Figueira da Foz, Portugal, June 17, 2025 (Lusa) - The RFM Somnii festival, which takes place in July in Figueira da Foz, will be the only one in Portugal dedicated to electronic music this year, consolidating its position as one of the genre's biggest references over the last decade.
The suspension of Sudoeste (Zambujeira do Mar) and Beach Party (Leça da Palmeira) is a reality that worries Tiago Castelo Branco, the executive director of MOT - Memories Of Tomorrow, the event's promoter since 2019, about the current state of the sector and reinforces Somnii's responsibility to EDM (electronic dance music) culture.
"Competition is always healthy and stimulating," Tiago Castelo Branco told Lusa, assuring that the planning of this edition of Somnii was not a reaction to the lack of competition.
"If we're the only ones in this segment, we obviously have an added responsibility, but that doesn't scare us," he emphasised.
The discussion about a possible crisis in EDM is, for Tiago Castelo Branco, unfounded, not least because this genre is undergoing a phase of reinvention, driven by the artists themselves —a new era that Somnii welcomes and represents in its 11th edition, from July 4th to 6th.
"Timmy Trumpet today is different to what he was five years ago and Steve Aoki has also evolved," he said, talking about the headliners for the 2025 edition and recalling that the project, which Dutch artist Sefa will present, symbolises this evolution of electronic music: "It's a reinvention of Hardstyle, something never seen before, which integrates a classical orchestra and choir," he revealed.
Since its inaugural edition on Praia do Relógio beach in 2013, the festival has welcomed big names such as Alesso, Armin van Buuren, Tiësto, and Hardwell, staying true to its electronic roots and consolidating its position on both the national and international scenes.
"Events are made up of cycles, trends and moments," recognised Tiago Castelo Branco, highlighting the role of the original promoter, Genius y Meios, part of the Renascença group, in identifying the potential of electronic music in Portugal.
Even so, the national context imposes limits on the programme's ambition, with ticket prices adapted to the national purchasing power, which conditions the values that can be offered to artists.
"When I negotiate with artists abroad, I tell them not to forget the national minimum and average salaries," he said, explaining that many artists have understood the need to adapt their cachet to the reality in Portugal, given the importance of Somnii for their CV.
On the other hand, the MOT director emphasised that more than the line-ups presented, the event "has sought to establish itself as a place to meet and share", establishing a close relationship with its audience that goes beyond the live shows and "generates a sense of belonging and identity".
"Anyone who knows Somnii knows that the festival is an experience and a meeting point," emphasised the promoter, noting that festival-goers see the annual return to Figueira da Foz as a tradition, a time to meet friends and create memories.
Among the various stories that illustrate the emotional connection between Somnii and its fans, Tiago Castelo Branco highlighted that of a couple who met at the festival and got in touch two years ago via the organisation's social networks because they were getting married during the event.
"The theme of the wedding was the festival, and they asked us to come dressed as a bride and groom that Saturday. Their dream was to meet Alok, which cost us nothing, and we gave them an unforgettable experience," he emphasised.
The evolution of the audience's age profile is also, for the promoter, a reflection of loyalty to the event, as the average age, initially between 16 and 21, has shifted to between 25 and 35, indicating that many of the festival-goers from the first editions continue to attend.
The festival has endeavoured to reinvent itself and this year it is debuting a new stage configuration, installed on the north pier of the commercial port, facing north towards the sea, the beach and the sunset, with improvements to the infrastructure and more accessibility conditions for people with reduced mobility.
"How many festivals in the world allow people to be on the beach, taking a dip, while listening to their favourite artist?" Tiago Castelo Branco asked.
At the same time, and in conjunction with the Somnii programme, Figueira da Foz will host Air Force Day, promoting activities that include aeronautical demonstrations with commentary by military aircraft pilots.
JLS/ADB // ADB.
Lusa
