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Blog by James Bridle highlighting some of my recent work in the field of Photography, show casing festivals, like Bestival, Isle of Wight, Global Gathering, SoundClash, and many more. Also covering PA club events, fitness fashion shoots and weddings! Photographer based in Bournemouth, Dorset covering Christchurch & Poole.

Flying in from London after an unforgettable shoot with Eminem, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg, my transition to photographing Parookaville 2024 felt like stepping from one epic creative canvas into another. Parookaville, one of Europe’s largest and most immersive music festivals, offers more than just music—it’s an entire city brought to life.

This year felt special even before I set foot on the festival grounds. In August, I’ll be heading out on tour with Steve Aoki, so covering his Parookaville set was a chance to get an early glimpse into the high-energy, crowd-pleasing artistry that I’ll be documenting on the road. Watching him command the main stage, with thousands of fans throwing their hands up for his signature cake-tossing moment, was electrifying. Capturing the moment his beats synced perfectly with the pyrotechnics and the roar of the crowd felt like the perfect teaser for what’s to come on tour.

Beyond the big headliners, there was also a personal side to returning to Parookaville. Festivals like this have a way of creating a close-knit community among those working behind the scenes, and it was a joy to reunite with familiar faces from last year. From other photographers to stage designers, it felt like a reunion of creative minds who understand the magic this festival brings. Swapping stories from past gigs, sharing laughs, and diving back into the madness together made the weekend all the more special.

As always, Parookaville didn’t hold back on its signature blend of spectacle and scale. Set across the sprawling Weeze Airport, the festival isn’t just a collection of stages—it’s a city built to immerse its visitors. The set design still blows me away: streets lined with custom-built architecture, neon-lit districts, and the towering main stage that serves as the centerpiece of this urban utopia. Every corner is a photo opportunity, each detail designed to tell its own story.

The energy of the crowd was unparalleled. Whether they were catching electrifying beats, soaking in the melodic sets of rising stars, or simply wandering through the streets of this surreal city, festival-goers lived every moment to the fullest. For a photographer, these candid, unscripted moments are gold. Capturing the joy on their faces, the colors of their outfits, and the camaraderie in the air reminded me why I love this job.

With a stacked lineup of global electronic giants and emerging talent, Parookaville 2024 was a feast for the senses. But it’s more than just the music that lingers after the weekend ends—it’s the collective spirit of creativity, passion, and connection that defines the festival.

As I head back to London to prepare for the tour with Steve Aoki, I carry with me the memories of another unforgettable year at Parookaville. The frames captured this weekend will soon become part of a larger story, one that celebrates not just the music, but the people and artistry that make this festival a world of its own.

Would you like to add more about the tour preparations or specific behind-the-scenes moments with Aoki? Anyway heres the best bit, the bit I live for. The Imagery!

Thanks for stopping by you can follow me live! on Instagram @JamesBridlePhoto

Shot on Nikon Systems

2 x Nikon Z9 / 24-70mm 2.8F / 70-200mm 2.8F / 50mm 1.8F (All Nikon S Series)