We’ve attended Sónar Festival in Barcelona for the previous two years, and watched it get bigger and better every year. 2018 was Sónar’s 25th anniversary, and brought together 126,000 people, the highest attendance in its history. For us, it was our favourite to date, the music, general vibe, crowds and venue are all spot on.

Sónar 2018 offered 150 musical performances distributed across 10 stages (6 at Sónar by Day and 4 at Sónar by Night), presenting 230 activities and projects at Sónar+D, with more than 500 speakers and exhibitors.

The festival has brought together 64,000 people at Sónar by Day and 62,000 at Sónar by Night, with an audience comprised of 54% national and 46% international.

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It was Sónar by Night which we attended on both the Friday and Saturday evenings.

First up on Friday were the headliners, Gorillaz. This iconic UK band performed a brilliant show (complete with 3D visuals on a giant cinematic stage) playing some of their biggest hits including Clint Eastwood, On Melancholy Hill and Feel Good Inc.

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Elsewhere in the festival on the Friday we witnessed great performances from a variety bands and DJs, all music tastes catered for. The likes of Preditah, the infamous DJ Harvey (well known for his sets at Pikes in Ibiza) and the excellent and melodic Bonobo.

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On Saturday evening we headed back, and again seen some brilliant eclectic sets, the highlight being NYC DJ Octo Octa providing an excellent and energetic set.

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Some key notings;

  • Sónar 2018 closes its most successful festival to date with 126,000 attendees from 119 countries. Sónar+D, the congress for creativity and technology, has seen the participation of 5,900 professionals from 3,300 entities and companies.
  • For one year only, Sónar 2019 will take place one month later, on July 18, 19 and 20. The following year Sónar 2020 will return to its usual dates, June 18, 19 and 20.
  • On Monday, June 18, the first Sónar 2019 tickets will go on sale at the special price of €115. Sónar+D 2019 delegate passes will be available to purchase from June 26 at a discounted price of €180.
  • The next Sónar events around the world are: Buenos Aires (November 16, 2018), Bogotá (November 17, 2018), Istanbul (March 8 and 9, 2019), Hong Kong (April 13, 2019) and Reykjavík (April 25, 26 and 27, 2019).

We had a brilliant weekend, and will be back next year!

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