Temple Uprising

Temple Uprising is a stage that explores how music transcends entertainment, becoming a catalyst for revolution and liberation. This year this stage celebrates the raw spirit of the UK free party movement alongside indigenous voices, where sound systems meet social resistance, and dancefloors become acts of defiance.
Curated and Hosted by Hannah Kendaru

The Common Opening Ceremony on Wednesday at 7.30pm in The Common. 

Step into The Common for a powerful Opening Ceremony that honours ancient traditions and ignites the spirit of collective gathering. Rooted in the mythologies of the Toltec and Mayan lineages, this ceremony calls in the energies of transformation, sacred rebellion, and deep connection to the Earth. Through ritual, music, and intention, we will awaken the portals between worlds, inviting the wisdom of the ancestors to guide us through the festival and beyond. The Common has long been a space for raw expression, resistance, and remembrance—this opening will set the tone for all that is to come. Join us as we activate this sacred ground together and step into a shared story of freedom, fire, and unity.

Thursday 26th June – Kinetic Bar

Sound Systems And Social Resistance – Steve “Bedlam” Stavrinides, DJ Rap & Ed Gillett on Thursday at 3pm, Temple Uprising, The Common

We’ve all been told plenty of times that “the dancefloor is always political,” but what does that mean in practice? How do sound systems, DJing and dance music go beyond surface gestures, and drive real change? We’ll be hearing from two stalwarts of the rave scene about their experiences, discussing the need for real action in the present day, and exploring where things might go next.
 
Panel 
Co-founder of the legendary free party soundsystem Bedlam, and a key part of the Common crew today, Steve Stavrinides knows how to throw a world-class party. He’s brought the same principles and energy to his work with the Refugee Community Kitchen, creating a direct link between frontline social activism and rave culture.

A fixture on the scene from the earliest days of acid house, through the birth of drum ’n’ bass to the present day, DJ Rap is a true rave originator. She’s also an insightful voice on industry issues, from mental health to the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated space, connecting dance music to wider social concerns.

Ed Gillett is a freelance journalist for the Guardian, Resident Advisor, DJ Mag and other outlets, and the author of “Party Lines: Dance Music and the Making of Modern Britain”.

Songs of Survival: West Papua’s Story Through Music and Memory with Koteka Lali Kuragan Wenda on Thursday at 3.50pm, Temple Uprising, The Common

Songs of Survival offers a powerful window into West Papua’s story, told through the music and memories of Koteka Lali Kuragan Wenda. In this deeply personal session, Koteka shares traditional songs and original compositions that carry the weight of resistance, identity, and the ongoing fight for West Papuan freedom. Through music, she weaves together stories of struggle, survival, and cultural pride, preserving histories that have long been silenced. This is an invitation to listen, to bear witness, and to honour the resilience of a people whose voices continue to rise against oppression. Join us for a moving exploration of music as both a refuge and a call to action. https://www.instagram.com/kolaliwenda/?hl=en

Sound of Freedom: Palestinian Rhythm of Resistance with Palestine Pulse – Grandchildren of the Nakba on Thursday at 4.40pm, Temple Uprising, The Common 

Sound of Freedom: Palestinian Rhythm of Resistance is a bold and unapologetic celebration of music as a weapon against colonialism and cultural erasure, led by Palestine Pulse – The Grandchildren of the Nakba. This session amplifies the voices of Palestinian artists who use rhythm, song, and storytelling to confront occupation, expose apartheid, and sustain the heartbeat of a people fighting for freedom. Through live performance and raw testimony, we will explore how music carries the grief, rage, hope, and resilience of generations who refuse to be silenced. In a world where Palestinian history is often denied, this is a space to bear witness, challenge complicity, and stand in solidarity. Join us in honouring the rhythm of resistance and the uncompromising call for liberation. https://www.instagram.com/pal_pulse/?hl=en

40 Years On since The Battle of the Beanfield – A Candid Conversation with Dale Vince on Thursday at 5.25pm, Temple Uprising, The Common

Join us for a candid conversation with Dale Vince as we mark 40 years since the Battle of the Beanfield, a pivotal and often overlooked moment in British social history. This talk will explore the lasting impact of the violent clash between police and the travelling community, delving into themes of freedom, state power, and cultural resistance. Dale shares his personal reflections and experiences from that time, offering unique insights into the countercultural movements that shaped his journey. Together, we’ll examine what has changed, what remains the same, and how the legacy of the Beanfield still echoes today. This is a rare opportunity to engage in an open, thoughtful dialogue about justice, memory, and the fight for alternative ways of living.

Friday 27th June – The Temple

Broken Pen & Haseeb Iqbal In Conversation on Friday at 2pm, Temple Uprising, The Common

Broken Pen and Haseeb Iqbal come together for an intimate conversation at the intersection of music, identity, and social consciousness. What unites these artists is a deep commitment to authenticity, cultural storytelling, and using their platforms to question dominant narratives. Through lyricism, sound, and dialogue, they explore themes of resistance, healing, and the complexities of navigating creative spaces as people of colour. This is a rare opportunity to witness a raw, honest exchange about artistry, integrity, and the power of staying rooted while pushing boundaries. Join us for a session that promises depth, connection, and inspiration.
https://www.instagram.com/inspirebreathwork/?hl=en, https://www.instagram.com/haseebiqbal_/
https://www.instagram.com/brokenpen_/ 

Ceremony and Story with Grandmother Tantanka Pico on Friday at 3pm, Temple Uprising, The Common

Ceremony and Story with Grandmother Tantanka Pico is a sacred invitation to sit in the presence of a respected wisdom keeper from Mexico. Through traditional storytelling and ceremony, Grandmother Tantanka will share teachings passed down through generations, honouring the deep relationship between land, spirit, and community. Her words and rituals carry the medicine of remembrance, calling us back to ancestral ways of knowing and living. Join us to listen, to feel, and to remember the stories that continue to guide us all.

The Psychedelic Renaissance: We Got This Far. What’s Next? With Dr. Ben Sessa on Friday at 3.30pm, Temple Uprising, The Common

The Psychedelic Renaissance: We Got This Far. What’s Next? is a timely and thought-provoking talk by Dr. Ben Sessa tracing the extraordinary journey of psychedelics from ancient plant medicine to cutting-edge clinical science. As the third edition of The Psychedelic Renaissance prepares for release, this session dives into the pivotal moments that have shaped psychedelic history and examines the explosive growth of the global psychedelic industry over the past decade. With new start-ups, retreats, and research emerging worldwide, we’ll explore what these shifts mean for the future of psychedelic practice, especially here in the UK. Together, we’ll reflect on where we’ve come from, where we might be headed, and the responsibilities that come with this rapidly expanding movement. Join us for a rich conversation about science, culture, and the unfolding possibilities of the psychedelic landscape.
https://www.drsessa.com/

Madame Gandhi: Behind the Samples Ft. NATURE on Friday at 5.10pm, Temple Uprising, The Common

Madame Gandhi: Behind the Samples Ft. NATURE invites you into an intimate exploration of creativity, technology, and the natural world. Madame Gandhi and NATURE come together to reveal how the sounds of nature inspire and become collaborators in their music-making process. This presentation will dive into the innovative ways they integrate environmental sounds with electronic production, blurring the lines between human and earth-made rhythms. It’s a celebration of collaboration that honors both artistic expression and ecological connection. Join us to discover how nature itself becomes a co-creator, shaping soundscapes that resonate with life’s deeper rhythms.
https://www.madamegandhi.com/

Breath & Bass: Tap into Your Natural High on Friday at 6pm, Temple Uprising, The Common

Breath & Bass: Tap into Your Natural High is an electrifying fusion of dynamic breathwork and powerful drum & bass rhythms designed to elevate your mind, body, and spirit. This immersive experience guides you to unlock your natural energy and flow through conscious breathing practices synced with high-energy electronic beats. By combining ancient breath techniques with modern soundscapes, the session creates a transformative space for release, focus, and joy. Whether you’re new to breathwork or a seasoned participant, this unique blend invites you to feel deeply connected and alive. Join us to ride the waves of breath and bass in The Temple, with one of the best sound systems at the festival! Lead by Kerry Veitch @sacred.breath https://www.thesacredbreath.co.uk/ 

The Temple Opening Prayer on Friday at 19.45pm in the Temple, The Common

The Temple Opening Prayer invites participants to honor the sacred space through a ritual rooted in Mexican cosmology, awakening the energies of the four directions and cosmic cycles. This ceremony bridges ancient wisdom with the vibrant pulse of rave culture, creating a unique space of spiritual connection and collective celebration. Join us as we open The Temple with intention, grounding the dancefloor in reverence, unity, and transformative energy.