At STYLEetc we are no strangers to Bluedot festival, having attended multiple times over the years. 2023 saw some shake-ups to the festival and we were keen to see what had changed since our last visit in 2019. Read on to see what to expect at Bluedot.
Bluedot Festival is not your typical music event, fusing passions for both music and science the event draws a unique crowd. It is a festival which provisions entertainment for all ages, being very family friendly, yet still puts on a show of top billed names to draw an older crowd.
Set against the backdrop of the historic Jodrell Bank Observatory, the festival’s location itself is a spectacle to behold. The iconic Lovell Telescope looms large over the festival grounds, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that evokes a sense of wonder and curiosity from the moment you arrive.
The festival in 2023 has become much more intimate, drastically reducing numbers post-pandemic. We were told by a worker that pre-Covid the festival was nearing 20,000 visitors but in recent years it has scaled back to be a cosier attendance of under 10,000. This doesn’t negatively affect the festival itself, there’s still a good number of things to see and experience. In fact, for some people it makes the event more preferred as not everyone likes a huge crowd.
An Electric Line-Up
Bluedot knows how to curate a theme and the festival is fondly known for staging electronic music as the backdrop to the science talks and experiences. 2023 saw Roisin Murphy, Pavement and Grace Jones as key headliners on the main stage. Leftfield, Max Cooper and 2manyDJs took charge of the DJ tents over the weekend.
Sadly the weather took a turn from the Friday evening, which didn’t dampen spirits but did provide logistical challenges for the site. By Saturday cars were being towed out of car parks by tractors and tents saw minor flooding on the campsites. As Brits we are used to a downpour or two so this didn’t deter the majority and acts proceeded to perform on Saturday despite adverse weather. Sunday did see unfortunate cancellation of tickets as the mud and rain got worse.
More than Music
Bluedot is not just about music; it’s a celebration of knowledge and exploration. The festival’s unique “Orbit” area is dedicated to immersive science experiences, featuring talks, workshops, and demonstrations that bridge the gap between scientific discovery and public engagement. Renowned scientists, educators, and thinkers take to the stage to discuss cutting-edge research, space exploration, and the wonders of the universe.
From captivating discussions on the latest advancements in astrophysics to hands-on workshops that ignite the spark of curiosity in attendees of all ages, Bluedot fosters an atmosphere of intellectual stimulation and learning. The festival’s commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of the cosmos is a testament to its aspiration to inspire and educate.
High Quality Culinary Options
Bluedot is a feast for the senses in more ways than one. The festival’s food offerings are a delight, featuring an array of delectable options that cater to various tastes and dietary preferences. From gourmet food trucks serving mouthwatering street food to pop-up dining experiences that elevate festival dining to a new level, Bluedot ensures that attendees are well-nourished throughout their cosmic journey.
Standard food options included a mass choice of cuisines including wood-fired pizza and gourmet burgers. Those lucky enough to have VIP wristbands could enjoy premium food choices, including Dishoom, which was genuinely one of the highlights of the weekend (coming from a huge Dishoom fan).
On the drinks front there were a selection of standard bars, alongside specialist trucks offering bespoke cocktails to get into the spirit of the festival.
Conclusion
Although the festival was met with unfortunate weather, we have long been fans of this science and music event and would recommend it to anyone. It is a festival with a geuinely nice atmosphere and attracts like-minded people all their for a common purpose to enjoy the event but look out for one another.
Families can feel safe to bring their children and young adults can come and party each night, neither detracting from the others’ experience. The festival usually caters to fans of electronic music, including live acts and DJs, so if you want a fully immersive experience in the North West then you can’t go wrong with Bluedot.
