In The DJ Booth: Afrojack, KSHMR & Oliver Heldens at ULTRA Beach Costa Del Sol

Hang out backstage with us at the massive Ultra Beach stage when it came down to the glorious Costa del Sol – the first gig the Ultra Beach event staged on mainland Spain ever! They’ve done Ibiza before, but never came down South, so it was a big deal to welcome Acraze and top A-listers like Oliver Heldens, KSHMR and Afrojack to the sunny shores of Fuengirola, where the Marenostrum stage is set up for the summer.

There was a brilliant vibe when these famous DJs rocked up for their sets: Oliver Heldens started working out, which had uas cracking up. KSHMR (who had played Tomorrowland just beforehand) said a quick hello and started chatting to people before jumping up on the decks on set, and Afrojack remembered Claudia Peifer too with a friendly wave, after which it was time to set up promptly for his headliner.

The day was a huge success, with a repeat date that had Martin Garrix headlining! The Ultra Europe brand is going East next and will play Croatia at Stadion Park Mladeži in Split from 12 – 14 July 2024! For this 10 year anniversary, top dog acts like Adam Beyer, Armin van Buuren, Eric Prydz,
Hardwell and Martin Garrix, amongst many others, are part of a sensational line-up, so head down to Croatia to rock off for a legendary few days during the summer

What’s It Like At Ultra Beach Costa del Sol?

If you’re a fan of sun-soaked beaches, world-class DJs, and unforgettable parties, (let’s face it, who isn’t) then Ultra Beach Costa del Sol should be at the top of your festival bucket list.

This event, part of the iconic Ultra Beach Festival series, brings the electrifying energy of Ultra Music Festival to the stunning coastline of Spain.

Here’s everything you need to know about what it’s like at Ultra Beach and why it’s an experience you don’t want to miss. How do we know all this? Well, because we were there. That’s right TA-DAH.TV experienced the festival firsthand. So, we know everything you need to.

What is Ultra Beach?

Established in 1997 by Russel Faibisch, CEO, chairman & Executive Producer, Ultra Music Festival has been rocking locations across the world ever since.

The festival has scooped plenty of industry awards and regularly takes the top spot in DJ Magazine’s poll to find the best electronic dance music (EDM) festival in the world.

For over 25 years, Ultra Beach has attracted some of the biggest names on the EDM scene. So much so that it now has its own spin-off event, Resistance.

The Rise of Resistance

The Resistance concept has held residencies at Ibiza’s famous Privilege nightclub, the largest club in the world.

Its 9-week residencies have brought accolades in the form of the DJ Awards ‘Best Ibiza Night’ title and more than 50,000 ravers flocking through their doors.

Following this incredible success, Resistance toured eight Latin American countries over two weekends – whaaaat? Their 6th edition of Ultra Japan saw over 500,000 EDM lovers attend and subsequently busted all attendance records for festivals in Japan – Respect!

Ultra Beach Costa del Sol

As you can tell from all of that, the Ultra Music Festival star is certainly on the rise. However, it touched down on the gorgeous, sun-kissed coast of southern Spain for the first time in 2022.

Andalusia was the destination and if you’ve seen our experiences at Lost Nomads and Noisily Festival, then you know we love ourselves some EDM in the sun. So, we had to get there! And we’re super glad we did! The line-up was incredible.

But let’s get into the experience in more detail now.

A DJ plays a set at Ultra Beach in Costa del Sol.

Where is Ultra Beach Costa del Sol?

Ultra Beach Costa del Sol is held at Marenostrum Fuengirola. The main stage sits majestically in front a stunning strip of Spanish sand.

But the beach does rag focus too much, as the main arena slopes upwards from the stage on a beautiful grass bank. So, every gets a great view too!

As for the Resistance stage at Costa del Sol, well, that’s held in the humble setting of a 1,000-year-old battlement, Castillo Sohail.

So, What’s It Like at Ultra Beach?

As you step onto the festival grounds, you’re be greeted by the breathtaking scenery of the Costa del Sol. Palm trees sway in the breeze, and the scent of saltwater mingles with the sound of thumping bass.

The festival is meticulously organized, with everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable experience, from food and drink stalls to chill-out zones.

But Ultra Beach Costa del Sol is all about the music. The main stage is a sight to behold, with cutting-edge visuals and pyrotechnics to complement the incredible DJ sets.

Whether you’re a fan of house, techno, or EDM, there’s something for everyone. The crowd’s energy is contagious, and you’ll find yourself dancing from sunset to sunrise.

The Vibes are Immaculate

magine dancing with thousands of like-minded music lovers under the golden Spanish sun, with the Alboran Sea as your backdrop.

Ultra Beach Costa del Sol transforms the picturesque coast into a vibrant, pulsating hub of music and excitement. From the moment you arrive, you’re enveloped by a sense of euphoria that only a beach festival of this calibre can provide.

However, music and dancing aside, one of the best parts of Ultra Beach Festival is the people you’ll meet. Festival-goers come from all over the world, creating a melting pot of cultures united by a love for music. It’s a fantastic opportunity to make new friends and share unforgettable moments.

Oliver Heldens plays a DJ set at Ultra Beach Festival

The Lineup: A DJ Lover’s Paradise

One of the biggest draws is Ultra Beach’s lineup of world-renowned DJs. The Costa del Sol edition is no exception, featuring a stellar roster of top-tier talent including Afrojack and Adam Beyer.

Adam Beyer
This legendary Stockholm-based DJ, producer and founder of Drumcode Records had been at the peak of global culture for so many years. From the booth at a litany of leading international clubs like Amnesia, fabric, Gashouder, Privilege, Berghain, ADE, Timewarp and a gazillion more, he brings his unmistakable sound of modern techno wherever he goes.

Adam’s mantra, which has made him stay right at the top for so many years, is a simple one: “Respect the sound, maintain its integrity and then slowly push forward!”

Adam Beyer plays in front of a jumping crowd at Ultra Beach

Afrojack

Nick Leonardus van de Wall aka Afrojack has become one of dance music’s major icons, having grown from the humble beginnings of a DJ to become a multi-award-winning and platinum-selling producer.

With two Grammies in the cupboard, the Dutch DJ continues to influence the EDM world on a major level. As founder of record label Wall Recordings, he also enjoys a more hands-on approach, now discovering & mentoring young DJ talent as CEO of talent management company LDH.

The DJ heavyweight now counts amongst the world’s most popular DJ acts, also having helped David Guetta write the global monster hit ’Titanium’.

Oliver Heldens

Chances are if you know about Afrojack and Adam Beyer then you’ll already know all about the incredible talents of Oliver Heldens. The Dutch DJ is regarded as a pioneer of the future house genre.

Following his breakout hit “Gecko” in 2013, Heldens hasn’t looked back, spending more than a decade at the very top of the EDM scene. Now his name can bee seen adorning the top line of many international dance music festivals – just like Ultra Beach!

KSHMR

Legendary DJ and producer, KSHMR is renowned for his unique method of blending Indian influences into his punchy EDM hits. This standout approach to creating huge tunes has seen him craft a massive reputation across the world.

Regularly commanding a lofty listing in DJ Magazine’s top 100 list, LA-based KSHMR’s discography boasts big hits like ‘Eternity’, ‘Close To You’ and ‘Heartbeat’. It’s no wonder his crowd in the Costa del Sol was so big!

merican DJ, KSHMR plays to a crowd at Ultra Beach Costa del Sol with the castle in the background.

Ultra Beach Locations: Beyond Costa del Sol

 

While Ultra Beach Costa del Sol is a standout event, the Ultra Beach Festival series has several other stunning locations.

From the tropical paradise of Bali to the bustling cityscape of Hvar in Croatia, each Ultra Beach location offers a unique twist on the festival experience.

There are also annual events in locations like Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, India, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan and the UAE, among others.

However, the Costa del Sol edition is particularly special, thanks to its blend of beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich Spanish culture.

People dancing in a courtyard surrounded by antiquated walls.

Why Ultra Beach Costa del Sol?

There are a million reasons why you should be immediately thinking about pitching up at the next Ultra Beach in Costa del Sol, but we’ve managed to distill it down to three.

  • 1. The Perfect Setting: Costa del Sol is renowned for its sun-drenched beaches and lively atmosphere. The region boasts a pleasant climate year-round, making it an ideal festival destination.
  • 2. Accessibility: With Malaga International Airport nearby, getting to Ultra Beach Costa del Sol is a breeze. The festival is well-connected to various transport options, ensuring a hassle-free journey for international and local visitors alike.
  • 3. Local Attractions: Beyond the festival, the area offers plenty of exploration options. Take a break from the beats to visit historic sites, enjoy local cuisine, or relax at a beachfront café.

If you’ve got some time before or after the festival, why not take the chance to see more of this stunning country? The city of Malaga is just over 30 minutes away, but travel further northwest and you’ll eventually come to the Andalusian capital of Seville.

Find Out More On Our Dedicated Music Channel

Ultra Beach Costa del Sol is more than just a music festival; it’s a full-blown sensory adventure. From the sun-kissed beaches and spectacular DJ sets to the vibrant crowd and immersive atmosphere, every moment is designed to be unforgettable.

So pack your swimsuit, grab your sunglasses, and get ready to dance the night away at one of Spain’s most exhilarating music festivals.

For more details about Ultra Beach and other incredible music festivals across Europe, like Sun & Snow Weekend or Cocoon at the Castle, make sure you’re following our Music Channel.

Experience the Starlite Festival Marbella with us from 14 June to 31 August

It’s billed as the ‘best boutique festival in the world’, so you know TA-DAH.TV had to go there and see it for ourselves. And we’re glad we did! 

But Starlite is no ordinary music festival, it’s a feast for the senses. With incredible food, music, shows and DJ sets all laid out across three awesome months over the stunning Spanish summer. 

Let’s take you closer to this incredible event to give you everything you need to know about Starlite. 

Where is Starlite Occident Festival?

Around one hour down the Alboran Sea coast from Malaga – the host city of Andalucia BIG Festival, Starlite Occident is an annual cultural event located in the shadows of the gorgeous Sierras Blanca mountains in Marbella. 

The 8km journey northeast from central Marbella up to the Cantera de Nagüeles takes around 20 minutes, which offers enough time to take in the gorgeous scenery.

The annual event runs from mid-June to late August and brings together some of the biggest names in music and entertainment. Plus, if you time your experience towards the end of the festival, you may need to don your glad rags as superstar actor Antonio Banderas hosts a grand charity event – just like the gala we experienced at the Santa Maria Polo Club

Away from the glamour of the gala, around 60,000 people attend the festival each year and previous acts include the likes of Andrea Bocelli, Lenny Kravitz, Maluma and Sting!

Come with us to Starlite Occident Festival.

What Type of Music is Played at Starlite Occident?

As you may have guessed from that distinguished and varied line-up of previous performers (or our experience where Nicky Jam and the great Tom Jones rocked the stage), Starlite Festival has a space for all performers. 

But the most magical thing about the whole experience is the open-air vibes. From your seat in the auditorium, you can sing along to all the hits and dance the night away – while overhead, the starry night sky puts on its own performance. 

Truly a unique experience that everyone needs to feel at least once! In fact, when Jamie Cullum played at Starlite, he described the feeling as like being “on the moon”. 

Top Things to do at Starlite Festival

Of course, music is the top attraction at Starlite Festival. But it’s not the only pleasure your senses can delight in. 

The three main music areas are the Auditorium Stage, Sessions Stage and DJ Sessions. But away from the beats, you could also indulge your tastebuds and even go shopping. 

Let’s break down the best things to do at Starlite Occident now. 

Tom Jones performing one of the 3 main staging areas at Starlite Festival

Auditorium Stage

The Auditorium is the main stage in the venue. This is where we saw Nicky Jam and Tom Jones ripping it up. But the great thing about this area is, because it only has a capacity of 3,000, you get the feeling of seeing huge stars in an intimate setting.

Also, the quarry’s unique layout and high rock walls offer incredible acoustics. In fact Plácido Domingo and Julio Iglesias said it is “one of the best acoustics they have ever found”.

Sessions Stage

If you don’t fancy the big tunes and bright lights of the main stage, why not take yourself off to the Sessions area, where big-name acts perform stripped-back versions of their hits. 

Plus, this even more intimate setting offers the opportunity for more crowd interaction from the artists.

DJ sets

On the other hand, if the EDM scene is more your flavour then the DJ sessions which run after the main concert are your best bet.

Gastronomy

Not to be outdone by the music, the spectacular range of gastronomic options at Starlite also offers a feast for the senses. Across four main restaurants, you can enjoy delicious dishes from across the world. 

Restaurants at Starlite Occident

  • Tanabata: Treat your tastebuds with a trip to Tokyo, fine Japanese cuisine adorns every plate here. Taking inspiration from the legend of shepherd Hikoboshi and the seamstress Orihime, romance is injected into every element of the experience. 
  • Temazo: A gorgeous open-air Mediterranean grillhouse. Feast on delicate cuts of meat, succulent fish and vibrant veg all coloured from the hot coals.
  • Anima: From tacos to tequila this rooftop-style Mexican cantina delivers all the Latin vibes in a kaleidoscope of incredible colour and flavour. 
  • Sandra’s Caviar Bar: Go lavish, you deserve it. Grab a unique experience by heading to Starlite’s caviar bar. Sandra’s is all about gourmet selections and classic cocktails. If it wasn’t for the majestic mountains and bumping beats, you’d swear you were on the glitzy shores of Monaco. 

People walking around the shops and restaurants at Starlite Festival in Marbella

Shopping and Fashion

Speaking of Monaco, if it’s glamourous shopping you’re after, you can get that done too! 

Alongside the Starlite Festival store for all your merch needs, find boutiques from international brands like Kiehl’s and Fnac among others.

Festival stores open from 8 pm and close up and 1:30 am, leaving plenty of time for you to enjoy some music and food before grabbing some products

Starlite 2024 Line Up

As we mentioned earlier, previous line-ups have been glittering with huge stars. And the 2024 instalment of the long-running festival looks well set to continue that trend. 

Catch all of these incredible acts across the 60-day event this summer! We’ll be there, will you?!

Artist  Date
Jamie Cullum  Friday 14th June
Sheryl Crow Friday 21st June
Aitana Saturday 22nd June
Vanesa Martin Saturday 29th June
Myke Towers Wednesday 3rd July 
Emilia Thursday 4th July
Camilo Saturday 6th & 8th July
Keane Tuesday 9th 8th July
Christan Nodal Saturday 13th July 
Take That Sunday 14th – 15th July
Gipsy Kings Wednesday 19th July 
Simple Minds  Monday 22nd July
Tom Jones Tuesday 23rd July 
Diana Krall  Wednesday 24th July 
Aitana  Monday 29th July 
Luis Miguel  Wednesday 31st July 
Los Secretos Thursday 1st August 
Luis Miguel Friday 2nd – 3rd August 
Antonio Jose  Tuesday 6th August 
Hauser Wednesday 7th August 
Miguel Poveda Thursday 8th August 
UB40 ft. Ali Campbell  Friday 9th August 
Oreja de Van Gogh Wednesday 14th August 
Abraham Mateo and Nil Moliner  Friday 16th August 
Sara Baras Saturday 17th August 
Siempre Así   Monday 19th August 
Ana Mena Friday 23rd August 
Hombres G Saturday 31st August 

Check Out More Amazing European Music Festivals Today

If Starlite Occident sounds like your cup of tea, then you’ll love the other festivals we’ve been to across the continent. 

Check out our Music Channel where we reveal all, including exclusive interviews with top acts, huge festival news and unique events that you need to know about – like Lost Nomads for example. 

Or head over to our Arts & Culture Channel for more details about big performances across the superb stages of Europe 

Europe’s leading Film Festivals: Locarno from 7-17 Aug’24

Without culture, we have nothing – and film festivals are the perfect outlet to learn about your own and foreign cultures too! Inviting you to visit and experience the culture of the festival’s venue is yet another way of bringing us all closer, whilst enjoying the razzmatazz and glamour provided by all the film stars & directors, the glitzy locations do the rest.

What do we take away from visiting and taking part at a film festival: enjoying its locality, hospitality, food & drink, getting to know its people, as well as making friends is just the start. Learning about a country’s artistic talent is another, and learning about other countries’ artistic talent and another nation’s social issues, or whatever a film’s subject might be, will be yet another highlight of being part of it all.

Whether you might visit a metropole or make the effort to travel to a boutique event, the adventure starts right at the beginning. Seeing your favourite stars in the flesh is where the highlights continue and making it a city break, staying somewhere in style, gives it all another dimension. Try Berlin, Vilnius, Istanbul, Krakow, Rotterdam, Málaga, Munich, Brussels, Cannes and Locarno, and you’ll experience a wild variety of all sorts of adventures. Check the list below for the best film festivals in the most picturesque locations in Europe and then start making plans…

 

LEADING EUROPEAN FILM FESTIVALS:

REA Danza’s spectacular abseiling show Picasso’s Earrings (Pendientes de Picasso) takes places on the facade of Picasso’s home and birth place