Secret Garden Party: A Memorable Farewell with Iconic Spectacle

On Saturday, July 27th, the Secret Garden Party's 2024 Roots Edition delivered an unprecedented show that perfectly encapsulated their creative legacy

After 25 years, the festival announced that this would be their final year in its current form, marking the end of an era for SGP and its countless attendees.

In true SGP style, the spectacle conveyed a profound message to fans, culminating in a state-of-the-art drone show designed by Celestial in collaboration with SGP, founder Fred Fellowes, and Secret Design’s Nick Carter, titled ‘Creativity Unchained.’ This was followed by a ‘That’s Showbiz, Baby’ extravaganza produced in collaboration with Acme FX and Immersive International. The spectacle highlighted the impact of corporate takeovers and greed, which have stifled independent events and artists in today's scene. The event delivered a powerful message to inspire, protect, and preserve creative expression from the corruption of major industry players. The climax was the symbolic 'Burning of the Main Stage,' representing the urgent call for change and the hope that something new will grow from the ashes.

This year's event showcased true collaboration, with independent festivals and promoters uniting in support. Shindig, NTIA, Cirque du Soul, and many others provided additional backing. Ren’s fans from Australia to the USA purchased and donated tickets to those who couldn’t afford to attend, demonstrating a global movement to save the music scene through positive connection and creative self-expression.

Following the recent international festival crisis, Secret Garden Party will undergo a transformation aimed at redefining the festival model, emphasizing collaboration and unity among independent organizers. In response to increasing venue closures and festival cancellations, SGP aims to foster a collective effort by inviting other events and promoters to their site in the festival’s absence, with the goal of revitalizing and strengthening the festival scene together.

Fred Fellowes, Head Gardener & Founder, remarked: “At this point, we’ve said everything that needs to be said. We’ve done what we said we would do. That’s the party we created, and that speaks for itself.”

Reflecting on the event, the programming and performances were hailed as groundbreaking. Ren’s first show in five years was a resounding success, featuring a two-part, two-hour performance by the award-winning artist. The show included live strings, theatrical performances, and a unique collaboration with Chinchilla and Romain Axisa.

The Secret Garden Party’s final soiree upheld their reputation as purveyors of all things curious, with an eclectic schedule featuring LED hula-hooping, midnight playgrounds, life drawing classes, and Mermaid school on the swimming lake. The festival also committed to the Drop a Headliner campaign, supporting independent artists, and featured exciting acts and standout performances, including impromptu sets from Plump DJs.

As far as encores go, SGP’s was one that will live long in the memory as they continue to strive for a united, sustainable festival scene moving forward.

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