Since its inaugural event back in 2015, Junction 2 has pushed forward to become synonymous with underground sound and considered a must attend event within the techno calendar. After winning multiple awards and nominations, such as Best UK festival for DJ Mag’s Best of British in 17/18 the brand has never wavered, by continuing to push on with eclectic programming, bold design, a connecting ethos and interesting venues.
With the COVID pandemic causing mass festival cancellation globally, Junction 2 was also affected and were forced to cancel their leading showcase during the brunt of international restrictions. Instead, the forward-thinking brand adapted its approach, with new concepts such as such as Junction 2: Connections which allowed people worldwide to come together virtually for a new style of party.
In August 2021 with restrictions finally easing, J2 were able to pull together a real life event at the revered spiritual home of LWE at Tobacco Dock. Then to round it up nicely, they used one of the best super clubs in the world; Fabric for after party shenanigans.
After what’s felt like an endless wait, J2 is finally back with a bang this month. However, this year’s stint will not take place in their usual stomping ground under a concrete road overpass under the M4 motorway. Initially intended for the Jubilee bank holiday weekend at Boston Manor Park, delays to redevelopment work at the site have resulted in the festival having to relocate for a special one off event.
Now taking place on June 18-19th, the new location of Trent Park will see J2 inject their signature aesthetic on a more black canvas. The North London venue in itself is rather idyllic, with picturesque scenery which will no doubt marry up with Junction 2’s usual mammoth production. With the festival being near Cockfosters tube station on the Piccadilly line, transport to and from the site is easily accessible.
Will Harold, Junction 2’s founder and LWE director spoke about the upcoming festival:
“It has been quite a journey through COVID 19, to come through that and find Boston Manor Park is unavailable to us in 2022 was a real body blow. We are so disappointed as a team, but at the same time we have been feel honoured at the sheer volume of people who have waited patiently to see this epic line up, so the show must go on, and are determined that we will deliver this Festival in true J2 spirit to repay your support and loyalty.
We have worked in Trent park many times before so we know the space, its strengths and crucially that we can achieve great sound. After such a long wait, I’m excited to get back to doing what Junction 2 does best.”
The one off location will also feature a variety of new and interesting stage concepts. Trent Park’s vast space will provide the perfect landing pad for The Arches, The Stealth, The Observatory, The Dome and The Speaker Corner.
The Arches will be used for mostly live production and performance on the Saturday, with the likes of electronics guru Jon Hopkins, Max Cooper, Ben Böhmer, the diverse sounds of George Fitzgerald, Rival Consoles, Ela Minus and Willow & Ceri rounding up things nicely. On Sunday 19th, the soundscape changes with techno titan Maceo Plex, Klockwork boss Ben Klock, Mind Against, Adiel & Anii and Robert Hood playing live.
The Stealth stage on Saturday is also host to a behemoth of talent, with Maceo Plex playing his second set of the weekend, joined by Four Tet, TSHA, Yu Su and Carlota Marques. Sunday then sees this stage taken over by techno mainstay brand Drumcode, who have put together a heavy-hitting billing with head honcho Adam Beyer, starlets Amelie Lens & ANNA, Joel Mull, British duo Dense & Pika and E-Dancer aka Kevin Sanderson.
Love Unlimited set up camp at The Observatory on Saturday with Dixon heading the bill. A fan favourite and unfathomable crate digger, who will have ravers on their toes in hot anticipation, alongside Maribou State’s satisfying and drama-filled productions. This stage definitely traverses the electronic spectrums, with Chaos in the CBD, Eclair Fifi, Esa and upcoming star Effy polishing off Saturday’s eclectic lineup. On the Sunday, things continue to heat up techno queen Nina Kraviz, and the inimitable duo FJAAK leading the proceedings among many more.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The other stages are jam-packed with talented parties, brands, companies and artists. With London’s pinnacle record store; Phonica hosting The Tunnel on Saturday featuring post-dupstep duo Mount Kimbie, Peach & Avalon Emerson as well as Dax J, Blawan and 999999999 playing the same stage on the Sunday. Be sure to check the scheduling for all set time information, as you won’t want to miss anything for J2’s first proper festival for over 2 years.
During the entirety of the two days, an artist led space focused on conversation will be taking place. Dubbed The Speaker’s Corner, a variety of talks will be held discussing music culture. Artist led, this stage will provide a rare insight and opportunity to gain inside knowledge from their creative minds firsthand.
For more information on the event and final remaining tickets please head here.
Words: Neil Ritchie
Editor: Ben Lovejoy
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