AWAKE 2018 WRAP-UP

AWAKE 2018, the first boutique festival in Romania, has ended. Inspired The festival took place on the Teleki’s Domain in Gornești, Mureș, between 17th and 19th of August.

International and local artists have owned the main stage AWAKE, The Cube Main Stage: Morcheeba, Milky Chance, Wilkinson, The Subways, Fink, Subcarpați, Ivan & The Parazol, Mihail, DJ Shiver, Fran Palermo and many more. Vița de Vie played for the first time an exclusivee symphonic concert with Filarmonica de Stat Tîrgu Mureș. James Zabiela, Eelke Kleijn, Culoe de Song, along with local DJs were the ones that electrified the atmosphere at the Telekom Electronic Beats stage, curated by All You Can Dance / FORM Space.

The garden of Teleki’s Castle has transformed into Castle Lounge by J’ai Bistrot, thanks to their guests: Nopame. Omlette, Corvin & Buniku and a surprise trio: Dj Acid Mouse Sin (Andi Moisescu’s stage name), Fozzie and Teddy Dumitrescu, in a 90’s dedicated set. One of the favourites stages from the last year, The Wire by Office Clubul Presei, has brought this year Funkorporation, Acoustic Bastards and Suburbia 11.

“When we started organizing the second edition, we knew that we have to take it to another level, and that the this edition should be a much richer and a more  meaningful one. The three days of festival are the result of a yearlong effort. We’ve thought of a much richer content, with the intention of putting in light the economic, cultural and social development of the region. AWAKE’s public has increased during the two editions and we were incredibly happy to live the festival experience together with almost 30.000 of people.

We thank our partners from all of the organizing spectrums: colleagues, the extended team of the festival, sponsors, providers, institutional partners and media partners. We are waiting for you at AWAKE 2019, an edition that has now even more goals to achieve.” has declared Laura Coroianu, festival’s director.

This year’s AWAKE theme, New Funky Royals – about the reinterpretation of  monarchy symbols, has been retrieved in decors and activities, and the most interesting royal outfits have been awarded. Our theme has been present at the Royal Designer’s Bazaar, which included a line of royal accessories made in collaboration with the Romanian brand Murmur and a royal workshop, where participants were able to customize their own accessories. Along with the official T-Shirt, AWAKE launched the first line of festival bum bags, made by the young designer Maria Ștefănescu.

The Feed Your Mind platform came back with discussions on inspirational themes, on technology, neo-nutrition, restoration, civism and entrepreneurship. Panels with speakers from different activity fields, workshops of self-development, movie screenings and Open Mic sessions, have all brought us the doze of much needed inspiration this year at AWAKE. The “Coffee with the organizers” sessions eded the gap between the organizers and public, by giving feedback in real time.

Caravana Filmelor TIFF was part of our Cinema Under The Bridge with a selection of the best Romanian short movies from TIFF, and also with awarded movies. There were also representations from a local independent theatre company.

For celebrating the Telekiana library from Tîrgu Mureș, founded by Samuel Teleki, AWAKE in partnership with Editura Litera, recreated the Forest Library, this year readers having at disposal over 400 volumes.

After the adventure park that has been last year in the defense ditch with escalade walls, zip line, and archery, this year, the royal games have returned in the English park. Royal Playgroundinvited participants at oină demonstrations and contests, croquet, badminton or pétanque. AWAKE Playground completed the royal feel  with archery, zip line, climbing net and Indian bridge.

The favorite oasis, Serenity Meadow, has brought bodyart courses, bungee fitness and yoga, for relaxing mornings for the body and for the mind. Days at the festival were tasty at the Food & Drinks Court, where the organizers selected the most interesting street food goodies, but also traditional specialties from local and international kitchen, and drinks for all preferences.

All 10 winning ARTDOOR artworks were admired at the open air exhibition. The contest was made possible by Culturaft Association, with the help from Consiliul Județean Mureș and in partnership with Ordinul Arhitecților din România, Mureș branch.

During festival, Dăruiește Viață gave the participants the chance to contribute in building the first integrated Oncology and Radiotherapy clinic in Romania, within the Marie Curie Hospital of Bucharest by personalizing a symbolic brick that people could get in exchange of a donation.

AWAKE Festival is part of European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018 and of International Initiative Take a Stand.

See you next year!