We Are FSTVL

We Are FSTVL (We Are Festival) has grown from humble roots in Upminster into a powerhouse of the UK dance music scene. Launched on an old airfield just outside London – cheekily dubbed the “Airfield of Dreams” – the festival set out to fill a gap for a fully dance-focused, large-scale event in East London/Essex. What began as a local rave quickly grew into an award-winning event that embodies the spirit of UK rave culture and stands among the country’s leading dance festivals.

Origins and Rise

We Are FSTVL’s identity is rooted in its unique location at Damyns Hall Aerodrome in Upminster – a former airfield transformed into a festival playground. This “Airfield of Dreams” comes alive with throngs of fans and the world’s biggest DJs each year. The festival’s first edition snagged a “Best New Festival” award, setting the tone for a tradition of high-energy mayhem and innovation. That early success was just the beginning – in short order We Are FSTVL amassed multiple industry accolades and was soon hailed as “one of London’s biggest dance music festivals, always with a reliably huge line-up of global DJs”. Each year, tens of thousands of revelers flock to We Are FSTVL, drawn by its epic scale and unbeatable atmosphere. What started as a one-day rave has since expanded into a full-weekend extravaganza – yet the core vibe remains the same: an unabashed celebration of electronic beats and unity on the dance floor.

Evolving Stages and Experiences

A key part of We Are FSTVL’s appeal is its constant innovation. Organizers have always pushed the boundaries of stage production, crafting enormous arenas – for example, the airport-themed Terminal stage, a hangar bristling with lasers and pyrotechnics. The festival also brings in top clubbing brands to host stages, so fans can wander between distinct musical realms. One arena might be run by house titans like Defected, while another delivers underground sounds via Solid Grooves or FUSE. Even VIP guests get inventive perks, with exclusive areas and secret sets reserved just for them. Thanks to these dynamic touches, each edition feels like a new adventure while staying true to its roots.

Star-Studded Lineups & Unforgettable Vibes

At its heart, We Are FSTVL is about the music and the atmosphere. Every edition assembles a who’s who of dance music talent. The stages have been graced by legends like Carl Cox and Fatboy Slim, mainstream stars such as Steve Aoki, and underground heroes like Jamie Jones. Genres from house and techno to garage, grime and drum & bass all find a place, ensuring every fan finds the music they love. This diversity – paired with high-octane light shows, confetti blasts, and a truly “up-for-it” crowd – creates an atmosphere of pure euphoria. It is an ever-evolving celebration of electronic music where the party never stops.