Unforbidden Festival in Istanbul was unforgettable

UNFORBIDDEN FESTIVAL made an impressive debut in Istanbul from 14th to 15th September 2024, creating a transformative experience in the lush, green expanse of Bonus Parkorman. 

Set in a natural forested park just outside the bustling city, the festival offered a unique atmosphere where the serenity of nature blended seamlessly with the vibrant energy of a dance music festival. Organised by the creative minds behind Monkey Project and WRF Entertainment Inc., this new festival aimed to redefine electronic music events in Turkey​.

For a brand-new festival, Unforbidden made a strong debut with a well-curated lineup that balanced global electronic heavyweights with local talent. The two-stage setup at Moonstone Arena and Coral Cove offered a focused but diverse array of performances, including house and techno stalwarts like Jamie Jones, Honey Dijon, Marco Carola and Loco Dice, alongside live acts such as Satori and rising stars Chelina Manuhutu and Chris Stussy.

However, with only two stages, the variety of acts was somewhat limited, leaving a few gaps in the overall festival experience. Despite this, the organisers succeeded in bringing together an eclectic mix of artists from around the world, giving festival goers a taste of different sounds and styles.

Navigating Unforbidden Festival was a breeze, with a thoughtfully laid-out venue that made moving between stages smooth and enjoyable. The organisers did an excellent job with the festival’s design at Bonus Parkorman, ensuring there were no bottlenecks or long waits when moving between the Moonstone Arena and Coral Cove. The abundance of restrooms and other amenities meant attendees didn’t have to waste precious time in queues, adding to the overall relaxed and carefree atmosphere. The natural flow of the festival grounds, combined with the beautiful forest setting, created an open and welcoming environment that enhanced the overall festival experience.

The Unforbidden Festival exceeded all expectations in creating a truly seamless blend of music, art, and culture in an environment that felt genuinely inclusive and welcoming. Initially, the festival’s promotional material seemed like the usual “marketing” promises, but the event fully delivered on its vision. The atmosphere was remarkably relaxed, with a palpable sense of friendliness and community among the crowd. The staff were incredibly helpful, even overcoming language barriers to ensure a positive experience for everyone. Kudos to the Monkey Project for achieving their mission to foster a space that celebrates unity, freedom, and inclusivity – they nailed it in every aspect, setting a new standard for what a festival atmosphere can be.

Unforbidden Festival scored another hit in terms of accessibility and value. Getting to the venue was quick and hassle-free, with no significant queues or delays observed, making for a stress-free start to the festival experience. Additionally, the ticket pricing was exceptionally reasonable, with first-phase tickets priced at just £89 for both days, offering incredible value for money considering the quality of the lineup and the overall experience provided. For a festival of this calibre in a major city like Istanbul, Unforbidden delivered outstanding accessibility and affordability.

While Unforbidden Festival delivered on many fronts, the food and beverage options left room for improvement. Drink prices were notably on the high side, with a single shot of vodka, gin, or whiskey costing £13.50, which may have been a bit steep for some. Additionally, the variety of available drinks was somewhat limited, which could have been expanded to cater to a broader range of tastes. However, considering that this was the festival’s inaugural year, there’s hope that the organisers will add a broader ranger of offerings in future editions. With a bit more variety and more wallet-friendly options, this area could easily see a higher score next year.