE, Massie, Tim Haux, Mily B, Baxter and the VIP line-up of Dylan McPhee, L Plates and Jonny Kennedy.
Manchester-based multi-genre DJ Mix-Stress will wrap up the evening with a bumper set from 8.30pm.
Click here for the full Cultivate festival line-up.
Who’s behind the festival?
Aberdeen’s Cultivate festival is organised by Rory Masson who runs RARE Club at The Tunnels and Scott Forrest who is behind Let It Bleed at Unit 51.
Will food and drink be available?
Aberdam Dutch Fries will be on hand to provide triple cooked chips, loaded with Korean BBQ shredded duck, salt and pepper “dusting” and more as well as burgers.
Vegetarian and vegan options will be available, too.
Three bars and a special VIP service area will also ensure refreshments are available throughout the day.
How do I get to Aberdeen’s Cultivate?
The festival is easily accessible from all locations across Scotland via bus, train or car.
For those wanting to save a bit of cash to spend at the food and drink vendors, FlixBus now offers a route service from Glasgow and Edinburgh to Aberdeen for as little as £2.
Are tickets still available?
Tickets are still available and can be purchased through the Cultivate festival website.
Conversation