Balter Festival 2023: Everything You Need to Know
Balter Festival is a place for those with a passion for underground rave vibes. A festival for people who want to get messy alongside fellow fans of musicians and DJs playing everything from electronic to gypsy.
Held annually at Chepstow Racecourse, the festival attracts some of the very best acts, as well as audiences from around the UK and beyond.
The lowdown on Balter Festival
Chepstow Racecourse may be better known for its horse racing – including Wales’ most prestigious race meet, the Coral Welsh Grand National – but for a few days over the end of May, it also plays host to Balter Festival.
What started small at Hay’s Baskerville Hall in 2014 has since grown into a full-scale festival that continues to draw audiences from across the UK and Europe.
A huge annual party and entirely independent festival, Balter is a must-visit event for anyone and everyone who loves dancing to alternative beats. Think garage, disco, drum & bass, ska, gypsy, dub, and everything in between.
It attracts a crowd of the friendliest, most passionate music lovers who aren’t afraid to get messy and lose themselves in the music. Balter Festival will provide true fans of underground raves with one of the best weekends of their lives.
You can keep up to date with the goings-on at Balter Festival by following their Twitter, dedicated Facebook event page, and even their YouTube channel. That’s not to mention their SoundCloud page, where you can connect with fellow Balter fans and stream the very best songs, albums, and artists set to play over the weekend.
Details of Balter Festival 2023
Taking place at Chepstow Racecourse from May 25th to May 28th 2023, the eighth edition of the annual Balter Festival is set to be bigger and better than ever.
Promising guests the wildest weekend of the summer, the line-up for 2023. On the Main Stage, Ocean Wisdom headlines, with Goldie Lookin Chain, The Dreadnoughts, Pete & Bas, and a whole host of others in support.
Be sure to check out the very best of the other stages – Balter is all about heading into the unknown and maybe finding a new favourite beat in the process.
Once a backstage crew party that has since become a fully-fledged stage, Northern Embassy Stage returns, promising non-stop raucous revelry and the very best music the North has to offer. Artists include Dwarde b2b with Samurai Breaks, Stretch MC ft. DJ Slanty b2b DJ Chemistry, alongside Coms, K4ne, and Just Jez.
You’ll also find Girls of The Northern Embassy – a group of new and upcoming female DJs ready to return for this year’s festival, with the likes of Giodude and Kaytee Bee playing.
You’ll find some of the biggest and best drum & bass stars at Balter, including a DJ Set from Dimension, Bou, Black Sun Empire, and Danny Byrd.
A massive arena takeover is also promised on Thursday 25th May by 1 More Thing – a community established by Welsh author, broadcaster, and writer Dave Columbo Jenkins for fans of all things bass and breakbeat. Performances are promised from the likes of Daniel Bunter, Hang the DJs, DJ Hybrid b2b Mrs Magoo, Conrad Subs, [Ivy] b2b Sudley and NoDave. 1 More Thing will also be hosting a DJ competition, with the winner set to warm up the rig!
What to know about Balter Festival
Is camping available?
Like all good festivals, Balter welcomes campers in both tents and vans. Be aware that there’s no ‘quiet camping’ section, but the festival is working with Fred’s Yurts to provide pre-pitched four- and six-person bell tents.
Showers are available on site for a small fee.
What food and drink are available on site?
There’s a great bar on site selling reasonably priced drinks, with everything from local beers and ciders to Buckfast cocktails.
All campers are allowed to bring small camping stoves along with them – campfires and barbecues aren’t allowed for safety reasons.
You’ll find on site catering and light refreshments available, as well as a picnic site.
Can I apply to perform?
Balter Festival welcomes applications from musicians, bands, and DJs, as well as visual artists, walkabout or sideshow performers, circus and cabaret acts, fire acts, general entertainers, and traders.
Be aware that with over 500 applications and limited spaces available, you may not be successful with your application this time – but there’s always next year if you want to get in on the Balter fun.
Does Balter Festival have volunteers?
Balter Festival welcomes volunteers as both general stewards and supervisors. Depending on your level of experience and the position you’re assigned, you’ll be able to enjoy at least one meal and drinks tokens offered for each shift you work, and you can also volunteer with a friend.
What is accessibility like?
Balter Festival works hard to consistently improve its accessibility. Accessible campsites are centrally located, with accessible car parking directly next to them, as well as accessible toilets and a shower. Speak to volunteers if you need to access facilities to store medicines or charge wheelchair batteries. Get in contact with the team in advance of the festival to discuss any specific needs or queries that you have.
