Sunburn Goa 2022

The Sunburn Festival Goa is Asia's largest musical festival in the Electronic Dance Music segment. It showcases both foreign and Indian talent with some of the best DJs headlining the event each year. It is designed in line with the international festivals of Europe and the UK. Held between the Christmas and the New Year celebrations, it is a huge draw every year as music lovers make their way to the shores of Vatagor, Goa for this four-day extravaganza that features world-class music. Gigs that create a heady atmosphere, hypnotic music, grungy décor, the Sunburn is as eclectic as it can get for the growing tribe of electronic music lovers in India. It has certainly gained cult status in India.

The first edition of the Sunburn Festival in Goa was organized by Percept in 2007. Since then, Sunburn Festival has not just seen unprecedented levels of popularity; it has also scaled new heights in terms of its coverage. It has expanded to Mumbai, Bangalore and Noida and in 2012 it debuted in Colombo, Sri Lanka. With an ever-growing sponsorship, it has become grander each year. 2022 will mark its 15th edition, to be held in Vatagor, Goa. Among a host of upcoming festivals, the Sunburn takes the cake for being one of the most-awaited electronic music shows in the country. Last year, the festival witnessed an overwhelming response, with 3 lakh people in attendance.

Genres of music covered
The manic popularity of the festival owes to the lineup of artistes, elaborate stage preparation, after parties and thematic events. As the world’s most famous DJs descend on this part of the planet to play sets that brings the house down, the place truly proves the power of music. At Sunburn, all genres of music is played, from house to techno to bass and drums to funk and club. They bring out their honed artistry at the ecstatic crowd groove to dance numbers and explore new kinds of experimental music.

DJ legends who have proved their mettle in the international and national platform create an ambience that becomes a lifetime experience for many of those attending the festival. DJs such as Avicci, Axwell Ingrosso, Afrojack, Van Dyke, Krewella, Dimitri Vegas, Sasha, Subfocus and Blasterjaxx have enthralled the audience at the festival. Audiences love improvisations and artistic collaborations on stage and make loud requests to the artists for encores.

Music as culture
Electronic music dished out from a DJ’s repertoire revs up the atmosphere enough to say that music is the food of the soul. The festival is a haven for lovers of underground music that has created its own music sub-culture that has shaped the music sensibility today. Both the latest as well as retro music is played. For music revelers it is a time to enjoy the pleasure of uninhibited dancing to both retro and the latest electronic music ‘top of the charts’ collection. From foot-stomping to trance-like movements to wild dancing, there’s music to evoke different responses from the audience, who just can't get enough of it.

Reinvention
The event derives its larger-than-life following from different elements. The organizers and media partners have been quick to add interesting concepts to in some new gig formats such as introduction of ‘arena’ concept. While advanced stage production values, projection technologies and acoustics have helped to deliver a multisensory experience to the audience, experience zones and a fan village where fans can meet their favourite artists add to the experience. The after-dark or afterhours parties are also a great draw.

Activities during the festival
For those who want a little distraction, water and adventure sports including rides and bungee jumping are thrilling indulgences. Cruise breaks can also be enjoyed. Great food and drinks also keep people’s spirits high.

Sunburn Goa event also provides the opportunity to end the year on a rocking note. The ticketing partners also offer early bird tickets. Some restrictions apply such as visitors must be over 18 years of age. They must be wary of wearing torn or tampered wristbands, as it will disqualify them from attending. Tickets must be safely kept as there is no provision for issuing duplicate ones.

The event and its multi-city editions is a sign of the times to come. The Organizers of the Sunburn festival have recently tied up with the tourism ministry for the 'Sunburn Surprise' initiative for local Goans. The festival confirms the growing sensibility of musically-inclined people, especially the teenagers in India. College campuses such as BITS Pilani Goa Campus which hosted the Sunburn on campus once are coming into the electronic dance music fold even as IITs and IIMs invite Sunburn DJs to their Sunburn college fests. The Sunburn in India is definitely way to go!