After attending Bearded Theory Festival on a glorious weekend in May, we had definitely caught the festival bug in 2026. Not content with one weekend of escapism, music and misadventure, we followed it up by heading to Moovin Festival on the weekend of 12th June for another incredible escapade.
Accompanied once again by my intrepid festival cosmonauts, Rob and Dean, who had joined me on the Bearded Theory mission, we arrived at Etherow Country Park with a deep sense of joyous anticipation. We’d indulged lavishly at Bearded Theory and were still buzzing from that experience, but Moovin promised something equally special.
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I first attended Moovin back in 2016 and here I was, ten years later, every bit as enthusiastic and fervent as I was back then. As we made our way to Whitebottom Farm, South of Stockport, I repeatedly regaled Rob and Dean with stories of just how wonderful Moovin had been a decade earlier — how I’d danced until dawn, met fabulous new friends and experienced one of the most unique festivals imaginable.
As it turned out, the 2026 edition didn’t just live up to those fond memories. It surpassed them. It wasn’t long before we made friends with our campervan neighbours in the Off Site Camping Field — the delightful Moon, Sandy and Rick — and before long we were joined by Phil, an old-school music aficionado and all-round beautiful soul. We met up with Johnny, a friend of Dean’s from Glastonbury trips, and bumped into more old friends and new, including Tasha who we met at Bearded Theory.
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The connections formed almost instantly and the warmth of those early encounters set the tone for the entire weekend. Throughout Moovin, strangers became friends with remarkable ease. New friendships blossomed over campfires, in queues, on dancefloors and during random encounters wandering around the site. The festival seemed to attract a particular type of person — open-hearted, kind and genuinely interested in connecting with others.
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Perhaps that’s no accident. Moovin was founded by Herbie Saccani and Fletch, two veterans of Manchester’s legendary Hacienda scene, and that spirit still runs through its veins. The crowd tends to be slightly older than at many festivals, bringing with it a refreshing lack of ego, aggression or bad vibes. Moovin feels less like a mainstream festival and more like an underground rave that just happens to take place on a beautiful farm in the Peak District.
There is a genuine sense of community on Whitebottom Farm that is increasingly rare to find in modern life. The ethos was perfectly summed up by Rob, who somehow managed to lose his phone twice during the weekend — and on both occasions it was handed into lost property by complete strangers. That’s Moovin in a nutshell. People look out for one another. Kindness is the default setting.
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Much like Bearded Theory, benevolence seemed to be everywhere. Gifts were exchanged freely, people offered help without hesitation and conversations flowed effortlessly between complete strangers. It was impossible not to feel part of something bigger. Of course, the music was exceptional too.
Huge credit must go to the organisers for striking such a fine balance. Moovin remains relatively intimate at around 5,000 people, keeping ticket prices accessible whilst somehow still attracting world-class artists. There wasn’t a weak set all weekend. It was great to discover new DJs at Tent On The Hill and in some of the other smaller tents such as Mini Moo.
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Particular highlights included Jon Da Silva’s sublime Saturday afternoon session, which provided the perfect soundtrack to a sun-soaked day of wandering and socialising. Groove Armada, Gilles Peterson and 2ManyDJs absolutely tore the roof off The Barn, delivering unforgettable performances that had the entire crowd moving as one. Charlie 2NA’s rap showcase was simply off the scale, whilst Nightmares On Wax provided one of those magical festival moments where everything seems to align perfectly.
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There were also a few acts I had hoped to catch but somehow missed, including Quantic, The Mouse Outfit, Greg Wilson and even Herbie Saccani himself. Normally that might have been disappointing, but the truth is I was simply having too much fun. When you’re constantly surrounded by great people, spontaneous adventures and unforgettable moments, sticking rigidly to a timetable becomes almost impossible.
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And perhaps that’s exactly how festivals should be. What struck me most about Moovin — and indeed Bearded Theory a few weeks earlier — was the sense of hope it gave me. Festivals like these provide a glimpse of what society could look like.
Strip away the endless negativity, fear, anger, division and stress that dominate everyday life. Put thousands of people in a field with great music, good intentions and a shared desire to enjoy themselves, and something remarkable happens. People naturally start looking after one another. Communities form. Cooperation replaces competition. Very little governance is required because most people instinctively understand the assignment: be kind, have fun and help others do the same.
It’s a beautifully simple concept, but it works. For a few precious days, Whitebottom Farm became a small utopia. Despite going pretty hard all weekend and pushing the boundaries of my mental capacity for indulgence and magic, I returned home on Monday with my cup overflowing. Overflowing with memories. Overflowing with laughter. Overflowing with friendships old and new.
Moovin Festival is a truly wonderful event. Not just because of its incredible line-up, stunning location or outstanding value for money, but because of the intimacy and sense of community it creates. In a world that often feels increasingly disconnected, Moovin reminds us how good people can be when they’re given the chance. A utopia, nonetheless.
Moovin / Etherow Country Park, George St, Compstall, Romiley, Stockport, SK6 5JD / 12th-14th June 2026
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Photos courtesy of Dominic Simpson
