BEONIX Festival 2024: A Bold Step for Cyprus and a Bright Future for Electronic Music

In an era where the festival circuit is becoming increasingly saturated, Cyprus’ BEONIX Festival stands out as a beacon of excitement, potential, and growth. Now in its largest edition yet, BEONIX 2024 marked not only a significant milestone for the event but also a triumph for Cyprus as a burgeoning destination for electronic music. What started as a smaller-scale festival a few years ago has blossomed into a sell-out weekend extravaganza, pulling in over 50 artists and 25,000 visitors. For an island not traditionally known for its techno culture, BEONIX has rapidly established itself as a serious contender on the global festival stage.

From the moment I arrived at the festival grounds, I could sense that this would be a weekend to remember. Held in the vibrant city of Limassol, BEONIX offers the unique combination of stunning Mediterranean landscapes and the pulsating energy of world-class electronic music. As I made my way through the gates, giant art installations greeted me—an early sign that the organizers had invested not just in sound, but in creating an immersive, visual experience for all attendees.

The festival grounds, set within a repurposed Cypriot distillery, delivered a perfect balance between gritty industrial charm and polished festival professionalism. Walking through the festival was an experience in itself. Quirky graffiti covered the containers stacked around the venue, adding a layer of urban artistry to the otherwise expansive space. As the sun began to set, the festival truly came alive, with four stages offering diverse musical experiences, each accompanied by mesmerizing light shows and impressive video screens. The stages were designed not just to be functional but to create atmospheres that matched the vibe of the music—whether it was the towering visuals on the Main Stage or the more intimate, dark energy of the Hangar Stage.

BEONIX pulled no punches with its headliners this year. The lineup featured international heavyweights like Tale Of Us, ARTBAT, Miss Monique, and the legendary Fatboy Slim, all of whom delivered unforgettable sets. Fatboy Slim’s performance on Saturday night was pure chaos in the best way possible—his ability to control the energy of the crowd with his eclectic mix of genres and signature style reminded everyone why he remains a festival icon. While some may have felt his sound was slightly dated, there was no denying the nostalgia and fun he injected into the night.

ARTBAT delivered one of the most atmospheric performances of the weekend on Saturday, their melodic techno perfectly suited to the visual spectacle on the Main Stage. The synergy between the music and visuals transported the audience to another world, where time seemed to blur and the music felt endless. Tale Of Us followed on the last night of the festival, Sunday, providing a high-energy set that kept the momentum going and offered a euphoric close to the night’s proceedings.

One of the festival’s standout sets, however, came from Claptone. Known for his signature golden mask, Claptone brought his enigmatic style and uplifting house music to the Main Stage on Friday. His set was a perfect example of how BEONIX is able to balance different sounds within the electronic spectrum—from the dark and brooding to the light and playful. The crowd responded in kind, with hands in the air and smiles all around.

While the Main Stage was home to the festival’s biggest acts, it was the other stages that truly embodied BEONIX’s ethos of diversity and discovery. The Hangar Stage, in particular, became my personal favorite over the weekend. Channeling the energy of iconic venues like Printworks in London, this stage was dark, raw, and full of unfiltered energy. DJs like Teenage Mutants and Spartaque took the crowd on a journey through hard-hitting techno and melodic beats, transforming the space into a pulsating dancefloor where the music enveloped you completely.

The Organic Stage was another standout. Shaped like the island of Cyprus itself, this stage felt more intimate, with a focus on deeper, more organic sounds. The subtle lighting, swaying palm trees in the background, and the open-air setting created a tranquil space for attendees to lose themselves in the music. It was a welcome contrast to the intensity of the Hangar Stage, offering a more relaxed, laid-back vibe for those who wanted to take a breather from the heavier beats.

The Garden Stage, meanwhile, served as a platform for emerging local and international talent. Many of the artists here were making their festival debut, and BEONIX’s commitment to showcasing young DJs is commendable. As I wandered through the festival, I made a point of stopping by this stage regularly. It was clear that these artists were hungry to prove themselves, and their enthusiasm and passion for the craft shone through in every set.

One of the most impressive aspects of BEONIX is how it is helping to put Cyprus on the map as a destination for electronic music. The island has always been known for its natural beauty, rich history, and stunning beaches, but it hasn’t been widely recognized as a hub for techno or house music. BEONIX is changing that narrative. The festival drew attendees from all over the world, many of whom took the opportunity to explore the island’s culture, cuisine, and coastline during the day before diving into the music at night.

Festival organizers spoke about their vision for BEONIX, explaining how they want to grow the event while keeping the focus on quality and experience. The fact that the festival is held in late September, after much of the European festival season has ended, gives it a unique advantage. The weather in Cyprus is still warm, and the opportunity to swim in the sea in the morning and dance to world-class DJs in the evening is a rare luxury that few festivals can offer.

As BEONIX continues to grow, it’s clear that this festival has the potential to become one of the premier electronic music events in the Mediterranean region. The organizers have successfully combined top-tier talent, stunning visuals, and a picturesque location to create an event that feels both massive and intimate at the same time. While the festival scene is crowded, BEONIX stands out not just for its music but for its atmosphere, its commitment to nurturing new talent, and its ability to offer an experience that goes beyond the music alone.

For electronic music fans looking for a fresh, exciting destination, BEONIX 2025 should already be on your radar. If this year’s event is anything to go by, the future is bright for BEONIX and the role it will play in shaping Cyprus’ electronic music scene.