Xiami Music & Arts Festival returned to the shores of Aranya for its fifth edition, bringing together artists from China and around the world for three days of music, art, film, and more.
Held from 28 to 30 August at the coastal cultural and tourism destination in China’s Hebei province, the festival welcomed tens of thousands of attendees under this year’s theme, “Life is not a track, but a _______.”
Leading the international contingent were Swedish rock veterans The Cardigans, who treated festival-goers to a special 90-minute set spanning their three-decade career. The set included fan favourites 'Lovefool', 'Communication', and 'Carnival'.
They were joined by Tortoise, The Horrors, Frente!, Gallant, Hayd, Christian Kuria, Ivoris, and Zella Day, making up nine international acts from Sweden, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
On the home front, 15 Chinese artists took to the festival, including Lao Lang, Chen Li, and Leah Dou. Together, this year’s programme moved across indie pop, post-rock, alternative rock, R&B, dream pop, and more.
Co-produced by Damai Entertainment and Aranya, and organised by Xiami Music Entertainment, the festival has welcomed 33 international acts to China across its five editions.
Music was only one part of the experience. Xiami Music & Arts Festival has increasingly expanded its programme to encompass theatre, exhibitions, film, and designer toys.
Damai Entertainment's designer-toy brand LUCKY LOOP was among this edition's attractions, showcasing original characters HEY PENNY, ECHOA, and Kooie. Music and cinema also crossed paths at the festival, where the theme song and closing theme from Dear You were performed.
The festival continued to grow its commercial programme as well, partnering with 30 brands for its fifth edition. Across five years, it has worked with 61 brand clients, with 18 returning for additional partnerships.
Sustainability has also formed part of the festival's operations. According to the organisers, Xiami Music & Arts Festival has established 500 waste-sorting stations and collected more than 300,000 plastic bottles over the past five years, while engaging more than 300,000 attendees in its environmental initiatives.
With five editions now under its belt, Xiami Music & Arts Festival continues to position Aranya as a meeting point for Chinese and international music, while steadily building an experience that extends beyond the festival stages.
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