Eastern Electrics 2018 Review

Two years after leaving Hatfield House, Eastern Electrics may finally have found a place it can call home, writes TopReviews4U editor Paul Christian. 

The roving festival, which has previously pitched up at Knebworth as well as in Hatfield, seemed settled in its Morden Park residence, a year after moving there.

This felt like it belonged, with room to breathe, reasonably far away from residents and with a knowhow brought about by learning from previous experience. 

Gone was the hated RFID pre-loaded payment system, which seemed to make the bar experience far more relaxed and leaving your stresses at the gate should be what festivals are all about. 

Also this year a second day was added on Sunday, featuring more urban acts to compliment the underground house and techno fayre, as EE added a third 'E' - expansion. 

But some things never change, thankfully.

The epic Switchyard arena was still a central feature and was packed full of up-for-it ravers under sunny skies.  

Also the ever-present Star of EE 'pub' was still there and always busy. 

The excellent new Defected tent was like a separate venue, with its entrance tunnel building anticipation, before a stepped dancing stage, the whole length of the marquee, came into view and quality house music filled the plush setting. 

The main stage offered some of the cream of the crop including Hot Since 82 and Jamie Jones.

But it was in the plethora of side stages where EE really excels with variety both musically and aesthetically. 

Everything just felt right at Eastern Electrics this year - long may it continue.