The Best Kept Secret festival in Hilvarenbeek began on Friday with attendees facing unexpected high temperatures. The festival grounds at Safaripark Beekse Bergen offered shaded areas, and sunscreen was available at Zilveren Kruis posts, proving essential on a day where temperatures reached 33 degrees Celsius.

Despite the heat, the festival atmosphere was initially subdued. While some acts, like Droom Dit and Das Pop, performed well, they didn’t draw massive crowds. St. Paul’s DJ set provided a lively alternative, with a mix of genres appealing to those not focused on traditional band performances.

As the day progressed, a more festive vibe emerged, particularly at the Casbah, where Long Fling, a supergroup from the Dutch indie rock scene, delivered a standout performance. This band, featuring members of Personal Trainer, impressed with their diverse sound and captivating stage presence.

The festival’s emphasis on smaller stages during the early hours proved both a blessing and a curse, providing relief from the sun but also contributing to the initial lack of a unified crowd. The availability of diverse music options, from DJ sets to indie rock surprises, highlights what makes Best Kept Secret a unique and memorable experience.