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For the second year in a row, I found myself at the magical Appletree Garden Festival, nestled in the charming town of Diepholz. What began as a spontaneous adventure last year has quickly turned into an annual tradition, and it’s easy to see why. This festival doesn’t just welcome you; it pulls you in with open arms, leaving you utterly captivated by its unique charm and impeccable vibes.
1. The Atmosphere: A Perfect Blend of Intimacy and Magic
Appletree Garden Festival is a boutique festival at its finest. With just around 5,000 attendees, it strikes the perfect balance between a cozy community feel and a vibrant energy. This year, the atmosphere was as enchanting as ever. The festival’s layout is a work of art in itself: two sunlit stages on a picturesque clearing, where live bands and artists command your attention, and a hidden gem of a stage tucked away in the forest, pulsating with electronic beats.
The forest stage has to be one of my favorite spots. There’s something surreal about being surrounded by towering trees, the music blending seamlessly with nature. Whether you’re grooving under the fairy lights or just soaking in the ambiance, it’s impossible not to fall under its spell.
2. The Line-Up: A Curated Journey of Discovery
One of the most remarkable things about Appletree is the care that goes into the lineup. It’s not just a list of big names; it’s a treasure trove of discovery. Many of the artists are ones you’ve never heard of before, yet they leave you stunned and asking yourself why you hadn’t known them sooner.
This year, my personal highlights included:
- Leoniden: Their electrifying energy had the entire crowd dancing and shouting along.
- Bukahara: A soulful, genre-defying performance that felt like a warm embrace.
- Fatoni: His witty, sharp lyrics and engaging stage presence made for a standout set.
- Berg: Dreamy yet intense, their sound was mesmerizing.
- Edwin Rosen: A rising star whose melancholic, synth-driven music was spellbinding.
- Say Yes Dog: Pure danceable bliss, the perfect way to lose yourself in the music.
Every act felt deliberate, as if chosen not just to perform but to create a lasting memory for the audience.
3. How We Camped: The Perfect Balance
Like last year, we set up our trusty Bulli on the cozy caravan camping area and made it our home base for the weekend. Sleeping in the van was not only comfortable but also added to the sense of adventure that defines the Appletree experience. The caravan area is perfect for those who want a little extra convenience and quiet at night, while still being just a short walk from the festival grounds.
During the day, though, the action was all at the festival-close camping area. With so many friends camping there, it became our daytime hangout spot. Whether it was sharing laughs over breakfast, playing games, or just lounging in the sun between sets, the camping area buzzed with life and camaraderie. It’s the kind of place where friendships deepen, new ones are formed, and the festival’s unique spirit truly comes alive.
Balancing the best of both worlds—peaceful caravan nights and lively campsite days—made the experience feel complete.
4. The Saturday Ritual: A Dip in the Freibad
No Appletree weekend is complete without the traditional Saturday morning trip to the local Freibad. This year, with perfect weather gracing us, our group of 15 set off for the pool, and it was nothing short of amazing. The sun was shining, spirits were high, and, of course, the much-anticipated water aerobics session had us all laughing and splashing away like kids.
The Freibad isn’t just a fun addition—it’s a core part of the Appletree experience, a moment of lighthearted connection before diving back into the festival madness.
5. Organization: A Masterclass in Efficiency
Despite its intimate size, Appletree Garden Festival is a masterclass in organization. From spotless facilities to seamless transitions between acts, everything runs like clockwork. Even with a group of 15, we never felt lost or overwhelmed. The festival has a knack for creating an environment that feels effortless, allowing you to focus on the music, the people, and the atmosphere.
6. Why I’ll Be Back
Appletree Garden Festival has a magic that’s hard to put into words. It’s in the handpicked lineup, the lush surroundings, the perfect weather, and the unforgettable moments shared with friends old and new. Whether it’s dancing under the forest canopy, cheering for your favorite band on the main stage, or laughing in the Freibad, every moment feels special.
As I packed up my things on Sunday, already sun-kissed and slightly exhausted, I knew one thing for sure: I’ll be back next year, ready to make more memories at this little slice of festival heaven.
Until next time, Appletree. 🌳
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Fritz is the managing director of Europe’s largest manufacturer of mobile stages Kultour and has a lot of experience in the event industry, loves music and likes to go to festivals.
