Stowaway Festival 2025: Rave Legends, Afrobeat & Little Ravers (Review)
Looking for a festival that’s epic without being exhausting, chaotic, or pretentious? Stowaway Festival in Buckinghamshire should be top of your list. Nestled on the stunning Blackpit Brewery site in Stowe, this boutique three-day festival perfectly balances family fun with full-on music immersion. There’s a lake, sprawling fields, ancient woodland, and cleverly hidden stages—every corner feels like a little adventure.
Camping & Vibes
The journey into the field almost made it feel… different. Flat, open, and peaceful – it was easy to set up, get a coffee, and take a breathe. Given that we had almost a sunny weekend ahead, it felt light and relaxed. Attendees soon noted that the group organisors had thought of everything, to the spotless compost toilets and functioning showers, and the water points located everywhere. Although a quick shower on Sunday changed those woodland paths into fun puddles for the adventurous ones – rather than a muddy mess, the comfortable friendliness of the vibes followed us right through the weekend.
Friday – Fabio & Grooverider with the Outlook Orchestra
Friday began with a bang. It felt like true magic to watch Fabio & Grooverider perform together on the main stage with the Outlook Orchestra. Not to mention, they were supported by a selection of guest vocalists too. When live instruments met the energy of Jungle music and classic drum & bass, it created an experience that had ravers and pint-szed pals alike sliding around in tribute to the sounds of the past. The crowd was also bright in color and filled with all of the elements of a festival crowd and a new generation of fresh, wide-eyed faces. The smells of the festival were radiating with joy.
Saturday – The Wailers
Saturday slowed things just enough with reggae legends The Wailers. Their set mixed timeless hits with chilled grooves, letting families dance under the stars, they created a warm fuzzy feeling where everyone could enjoy moving or just being there together. The sound clarity was perfect, the crowd was humming, and everything was on point. Their set demonstrated exactly why their music still resonates with so many, with reggae music that was totally strong, and totally full of feeling.
Sunday – Jungle (DJ Set)
Sunday wrapped up the festival with Jungle (DJ Set), most famously known for London duo J and T, whose debut album in 2014 was nominated for a Mercury prize, sold over 100,000 copies, and established them as a seven-piece live powerhouse of modern soul. Jungle played a sound that was labeled as “midtempo ’70s-ish funk” with “lots of tropical percussion, falsetto yelps, psychedelic undertones, sounds from the nature, and an irresistible heavy bass.” The perfect finish—for toddlers and teens falling in love with Jungle, or as a farewell to veterans on the rave-for-life tour.
Food & Drink
And oh, the food! Stowaway’s catering isn’t festival grub—it’s proper festival feasting. Jerk chicken, fried chicken burgers, Mexican, Asian-inspired brunches, vegan options, craft beers, gin cocktails, mocktails—you name it. We probably spent half the weekend wandering between stages just for the bottomless brunches, and honestly, zero regrets.
Why Stowaway Works
What I think makes Stowaway unique isn’t just their music or food, it’s the vibe. Everyone is there to have fun, smile, and make memories. Toddlers were dancing to drum & bass, teenagers hearing something new seemingly for the first time, and parents were finding a second wind as the sun sunk down over the lake. Their kids were kept busy too, roller skating, treasure hunting, helter skeltering, or simply running around the woodland playgrounds underneath the stars—they were never bored! The festival is clearly in-tune with its audience; you can slowly wander between the stages, which are well-appointed, with small touches that will surprise you around every corner. It felt like the perfect closing piece for everyone—magical, inclusive, and it toes you up long after the last beat has played.
Final Take
Stowaway 2025 is more than a festival – it’s a hug that lasts all weekend. It’s for families, first-timers, old ravers, or just anyone who loves music that makes them feel. With legendary headlining act, stunning immersive woodland stages, and activities for every age, you are guaranteed to leave buzzing, sunburnt and already planning your next visit.
Rating: ★★★★★
