Barcelona's Sónar festival has moved all its activities to the Gran Via venue in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, consolidating its former daytime events from Montjuïc. The festival opened its doors at 17:00 on Thursday, 18th June, with organisers reporting a "very good" public reception to the new format. This significant change aims to streamline the experience for its large international and local audience.
Miquel Trullols, Sónar's communication and marketing director, stated that the public has received the new format "de muy buena manera" (in a very good way). He told Europa Press that this positive feedback comes not only from ticket sales but also from attendees' expressions. "We really wanted to show it because we have been working on this for many years; it has not been improvised," Trullols added, highlighting the extensive planning behind the relocation.
The Gran Via venue, part of Fira de Barcelona's exhibition complex in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, now hosts all performances. This includes those previously held at Fira de Barcelona's Montjuïc site, a historic location for the festival's daytime programme. This year's Sónar festival features headliners such as The Prodigy, Skepta, Kelis, Amelie Lens, Charlotte de Witte, and Cabaret Voltaire. These artists perform over three days, drawing thousands of electronic music fans to the city.
New Venue, Familiar Vibe
The festival also includes Sónar Kids programming at Parc del Fòrum, offering activities for younger audiences. Additionally, Sónar+D, a professional and experimental programme, takes place at La Llotja de Mar. This dual approach caters to both entertainment and industry interests. Attendees started arriving on Thursday afternoon, distributing themselves across four open stages: SonarHall, SonarPark, SonarCar, and SonarVillage.
The SonarVillage stage, formerly the central point of Sónar de Día, now features artificial grass. This design choice replicates the familiar and popular atmosphere of the Montjuïc experience, aiming to maintain a consistent festival feel. Sónar expects an attendance similar to last year's figure of approximately 161,000 people. This makes it one of Europe's largest electronic music festivals.
Trullols noted that after every change, the public "behaves differently," and initial hours are typically calmer. However, he confirmed the current reception is good, indicating a smooth transition for the festival's loyal audience. The move to Gran Via consolidates the festival's footprint, potentially improving logistics for both organisers and attendees. L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, a city bordering Barcelona, offers extensive exhibition spaces well-suited for large-scale events.
Opening Acts and Immersive Art
DJ Loli Zazou from Argentina kicked off the festival, delivering an explosive mix of house, pop, and Latin rhythms. Three dancers joined her on stage, encouraging early attendees to dance on the artificial grass of SonarVillage. Many sought shade from the sun, enjoying the music from 17:00 onwards. This energetic start set the tone for the three-day event.
An immersive installation named 'Organysmo' by LedPulse also captivated visitors from the start. Located within one of the pavilions, it features prism-shaped sculptures made from thousands of LEDs hanging from the ceiling. These lights switch on and off in a dynamic display. A crystal on the floor reflects the installation, creating a visually striking effect. Attendees also experienced spatial audio synchronised with the lights, enhancing the immersive environment.
Evening Performances Continue
The festival continued with a diverse line-up as the evening progressed. La Sofy performed dembow, trap, and reggaetón at SonarPark at 18:00, engaging a still-shy but growing audience. Her visuals, full of memes and Gen-Z references, added a contemporary touch. In parallel, Arp Frique and The Perpetual Singers offered funk and gospel filled with 'groove' at SonarVillage.
From 19:00, Dutch DJ Speedy J hosted his 'STOOR' project. He invited musicians, visual artists, and fellow professionals to offer unique, uninterrupted techno sessions. These sessions extended until midnight on Thursday. They will run until 03:00 on Friday and Saturday, providing extended opportunities for electronic music enthusiasts. The programme also includes trap artist Metrika, a prominent name in the Spanish urban scene.
Additionally, synth-pop pioneers Cabaret Voltaire performed, bringing their industrial sound to the festival. Boys Noize delivered high-voltage techno and electro house, ensuring a varied musical offering for attendees. The consolidation of events at Gran Via allows for easier navigation between stages and a more unified festival experience. This move reflects Sónar's ongoing evolution as a leading international music and arts event.
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Originally published by Europa Press Barcelona. Read original article.
