The Best Kept Secret festival in Hilvarenbeek commenced with unexpectedly high temperatures, creating a need for sunscreen and shaded areas. The festival grounds at Safaripark Beekse Bergen offered plenty of shelter from the sun, and sunscreen stations provided by Zilveren Kruis were available.

The initial hours of the festival saw smaller crowds and a somewhat subdued atmosphere. Despite performances by acts like Droom Dit and Das Pop in the tents, the festival grounds were not yet filled with the expected euphoric energy.

DJ St. Paul’s set at the covered field of DJ tables provided an alternative to band performances, offering a variety of music styles from disco to techno. He started his set with Sly Stone’s “Remember Who You Are,” and guest DJ Maha played Skunk Anansie’s “Yes It’s Fucking Political.”

As the afternoon progressed, a more festive atmosphere emerged, with Long Fling delivering a diverse performance in the Casbah. This supergroup, featuring members of Personal Trainer, presented “thorny guitar rock” to a full Casbah, and they contributed to the unique appeal of Best Kept Secret. The festival plans for the next day include bringing sunscreen.