The Best Kept Secret festival 2025 commenced on Friday amidst unexpected heat, presenting both challenges and opportunities for festival-goers. The event is held at Safaripark Beekse Bergen in Hilvarenbeek.

The lack of readily available sunscreen was a notable oversight for many attendees arriving at the festival grounds. The temperature soared to 33 degrees Celsius by early afternoon, catching many off guard.

Fortunately, the venue provided ample shaded areas, and sunscreen was available at stations provided by Zilveren Kruis. The main stage, an open field near the water, was scheduled to host performances later in the day, allowing attendees to avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours.

Despite the heat, the initial atmosphere was somewhat subdued. While pockets of activity were present, the collective euphoric feeling typically associated with festivals had yet to fully materialize.

Droom Dit performed in The Secret tent to a reasonably sized crowd, while Das Pop’s reunion show in the largest tent was less crowded. St. Paul’s DJ set, under a shaded area, offered an alternative for those seeking to dance and enjoy a variety of music styles, from funk to techno.

As the afternoon progressed, a more relaxed and festive vibe began to emerge. Long Fling, a Dutch indie rock supergroup, delivered a well-received performance in the Casbah, a venue styled after the legendary CBGB’s. Their diverse and engaging set, highlighted by the chemistry between Pip Blom and Willem Smit, showcased the kind of surprising and memorable moments that define the Best Kept Secret experience.