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\u2019ll be a hot tub disco which replaces the conventional dance floor with hot, bubblying tubs of joy alongside yoga and more.<\/p>\n
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\u00a0Psychemagik<\/strong>,\u00a0Scott Fraser<\/strong>\u00a0and Joe Hart’s revered and long-running\u00a0Body Hammer,<\/strong>\u00a0a showcase of\u00a0Andy Bainbridge<\/strong>\u00a0&\u00a0Chris stoker<\/strong>\u2019s brilliant Not An Animal label, Scotland’s endlessly talented\u00a0Austin Ato<\/strong>\u00a0(previously known as Drums of Death), and industry veteran\u00a0Felix Dickinson<\/strong>, 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”\u00a0Francis Inferno Orchestra<\/strong>, Norwegian house don\u00a0Telephones<\/strong>\u00a0and Japan\u2019s rising star\u00a0Powder<\/strong>\u00a0all dropping in. See full line up below.<\/p>\n Kelvin Batt, Director of\u00a0Masked Ball Limited<\/strong>\u00a0says\u00a0“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\u2019re 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, \u00a0You wont see anybody videoing or track ID-ing despite the talent on offer, and I think we\u2019re quite unique\/lucky for a dance event in that respect.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Add to that a 24-hour licence on Saturday and it all adds up to a proper party \u2013 an outrageously colourful three-day refuge from normal life that leaves other such events in the dust.<\/p>\n 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\u00a0Phil Hartnoll (Orbital), Bonobo, Andrew Weatherall, Norman Jay MBE, Nightmares on Wax, Craig Richards, Portishead\u2019s Andy Smith, Hot Chip, Optimo, Daniele Baldelli, Live at Robert Johnson\u2019s ATA and Horse Meat Disco<\/strong>\u00a0to name only a few.<\/p>\n