What to Expect from Tunes in the Dunes Festival

Where else than Tunes in the Dunes can you dance to your favourite tracks with sand between your toes?

One of my top Cornwall music festival picks, Tunes in the Dunes is always one of the best weekends of the year! The whole festival is built literally on the sand at Perranporth beach, next to The Watering Hole bar, and has you watching your favourite acts while looking out at the dunes and ocean – so perfect.

For those who have never been before, take a look at how much fun we had this year, and have a read of all the things you can expect from this big seaside party…

1. Big-name and ‘retro’ acts

Tunes in the Dunes is known for putting on a couple of modern big acts (such as John Newman this year), plus a whole load of retro favourites. This year featured Gabrielle (queue hours of us yelling “DREAMS CAN COME TRUE” at the top of our lungs beforehand), Bananarama and the amazing Sugarhill Gang (one of my all time faves!).

2. A little bit of sunburn!

One year I went the whole weekend out in the sunshine without any suncream on and REGRETTED it, so now when I go I always bring some with me. Even if it’s cloudy, it’s super easy to get burnt when you’re lazing out on the beach all day long with a beer in hand!

3. Delicious food

One of my favourite things about festivals in general is the FOOD! I’m a big lover of street food and I love exploring all the wonderful local food stands and quirky independent businesses that set up at our Cornish festivals. Tunes in the Dunes is no exception! Pass me the dirty fries…

4. A pumpin’ Estrella Damm bar & DJ area

Every year, sponsors Estrella Damm have the best set up at Tunes in the Dunes. They have their own Estrella bar and chill out area, with deck chairs and even a table tennis table, PLUS their own DJ stand which plays house music pretty much all day and night! We spent most of our time here two-stepping in the sand.

5. Barefoot dancing in the sand

Speaking of – the most unique feature of Tunes in the Dunes is obviously that it is hosted ON THE BEACH! Literally on the sand, with the ocean and dunes as a backdrop. There’s something about dancing on the sand in flipflops or bare feet that makes it feel totally different to any other festival.

6. The most epic silent disco

So before Tune in the Dunes this year, I had never been to a proper silent disco before! But I think they might be my new favourite thing… honestly the DJs in the silent disco tent at Tunes in the Dunes were playing THE BEST music and with 3 different channels to choose from, there’s always something to please everyone.

7. Soul & funk favourites on Sunday

My favourite music genres of all-time are disco, funk, soul and old school hip hop (pretty much anything from the 70s!), so I love that Tune in the Dunes basically have an entire day and evening of their festival dedicated to awesome acts of this era – such as Sugarhill Gang this year!

8. Night-time ocean paddles in the dark

As it starts to get dark, why not run barefoot into the ocean for a sea paddle! Two years ago Niki and I were wearing our swimwear under our festival clothes, and ended up running into the ocean for a full on swim at night. Obviously if you have had a bit to drink, I wouldn’t recommend going in deeper than your knees (please stay safe!), but it’s always fun to be so close to the sea that you can have a paddle under the stars.

9. After parties at The Watering Hole

The Watering Hole is Perranporth’s bar on the beach, and is situated right next to the festival site. Every year they host epic after parties once the festival finishes for the night so you can carry on the dancing ’til 2am! Previous acts they’ve hosted include Shy FX, Sigma, Wilkinson and more.

10. A handbag full of sand at the end of the night

When I woke up the next morning after the Saturday night this year, I opened my handbag and found pretty much half the beach inside!

 

* We were kindly given tickets to the festival by sponsors, Estrella Damm, but all thoughts are my own