Unforbidden 2024: An immersive debut in Istanbul’s Lush Landscape

The Unforbidden Festival’s first edition was nothing short of a captivating success, held from September 14th to 15th, 2024, just outside Istanbul at the verdant Bonus Parkorman. Organized by the visionary team behind Monkey Project, this festival exceeded expectations by blending electronic music, art, and community in an immersive, forested environment. What could have been another new event on the festival circuit instead evolved into a standout experience that engaged attendees with its mindful design, innovative programming, and an atmosphere that underscored a strong sense of unity and purpose.

From the outset, the scenic location set the tone. Bonus Parkorman’s natural surroundings provided an ideal backdrop that not only distinguished the event from typical urban venues but created an environment where music and nature seamlessly intertwined. With thoughtfully arranged pathways and two stages – the Moonstone Arena and Coral Cove – navigating the grounds was effortless. Every aspect of the layout was designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring minimal congestion and smooth transitions between spaces. For attendees, this meant ample freedom to explore, connect, and immerse themselves in the festival’s offerings.

The lineup was notably well-curated for a debut festival, bringing together global headliners and rising talent. Jamie Jones, Honey Dijon, Marco Carola, and Loco Dice brought their characteristic styles to the Moonstone Arena, with each artist delivering a powerful set that kept energy levels consistently high. Jamie Jones’ deep, groove-driven performance set a captivating pace, while Honey Dijon’s high-intensity techno-house fusion electrified the crowd, underscoring her reputation as a formidable force in electronic music. Meanwhile, at the Coral Cove stage, live acts like Satori created a different atmosphere entirely, with emotive, layered soundscapes that offered a compelling alternative to the more classic DJ sets.

Despite having only two stages, the organizers achieved a commendable balance between genres and energies, giving audiences a sampling of various styles while maintaining a cohesive flow across the event. The back-to-back set between Marco Carola and Loco Dice was a particular highlight, as the two artists played off one another’s strengths, creating an organic chemistry that had the crowd fully engaged.

Art and self-expression were integral to Unforbidden Festival’s design. Scattered around the venue were installations from renowned local and international artists like artists like Emre Yusufi, Artem Martis, Cengiz Yatagan, Beste Alperat, and Seckin Cebeci.The artwork contributed to an immersive experience, with each piece adding a dimension of creativity and discovery to the festival’s landscape. The thoughtful curation and placement of these pieces encouraged attendees to explore and engage with their surroundings, making the event feel as much a celebration of art as it was of music.

Complementing this focus on art, Unforbidden offered a series of workshops, something not commonly seen at electronic music festivals. These included mindfulness and movement workshops, which provided attendees with the opportunity to learn, connect, and ground themselves amid the weekend’s festivities. The workshops underscored the organizers’ commitment to holistic experiences, engaging both mind and body, and added a layer of meaning to the festival. For many, these sessions became a quiet highlight, fostering a sense of community and encouraging introspective moments between sets.

Practical amenities were handled well with facilities such as restrooms in abundance, allowing for short wait times even at peak hours. Food and beverage options, while of high quality, did have some areas for improvement. Drink prices were relatively high, with a single shot costing around £13.50, which might have posed a barrier for some attendees. However, with first-phase ticket pricing at £89 for the entire weekend, the festival remains one of the more accessible options in terms of entry fees, especially for a debut with such a strong lineup and curated experience.

Unforbidden’s overall atmosphere was inclusive and welcoming, aligning perfectly with the organizers’ mission of fostering unity, freedom, and self-expression. Staff were attentive and approachable, enhancing the positive atmosphere and ensuring that every attendee felt at ease throughout the weekend. Language barriers were managed efficiently, and the festival felt genuinely international, attracting a diverse crowd from around the world. This cultural mix contributed to a palpable sense of openness and mutual respect, which set the Unforbidden Festival apart from other events on the electronic circuit.

“Our vision for the Unforbidden Festival is rooted in our manifesto, which includes Freedom, Boundless Love, Inclusivity, Empathy, Unity, Kindness, and Nature’s Embrace. We aim to create a space where music and nature coexist harmoniously, allowing attendees to immerse themselves fully in both. Unforbidden is an experiment in building a better society, an opportunity to foster a sense of community and self-expression, where every participant feels valued for who they are and inspired. It’s about connection, both with one another and with the environment around us. By embodying these principles, we believe we can positively influence how people engage with each other at Unforbidden and in the wider world,” said Chief Creative Officer Çisel Çakıroğlu.

In every sense, the debut of Unforbidden Festival was a resounding success. The organizers at Monkey Project and WRF Entertainment Inc. have set a high standard for what a festival experience can and should be: immersive, thoughtful, and unifying. With a combination of world-class music, art installations, mindfulness workshops, and an effortlessly beautiful location, Unforbidden established itself as a transformative addition to the festival scene, especially within the vibrant landscape of Istanbul. Looking forward, the team has created a promising foundation to build upon, and it will be exciting to see how they expand on this momentum for future editions.