Balter Festival is a rite of passage for any festival goer and attracts a cult following the world over, with a heavy Bristol contingent making up the rollicking crowd.

Born out of a pure love of music and run with the help of a likeminded group of friends, Balter is the brainchild of gypsycore producer E-Coli – and one of the last true remnants of the South West’s free party scene.    

Balter is the brainchild of gypsycore producer E-Coli – and one of the last true remnants of the South West’s free party scene

Once known for housing only the hardest sounds on the electronic spectrum, the wacky and wonderful Balter Festival has been expanding their offering little by little each year, and this year introduces two new stages. Phlegmgazm will be showcasing underground noise and metal, while The Lab will feature whole crew takeovers including an all-out Japanese invasion. Old favourite Balkanical Circus is also getting a facelift, turning into an all-day cabaret extravaganza – open all day and night, with cabaret performers, fire shows and circus performers.

The Lab will feature whole crew takeovers including an all-out Japanese invasion

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Some of the bigger names on this year’s lineup include The Mouse Outfit, Los Albertos, Black Sun Empire, Dub Phizix & Strategy, Dr Syntax & Pete Cannon, Vandal b2b Mandidextrous and Channel One Soundsystem; alongside plenty of underground cult favourites spanning garage, drum and bass, hardtek, disco, reggae, hop hip and everything in between.

Balter Festival staples including 24hr Garage Girls, Bucky Brigade and the Sunday Soundclash also return for 2019, with last year’s Soundclash winners Rumble in the Jungle up against the new challengers Minirig.

For your chance to win 4 x tickets to this year’s festival on 31 May – 2 June, simply enter your details below by 30 April.

Photos by Robin Hill and Beth B

31 May-2 June – Balter Festival, Chepstow Racecourse
Tickets // balterfestival.com