LWE & JUNCTION 2 PRESENT.
ION FESTIVAL
Dance ∙ Explore ∙ Connect
6TH - 13TH SEPTEMBER 2023
Dhërmi, Albania
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ION Festival is a 7-day exploration of cutting-edge dance music of all shapes and sizes, located in the hidden gem of Dhërmi, Albania. Not just a music festival, but a destination holiday experience unto itself, we want to provide the opportunity for all to Dance, Explore and Connect.
Our programming allows artists to stretch their limits, often playing multiple sets across the week. DJs and punters alike are encouraged to become properly acquainted with Dhërmi's unique atmosphere that includes incredible food and drink, wellness, breathtaking natural surroundings and much more.
A collective experience worth sharing, ION Festival offers you the chance to extend your summer in the company of some of the best underground DJs on the circuit. Now entering our second year, we’re more ready than ever to further our artistic vision and build on our core values.
Music partners announced:
Bizarre Trax ∙ Eat Your Own Ears
Half Baked ∙ Junction 2 ∙ Keep Hush ∙ Krankbrother
My Analog Journal ∙ Picnic ∙ Servis ∙ VBX
Adam Shelton ∙ Alexia Glensy
Altin Boshnjaku ∙ Andy Luff
Anz ∙ B.Love ∙ Besa M
Ceylan Goksel ∙ Chaos In The CBD
Coco Maria ∙ Craig Richards
Daniel Avery ∙ Dan Shake ∙ Dixon
DJ BORING ∙ DJ Seinfeld
DJ Stingray 313 ∙ Elise ∙ Elkka
Felon5 ∙ Ferro
Francesco Del Garda ∙ Gemza
Gene On Earth ∙ HAAi
Helena Hauff ∙ Jimi Jules
Kessie ∙ KT ∙ Laurine
Leart Rama ∙ Leo Lumezi ∙ Madam X
Margaret Dygas ∙ Millie McKee
Nicolas Lutz ∙ Otik
Palo Santo Discos ∙ Pandaudio
Pelle ∙ Raresh
Sam Bangura ∙ Saoirse
Shaqdi ∙ Sofia Kourtesis
Sonja Moonear ∙ Storm Mollison
Tim Reaper ∙ Zag Erlat ∙ Zgjim
Adam Shelton ∙ Alexia Glensy ∙ Altin Boshnjaku ∙ Andy Luff ∙ Anz ∙ B.Love ∙ Besa M
Ceylan Goksel ∙ Chaos In The CBD ∙ Coco Maria ∙ Craig Richards ∙ Daniel Avery
Dan Shake ∙ Dixon ∙ DJ BORING ∙ DJ Seinfeld ∙ DJ Stingray 313 ∙ Elise ∙ Elkka ∙ Felon5
Ferro ∙ Francesco Del Garda ∙ Gemza ∙ Gene On Earth ∙ HAAi ∙ Helena Hauff ∙ Jimi Jules
Kessie ∙ KT ∙ Laurine ∙ Leart Rama ∙ Leo Lumezi ∙ Madam X ∙ Margaret Dygas
Millie McKee ∙ Nicolas Lutz ∙ Otik ∙ Palo Santo Discos ∙ Pandaudio ∙ Pelle ∙ Raresh
Sam Bangura ∙ Saoirse ∙ Shaqdi ∙ Sofia Kourtesis ∙ Sonja Moonear
Storm Mollison ∙ Tim Reaper ∙ Zag Erlat ∙ Zgjim
Ticket Information
Tickets are available to purchase here
Prices vary depending on which accommodation you choose, but all tickets start at £256 per person.
Tickets are in high demand so we strongly recommend purchasing quickly as there is a very limited amount.
What's included?
Can I book tickets without accommodation?
What’s the accommodation like?
How does the payment plan work?
Music
ION’s music policy is unbound by genre-limits, instead choosing to put faith in its performers, particularly through the use of extended and multiple sets per artist. We trust DJs to suit the particular vibe of our different stages and understand the needs of the audience.
Therefore, you’ll hear a huge range of fantastic music, growing out from our nucleus of house and techno to include UKG, bass, electro, DnB and jungle, dub/reggae, ambient and much, much more. Nothing is off limits at ION.
Location
With hidden bays, white sandy beaches and beautiful water, Dhërmi is truly one of the most picturesque locations in the world. To hold a festival there is a unique opportunity, so we want to complement and interact with the environment and culture there as much as possible.
Known for its relaxed, friendly atmosphere, culinary excellence and incredible scenery, Dhërmi provides an authentically Albanian experience, untouched by mass tourism akin to many other European short-haul destinations.
The festival site is intertwined with the town itself, meaning that all the stages are located alongside top-tier restaurants, bars and more. This means you’ll never be far away from your favourite acts, some refreshments or your cosy hotel.
Accommodation
Accommodation varies from exotic beach huts to 5 star hotels, all at great prices. Most options hold 2-3 people, although there are options for up to 12 people.This is to avoid overinflated rates during the festival week, ensure sustainable prices for Kala for this year and beyond, and provide a smoother festival experience for our guests.
3* Hotel
2 people from £336pp
3 people from £295pp
4 people from £294pp
5 people from £274pp
4* Hotel
2 people from £418pp
3 people from £380pp
4 people from £361pp
5* Hotel
2 people from £1119pp
3 people from £878pp
4 people fromm £780
Food & Drink
The food and drink on offer is a mix between Italian, Turkish and Greek cuisines, with huge emphasis placed upon the use of fresh, local ingredients. The restaurants are helmed by friendly staff, have spectacular views and are inexpensive.
Beaches
There are several beaches surrounding the festival site, which you can relax and unwind at after a night of music.
With quiet spots to sunbathe, cocktail bars and plenty of food options, you’re spoilt for choice, wherever you are along the shore.
Stages
The Main Stage
An ode to open-air clubbing of old, featuring a wooden dance floor, well stocked bars, a chill- out area with day beds, its own private beach and a stunning mountain backdrop, our Main Stage hosts some of the most in-demand brands and acts in dance music. Part of the Empire hotel, its beachside location and stunning sound system make it the perfect place to see in the sunrise with your fellow ravers.
The Deck
A serene beachside bar by day, The Deck transforms into an unforgettable raving experience during the night. As the waves crash against the beach just metres away, you can soak up the sounds of some of dance music’s most gifted selectors, and watch the moon turn to sun just above the booth.
The Cove
The Cove is the ideal place to relax during the day or get your boogie on at night, feeling the sand beneath your feet and swimming in the crystal blue waters as you take in daytime sets or getting your groove on to some of our favourite selectors by night.
Yacht Club
Another stunning location, The Yacht Club is a terrace bar flanked by gorgeous beaches, jutting out into the water for some incredible views along the way. It’s perfect for chilling out with friends during the day or shaking a leg at night.
The Canyon
Our hidden stage, just 15 minutes away via boat, Gjipe is surely one of the greatest party locations on earth. With spectacular scenery, including a forest, waterfalls and the incredible canyon, Gjipe is a one-of-a-kind spot that you will never forget, featuring some truly special sets from our performers.
Wellness
There will be a range of wellness activities taking place around site, including but not limited to:
Yoga:
We host daily morning and sunset yoga sessions to help you soothe those aching limbs after a little too much dancing. The sessions are held right by the sea by our expert teachers.
Meditation:
Our expert wellness team will host a variety of meditation sessions, from mindfulness guided meditation to soundscape meditations that incorporate electronic music and ancient instruments. A great opportunity for all abilities, from beginners to experts.
Gong baths:
Take some time out to encounter the ancient practice of Gong baths. An immersive sound experience that primarly uses Gong and Tibetan bowls for relaxation benefits. The sounds produced in the baths help to rebalance and rejuvenate mind, body & spirit.
Are these included with the ticket?
There is a charity donation to join each session and all profits are donated to a local Albanian Charity. Places are limited, make sure to reserve your spot once the 2023 programme is announced.