- Words Nick Lowe
From DJ-led boat parties, energising sunset yoga to its boundlessly eclectic line-up, Notion discovers why everyone is flocking to Lisbon this September for the second edition of Nova Batida.
Set in what is considered the cities coolest quarter, Nova Batida returns for its second year at Portuguese’s coastal capital and will take place from 13th-15th September at the LX Factory and Village Underground in Lisbon boasting a diverse range of activities which are designed to engage, create and experience. Across the weekend, the sun-soaked festival will offer a programme of fitness and wellbeing classes, mindfulness workshops and surfing classes alongside its diverse music offering which will see a headline performance from Four Tet alongside acts such as Friendly Fires, Slowthai and Octavian.
Bringing his experimental and innovative DJ set to the Portuguese capital, Four Tet will headline the main stage for what is expected to be an explosive and unforgettable event. Alongside him will see indie-rock band Friendly Fires sharing their unique blend of anthemic choruses and swooning melodies which are guaranteed to get the crowd jumping. For those who prefer a shot of frenetic energy, Northampton born-and-raised rapper Slowthai is set to bring intense atmosphere to the stage across the weekend, in addition to south-east London-raised rapper Octavian.
Alongside these incredible acts, festival-goers can look forward to electrifying performances from the likes of Talib Kweli, Akala, Ross From Friends, Jayda G, Mr Scruff, Floating Points, Ben UFO and many more.
Despite its carefully curated line-up of some of the most influential electronic artists, the festival has gone the extra mile this year with a goal of creating a fully-rounded experience for its attendees. Alongside its showcase of musical talent, Nova Batida will be host to a diverse programme of exciting activities and workshops which will create a unique and memorable experience for all festival-goers. As your energy-fuelled day comes to an end, attendees will have the chance to unwind courtesy of Fat Buddha Yoga who will be on-site providing free enlightening yoga and meditation classes. If that simply isn’t enough, the festival is also offering bespoke surf lessons for anyone from beginner to advanced level in what is seen as one of the best surfing spots worldwide. If you’re the inquisitive type, feel free to join a number of museum tours and partake in creative workshops whereby delicious local street food and drinks will be available on-site to provide an array of Portuguese treats alongside cuisine from around the world.
For its second edition, Nova Batida is taking things to a whole new level. Expanding its varied programme even further, the festival has announced two exhilarating boat parties which will be host to an array of star-studded DJs and producers from around the world. Taking the first boat to sea, DJ Seinfield will bring his panoramic emotive cuts to shore whilst HAAi’s absorbing slow-release style will invite partygoers on board for what is going to be an evening of sun, sea and tranquillity.
Taking to the wheel on Saturday’s sail will see UK producer Daniel Avery showcasing his synth-heavy electronic beats alongside one-to-watch Kettama’s blend of hard-hitting kicks and catchy riffs.
Reckon you can pack even more into your schedule? The festival offers a pre-party on Thursday 12th September and a beach party on Monday 16th September just ten minutes travel by train or taxi from the festival site. If partying with some of the world’s most renowned DJ’s and partaking in a number of unique activities sounds up your alley then what are you waiting for? Tickets are still available for just £119 which gives you access to all events and activities on offer over the weekend and can be purchased here.