Experts Only has never been about simply putting DJs on a stage. Founded by one of the most in-demand names in global dance music, John Summit built his label around creative freedom; the brand has evolved into an immersive experience where music, art, wellness and community exist side by side. That vision arrived at Tofte Manor, a soul sanctuary spanning 50 acres of gardens and home to two custom-built labyrinths. The historic estate transformed into what felt like a tranquil, dreamlike retreat and an electronic music festival rolled into one, a unique experience I had not known of before my attendance.
Entering the estate felt almost cinematic; guests were welcomed by a hillside bearing a simple “Welcome to Labyrinth” sign and a centuries-old ivy-covered manor house, with festival goers gathering with their drinks in hand beneath the afternoon sun. It quickly became clear this wasn’t a conventional dance event. Before hearing a beat of music, guests could book slots for palm reading, tarot sessions, cacao ceremonies and massages, while others wandered through the meadow, floral installations, hidden pathways and carefully curated spaces scattered throughout the grounds. Attendees arrived from across the UK and beyond for the festivities, full of energy, smiling from ear to ear, some dressed in sequins, flowing dresses and elaborate costumes, adding to the feeling that the day was as much about self-expression as it was about music itself.
Rather than heading towards the Manor stage, I found myself drawn towards the smaller Labyrinth stage, where the atmosphere was already alive with dancing. Away from the headline crowd, the space encouraged curiosity as well as discovery; the surrounding grounds encouraged guests to slow down and explore. Guests could stop for glitter body art, strike a ceremonial gong, sit for gathered chitchat or choose from a variety of food and drink stalls. The event carried its own identity with draped stages, portraits and textiles and botanical installations contributing to one creative direction. I took the chance to wander and explore the pleasant scenery before joining a guided tour led by owner Suzie Castleman, who explained the thinking behind one of the site’s most distinctive features: its labyrinths.
Far more than an artistic installation, we were guided to one of 2 labyrinths on the estate: an elemental labyrinth designed as a place for reflection and contemplation. Castleman explained that beneath the 600-metre labyrinth lies 600 metres of copper piping carrying water from the estate’s well around a buried crystal before retracing its path beneath visitors’ feet. “We are 70% water, and know that water is conjured for electricity, and it’s through the water, and your body, that main energy flows through the electric field, flows through the water in your body.” Guests were encouraged to think about what they wished to let go of as they walked towards its centre before considering what they hoped to welcome into their lives on the return journey. Walking the labyrinth felt grounding; looking at it, you wouldn’t expect the walk to take very long, but I was highly mistaken. With the thumping of beats carried in the air, I never felt distracted; instead, I felt connected, at ease and fully present with the moment as well as my thoughts. Having enough time to contemplate and take the moment to myself, in my final steps of the labyrinth, I felt a soothing relaxation, which caught me by surprise. It was a moment of stillness I hadn’t realised I needed. Whether visitors embraced its spiritual philosophy or simply enjoyed the peaceful surroundings, it reflected the wider intention behind the event: creating space for moments of pause alongside moments of celebration.
Fresh from selling out arenas around the world, Summit brought the same relentless energy that has made him one of dance music’s biggest names. As golden hour settled over the estate, the crowd gradually gravitated towards the Manor Stage. Conversations ended, and bars slowly emptied as anticipation built for John Summit’s headline performance. Backstage, the botanical theme décor continued, with draping leaves and peculiar portraits hanging above us. Smoke drifted across the stage as hands and drinks were raised in celebration, with hundreds of phones lit up the crowd as Summit worked through his set. The atmosphere reached another level when Summit welcomed INÉZ to the stage, performing their tracks ‘Crystallized’ and ‘Light Years’. Their performance together prompted an immediate roar from the crowd as phones lit up the evening sky and thousands sang and danced together. From the backstage viewing area, it was easy to see why Experts Only has become more than just a record label. The headline set provided the explosive finale, but it felt like the culmination of an experience that had been unfolding throughout the day rather than the event’s sole purpose.
Interview Nancy Anekwe
