Get rid of any preconceived views of a Butlins break away with Bugged Out Weekender.
Eradicate any views of sickening cheesy tunes and comedians that are well past their sell-by date. For Bugged Out Weekender is so much more than that…
The location of the weekend is somewhat ironic- Butlins is known for peaceful, family-based break away and the fact it opens its doors to hoards of intoxicated, fancy-dressed ravers for a weekend is not one that’s lost – but it works. And it works very well.
Now, a weekend of live music, DJs, activities and food is always going to be good. But just how good, I had underestimated.
Unlike the majority of music festivals, this isn’t one in muddy tents- your ticket price includes accommodation in the Hotels. We were put up in the Wave Hotel- it was only built a couple of years ago so was contemporary, quirky and vibrant- an ideal host for Bugged Out.
As soon as we arrived we were greeted by a super-healthy does of hedonism in the otherwise sober month of January. The soft buzz of music from the main arena could be heard from outside and there were already queues of eager music-fans waiting outside Papa Johns to line their stomachs for an evening of live music and inebriation.
There’s no way anyone could make it to every single Bugged Out set- they go from 9pm to 5am in a range of different venues – but whichever you could attend did not disappoint. Groove Armada were a real treat and Armand Van Helden had the whole crowd going. Marea Stamper (aka The Black Madonna) has our award for enjoying the sets the most- her enthusiasm was infectious and the entire crowd were in awe of her muscular tech workout. Each and every act – from Skream and The Black Madonna to Eats Everything and all the others in between completely encapsulated their audience and as the music went on into the early hours, the energy had no sign of slowing.
Mornings at Bugged Out broke at about 11am, when hoards of hungover bodies hauled themselves to the Beachcomber Inn for an all-day breakfast. The rest of the day was spent reliving childhood past times in the bowling alley, the arcade and playing miniature golf. Mario Kart drew fierce competition, Air Hockey was an instant hit and the crane machines were constantly busy.
The pool was open midday for a pool party- complete with slides, water rapids, a wave machine and giant inflatable palm trees. Jackmaster & Artwork played an impressive set, with techno tunes mingled with a range of classics.
The second and third nights were just as impressive as the first, with sweaty revelers eager for more blood-pounding tracks. Immense set lists were played, the drinks flowed and the atmosphere was electric.
Bugged Out is a crazy weekend unlike any other. It surpassed all of my expectations and is an experience I would not hesitate to repeat year after year.
