FLY Open Air festival review: sing-along moments and uplifting rhythms

In the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, FLY Open Air festival bookends the summer with its annual takeover of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Princes Street Gardens. For two days, the heart of Scotland’s capital beats to the sound of in-demand international DJs and rising homegrown talents, many of whom cut their teeth into the scene under FLY’s party movement. 

Man of the moment Josh Baker made a solid impression early on in Saturday’s heated line-up. From the Bandstand main stage, Baker worked the crowd with bass-driven selections, including his vibrant vocal record ‘Something To Me.’ Less than 24 hours out, he took to Instagram captioning FLY Open Air as a summer favourite. 

Image credit: Fly Open Air (Facebook)

Minimal grooves with maximum impact was the hallmark approach from tech-house don PAWSA who was up next for his Scottish debut at the ripe hour of 4 o’clock. Although the grey clouds showed no let-up, additional serotonin boosts were not required as the king of unreleased IDs got down to business. Talking of which, PAWSA’s latest edit to do the rounds, The Weekend ‘Come Through,’ went off! 

New for 2024, FLY ditched the VIP terrace, and upgraded entry altogether, because in house music we’re all equals, right? More space to roam meant they also introduced a second stage The Portal. A low-key outdoor space with a solid ratio of upcoming local selectors on the line-up including FLY friends BETH and Nadia Summer who we caught earlier in the day.

Image credit: Fly Open Air (Facebook)

Noticing the Bandstand crowd had thinned a little during one of Desiree’s Afro-house schoolings of the highest order, it suddenly clicked. If there is one thing to be said of a Scottish festival crowd, it’s that we wholeheartedly support our own from the ground up. Putting crowd control on high alert, an influx of ravers had migrated to The Portal stage to support Edinburgh homeboys Jezz and Gav, known as L\W/N. Catching up with Jezz after the set he recalled: “I just remember looking up and couldn’t believe the sea of people running towards the stage. We are so grateful for the turnout of dancers, it’s the reason we do it. FLY, that was 10/10.” 

Throughout the day, festival-goers could grab a cold pint at pop-up pub The FLY Arms. Complete with classic British boozer decor, a roof terrace overlooking The Portal and home brew FLY BIER. Whilst pinballing between both stages, it didn’t go amiss that FLY served up a variety of street food traders who were on hand to refuel ravers in the park’s picnic hang-out spots. 

Image credit: Fly Open Air (Facebook)

Under the now dark sky, the Bandstand’s smoke and mirrors light show production came alive. From a glowing purple haze, Mr.G poured heart and soul into his live set. His modern-day deep house classic ‘Transient’ cultivated into one of Saturday’s overall highlight moments. Back at The Portal and well in the know on the Scots’ love of a sing-along moment, house maverick SOSA cranked up the tempo. Between fun-first selections including ‘Your Love,’ came Shazam-worthy cuts like Madkay’s breakbeat-infused ‘Bass Power.’ 

Charged with shutdown duties, The Portal then readied for a back-to-back set from UK wavemakers Max Dean and Luke Dean. The cousins in formation are like fire and ice. Luke flirts with warm uplifting rhythms and Max cuts in with ice-cool house intensity edging into techno territory. We closed out the night in the company of DJ Tennis whose lasting remark came from a trippy edit of ‘You’ve Got The Love’ that yearns to be ID’d. In the background, FLY’s logo is now projected onto the volcanic rock that Edinburgh Castle rests upon and the team have similarly stamped day one of FLY Open Air a success. 

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Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.