In Photos: VELD Music Festival 2014

Rhythmic beats reverberated continuously across the acres of fields at Downsview Park over the course of two days at a mega music festival known as VELD. For EDM fans across the region, VELD requires no introduction. INK Entertainment delivered another stellar production of sound, lights, and pyrotechnics headlined by some of the hottest names in EDM today.

Held in Downsview Park over the August long weekend (Aug 2nd and 3rd), the event attracted over 50,000 party-goers and the people watching experience was glorious: we spotted a Sponge Bob, some Power Rangers, fairies, wrestlers, superheroes and astronauts.

With over 36 DJs spinning over the course of two days on two distinct stages, revellers had plenty of options to choose from.

Navigating through the festival was easy including the addition of a VELD mobile app. The layout of the festival was carefully laid out and logistics were done relatively well. The TTC provided express shuttle service to and from Downsview station and the direction and signage at the festival itself were clearly communicated. As mentioned earlier, VELD boasted two stages: The Bacardi Stage and the main Veld Stage. Both stages were positioned to prevent acoustical interference.

For the many attendees who were lucky to get into the VIP section provided by Cabana Pool Bar, it offered clear views of the stage on a large raised platform. The large tented bar and lounge area was a nice refuge during the sprinkles of rain during the festival with plenty of elbow room to spare. The cabana and bottle service area in the VIP area had a lush relaxing atmosphere complete with white curtained cabana beds and pillows.

Enjoying the full VIP service in a cabana bed

The enormous main stage design reminded us of a gigantic boom box with cannons projecting deep dirty beats. On Day One of VELD, the main stage was headlined by Bingo Players, Nero, Ingrosso, and trance legend Armin Van Buuren. Where the stage design really maximized with potential was during the evening, when the lights and pyrotechnics were choreographed to complement the music. A gradual increase in the loudness and musical intensity would be accompanied by flickering lights that ominously denoted the end of the crescendo, where the climatic drops (of the beat) burst from the speakers and VELD erupts with fire, mist, raining confetti and the screams of tens of thousands of euphoric ravers.

The Bacardi Stage

Although Waka Flocka Flame was unable to perform at the Bacardi stage due to immigration issues, we managed to see Australian hip-hop sensation Iggy Azalea rock the stage in full force on day two (see our Iggy Azalea photos here).

Iggy Azalea

Adventure Club, Tommy Trash, Martin Garrix, Zedd, Knife Party, and Calvin Harris, the man of summer himself took the main stage on Day Two keeping the crowds chanting “Eat Sleep Rave Repeat” to close the night out.

This event was certainly one for the books.

For more info visit www.veldmusicfestival.com