Billed as bringing city vibes to the forest, the second edition of Into the Valley will take place in an abandoned limestone quarry 280 kilometres northwest of Stockholm. The limestone quarry is no gimmick. An amphitheatre was built in the quarry a year after mining was stopped in order to build what looks like one of the most unique and visually stunning venues for a festival imaginable. The quarry is surrounded by woods, in which you get to camp, which is a really quite wonderful prospect. If you’re not feeling the outdoors vibe, then it is possible to stay in hotels and hostels in a nearby city or town.
While Sweden may be associated with the worst excesses of EDM, the country also has a strong enthusiasm for forward-thinking electronic music. The line-up this year is incredibly strong, with over 50 acts, varying from up and coming Swedish DJs, to some of the world’s largest producers. Big names on the line-up include Ben Klock, Ben UFO, Bicep, Four Tet, George Fitzgerald, Hunee, John Talabot, Joy Orbison, Leon Vincent, Mano Le Tough, Move D, Motor City Drum Assembly, Omar S, Rodhad, which reads like the stuff of dreams – high quality, and varied.
Into the Valley’s valley.
For a British audience, Into the Valley also offers a great introduction to a host of DJs and producers who you would otherwise only find through SoundCloud trawls. DJ Clea will bring good-time vibes, Baba Stiltz lo-fi electronica, Haidl & Lindstrom spaced out disco and house – all just a varied example of the kind of Swedish acts that you will have access to at Into the Valley. Treat this festival as an opportunity for a musical education.
Tickets are now available for £138 from here. A special train runs from Stockholm to the station nearest the festival at the beginning and end of Into the Valley. Camping spots for Into the Valley are £35, and hotels are available from £160.
