JACUZZI, 24 HOURS OF LICENSE AND MORE AT THE MASKED BALL FESTIVAL

Atmosphere, variety and personality are everything at this immersive, multi-level party kingdom that for one weekend each year turns the cliffs above Porthleven into a hotbed of masked shenanigans. Besides a fine lineup of DJs and live acts playing in a network of small “microvenues” (as opposed to huge stages) Ballers have an almost endless choice of fun daytime and nighttime activities to choose from. Surfing lessons are available to wash the hangover away, while those seeking to stay dry(er), stand up paddle boarding will give attendees a rare view of the festival from the sea. Beyond numerous activities they’ll be a hot tub disco which replaces the conventional dance floor with hot, bubblying tubs of joy alongside yoga and more.

As for the music, the lineup is stuffed with good time dance music of every stripe from the UK and beyond. Among the home standouts are edit kings Psychemagik, Scott Fraser and Joe Hart’s revered and long-running Body Hammer, a showcase of Andy Bainbridge & Chris stoker’s brilliant Not An Animal label, Scotland’s endlessly talented Austin Ato (previously known as Drums of Death), and industry veteran Felix Dickinson, who counts DJ Harvey, Optimo and Andrew Weatherall among his fans. The international artists are just as impressive, with the “saviour of Australian dance music” Francis Inferno Orchestra, Norwegian house don Telephones and Japan’s rising star Powder all dropping in. See full line up below.

Kelvin Batt, Director of Masked Ball Limited says “For me, the Masked Ball is a proper party in a unique location, nothing more, nothing less. The event began as a party by friends for friends, and we’re proud to say we cut the ledges that the tents sit on out of the cliff ourselves, I think that attitude really shines through today. We’re lucky the crowd makes it, everyones there for one reason: to have a good time,  You wont see anybody videoing or track ID-ing despite the talent on offer, and I think we’re quite unique/lucky for a dance event in that respect.”

Add to that a 24-hour licence on Saturday and it all adds up to a proper party – an outrageously colourful three-day refuge from normal life that leaves other such events in the dust.

Masked Ball Limited are an independent Cornish events company run by a small group of friends. They run events in the local area, using local people, businesses and contractors. Over the last eleven years, the various stages have been graced with world-class acts and underground DJs alike, including Phil Hartnoll (Orbital), Bonobo, Andrew Weatherall, Norman Jay MBE, Nightmares on Wax, Craig Richards, Portishead’s Andy Smith, Hot Chip, Optimo, Daniele Baldelli, Live at Robert Johnson’s ATA and Horse Meat Disco to name only a few.

Masked Ball Summer 2018 from ARC LIVE on Vimeo.