Three long years have passed since Junction 2 last set foot in the capital, and as we count down the last few weeks before event weekend the team is giving the public a sneak peek at the brand new stage designs they can expect to see alongside stage splits how the site will look.
The six brand new stage concepts to support the outstanding lineup will all feel completely different with The Arches, The Stealth, The Observatory, The Tunnel, The Dome and The Speaker‘s Corner all debuting at this one-off event. With its rolling hills and leafy surroundings, the idyllic backdrop of Trent Park, North London gives the Junction 2 team the opportunity to bring the magic of the festival to this vast, open space on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th June 2022.
Jeff Gray, Promoter at Junction 2 says “We are delighted to be able to show everyone what we envisage for Junction 2’s 2022 home of Trent Park. It’s safe to say that for this year’s festival we have gone beyond anything we have done before and our team is working around the clock to ensure it’s going to be a very special weekend. The investment that has gone into the sound and production will top what we have spent in previous years and we cannot wait to celebrate this momentous occasion with you all and some of the world’s very finest selectors.”
Being that The Arches will be where many of the live acts will be playing, the stage is something more accustomed to a concert performance with a screen backdrop and speakers on either side and lined across the front. The overhead rigs will be fitted with lighting and production, which will become their own as day slowly turns to night. Jon Hopkins, Max Cooper, Ben Böhmer, George FitzGerald and Robert Hood are just a few of the live acts being put front-and-centre under the lights.
The Stealth is an expansive, open-air stage that provides clear sight lines of the artists no matter where people are stood with a dancefloor big enough to accommodate J2’s largest crowds. Such space is needed when you consider the talent on display here. Four Tet, Hessle Audio and TSHA on the Saturday, followed by Adam Beyer, Amelie Lens and ANNA on the Sunday. The masses will flock here for the big spectacle.
The Observatory comes modelled with a stretched canvas roof. Not only does this offer a degree of shielding from the elements, but an entrapped sonic dynamism. Those who love crisp, multi-layered sonics will appreciate the intimacy this space provides. The DJs are also closer to ground level, putting them eye-level with the dancefloor, whilst attendees are able to surround the booth from all sides. DJs such as Dixon, Maribou State DJ, Nina Kraviz, Esa, Dr Rubinstein and FJAAK were chosen with this in mind.
The Tunnel is a long rectangular corridor that’s completely sealed and pitch black inside. With vision impaired, the sense of hearing will be heightened, creating an intense festival experience. With names like Dax J, Avalon Emerson, Romy, 999999999 Live and Benjamin Damage Live playing here across the weekend, the emphasis is firmly placed on the sound.
The Dome comes as described, with panels keeping things nice and cosy, as well as enclosing the sound. By day, natural light will be pouring through, then after darkness has taken hold, the illumination in the night sky will sparkle above, as the headliners take us through to close. Roza Terenzi, D.Tiffany, Jossy Mitsu, Margaret Dygas and Fumiya Tanaka all play here.
Lastly, Junction 2 presents The Speaker’s Corner, a space for artist-led conversations exploring electronic music culture across both days. Take a seat and join the talent as they explore the stories of the artists and collectives on this year’s lineup… straight from the horse’s mouth. Grab a beer courtesy of Asahi, and prepare to get up close and personal.
As Junction 2 continues to stamp down a sonic vision with authority, the 2022 festival plans are a statement of that intent. Combined with the production, operational and core values that the attendees have come to expect, this all underlines Junction 2‘s position as London’s premier electronic music festival.
