The Best Kept Secret festival kicked off its 2025 edition at Safaripark Beekse Bergen in Hilvarenbeek on Friday under unexpectedly scorching conditions. Attendees were met with temperatures reaching 33 degrees Celsius, a stark contrast to recent weather and a reminder to pack sunscreen for the remaining days.

Despite the heat, the festival grounds provided ample shade, and sunscreen dispensers offered by Zilveren Kruis proved popular. The main stage remained closed until later in the day, allowing festival-goers to enjoy performances primarily in tents and shaded areas.

The initial hours saw smaller crowds than expected, with some attendees wandering the grounds. Droom Dit drew a decent audience to The Secret tent, while Das Pop, reuniting after years, performed to a less-than-packed tent.

DJ St. Paul and guest DJs provided a vibrant alternative to live bands, offering a diverse range of music from funk and disco to hip hop and techno. Maha’s selection of Skunk Anansie’s “Yes It’s Fucking Political” resonated with the current turbulent times.

As the afternoon progressed, a more festive atmosphere emerged, with Long Fling delivering a standout performance in the Casbah. This supergroup, featuring members of Personal Trainer, impressed the crowd with their diverse indie rock sound.