The Best Kept Secret festival in Hilvarenbeek, Netherlands, started on Friday with unexpected heat, reaching 33 degrees Celsius, as attendees realized they had forgotten sunscreen. Fortunately, the festival grounds at Safaripark Beekse Bergen offered shaded areas, and sunscreen dispensers were available.

The festival, known for its diverse music lineup held primarily in tents, saw a somewhat subdued atmosphere in the early afternoon. While some acts like Droom Dit in The Secret tent and the returning Flemish band Das Pop drew decent crowds, the overall feeling of collective euphoria was initially lacking.

DJ St. Paul and guest DJs provided a vibrant alternative to band performances, offering a range of music styles from disco to techno at an overhanging field. The inclusion of politically charged songs like Skunk Anansie’s “Yes It’s Fucking Political” added depth to the DJ sets.

As the day progressed, a relaxed and festive atmosphere emerged, particularly in the Casbah warehouse where the Dutch indie rock supergroup Long Fling delivered a memorable performance. The band, featuring Pip Blom and Willem Smit from Personal Trainer, showcased their unique guitar rock sound to a packed audience, proving to be one of the festival’s early highlights.