With an exceptional lineup featuring sets from some of the biggest names in drum & bass, house, and electronic music, Forbidden Forest proved to be one of the standout festivals of the year. Set against the scenic backdrop of Belvoir Castle, stepping into the forest felt like entering a mystical world of its own. Stages were scattered throughout the grounds, ensuring there was never a dull moment- though the real challenge was deciding which of the phenomenal artists to catch at any given time.
And the crowd? Nothing short of electric. The festival drew a community of people genuinely passionate about electronic music, which elevated the overall experience of the festival. Mornings often began with someone playing tracks from the lineup, and the atmosphere was filled with smiles, laughter, and an all-around feel-good vibe.
With all of that in mind, I wanted to take a moment to highlight some of my favorite performances. So without further ado, here they are.
My favourite performance, without a doubt, was Hybrid Minds. Being an avid fan of liquid drum and bass, I had high hopes leading up to their set, and they did more than deliver. From the moment they stepped on stage, the atmosphere shifted into something truly special. Their signature blend of rolling basslines and ethereal melodies wrapped around the crowd, and when they brought out a guest vocalist, it elevated the whole experience- the rich, emotive vocals added even more depth and beauty to an already captivating set. As someone who's obsessed with their track "Touch", hearing it live gave me chills; it was surreal to sing along with hundreds of others to a song I’ve played on repeat for years. The MC’s call to hug your friends created a wave of wholesome energy, with strangers embracing and smiling like old companions. I even ran into a couple I’d met on the way to the festival, and we ended up dancing and singing together for the entire set. It was one of those rare, euphoric moments where everything aligned perfectly- music, people, and pure emotion.
Another fantastic performance came from none other than Josh Baker, an artist I wasn't overly familiar with- allowing a blank canvas and an off-the-cuff take on his music and experiencing it live. That said, it was a pleasant surprise just how enjoyable I found his set. Hailing from Manchester and sitting at the forefront of a new wave of electronic artists, Josh brought a distinct energy that instantly drew in the crowd. His sound- high-tempo house with a rave-ready edge, felt tailor-made for the festival setting. Tracks like "Back It Up", already a low-key anthem among underground circles, hit even harder live with a euphoric momentum that had everyone around me dancing nonstop. You could feel his deep-rooted connection to rave culture in every drop and transition. Even without knowing many of the tracks, I found myself completely immersed. It’s sets like these that remind you how powerful music discovery can be. Josh Baker turned a casual listen into one of my standout memories of the weekend.
As someone who grew up on a healthy diet of DnB but had never seen Wilkinson live, I went in with high expectations- and somehow he managed to eclipse them. Outdoors, under the night sky and surrounded by a crowd completely dialled in, his set delivered from the first beat to the last. Each drop hit with purpose, and tracks like "Used to This" and "Afterglow" sparked instant reactions across the crowd- arms in the air, heads moving, people just completely caught up in the moment. It wasn’t all built on pace; it was carefully constructed and perfectly executed- a strong reminder of why Wilkinson sits at the top of the scene.
Last but not least, Prospa was one of the acts that I was looking forward to most on the week Forbidden Forest was due to commence, and they delivered a set that felt both timeless and urgent. Hailing from Leeds and now calling London home, they’ve created a sound that nods to early house and rave without feeling like a nostalgia act. Their mix played with sudden stops and rises that caught everyone’s attention, leading into drops that landed perfectly every time. It wasn’t just about the music, it was the way they controlled the flow of the night, guiding the crowd through waves of sound with confidence. You could feel their deep connection to the roots of the scene, but what they delivered was unmistakably their own, allowing them to stand out amongst a collection of incredible performances.
As the sun set behind the castle and the forest came alive for the last time this year, the wonder of Forbidden Forest truly revealed itself. It wasn’t just the music or the setting- it was the sense of belonging, the shared moments between strangers turned friends, and the kind of joy that only a festival like this can spark. Whether you danced under the stars or wandered through the winding paths between stages, Forbidden Forest exceeded a weekend away, it was an experience that stays with you long after the last track fades.
If you missed it this year, trust me, it’s one you’ll want to catch next time. With Early Bird tickets for next year now available, don’t wait to get yours; grab them while they’re still there: Tickets Here
