Summer with good music, but the experience wants better - review review

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"The festival on the coast ofTuscany sounds like a dream. The idyllic town of Camaiore, just30 minutes drive from Pisa, creates a picturesque atmosphere for the La Prima Estate festival, which is still in its infancy (the first festival was held last year). The sandy coastline of Versilia stretches for many miles to the west of Camaiore, while the Apuan Alps embrace the town from the east. It's hot, dry and salty here, and the sea is enticing with its shimmering waves."

This is the perfect place for a festival that describes itself as "not just a music festival... it's a vacation". Last year La Prima Estate took place for six consecutive days and attracted well-known artists, including The National, Bonobo, Duran Duran, Anderson Paak, and Jamie xx. This year, the organizers decided to split the festival into two weekends to attract more vacationers for long weekends. Bon Iver and us will perform on the first weekend, while Alt-J, Jamiroquai, and Metro Boomin will headline the second. The lineup also includes Japanese Breakfast, Kings of Convenience, Chet Faker, and Bicep, as well as several Italian bands and DJs.

The scene is set in Bussola Domani park, a vast green space that was one of the main venues for live music in the 1970s and 1980s. Given the organizers' experience with the month-long Summer Festival in Lucca, one of the most anticipated events in Italy, the excellent sound quality and organization are beyond doubt. The musical offerings are impeccable, from the fiery 90-minute performance by Nas to the emotional rendition of "Skinny Love" by Bon Iver, which brought tears to some audience members.

But something is missing here. La Prima Estate hopes to stand out by offering not just music (the website advertises daytime activities ranging from "art to sports, from food and wine"), but in reality, there aren't that many activities. Of course, festival-goers can sign up for a yoga class at 9 AM or go surfing at 10 AM, but these aren't particularly interesting or unique activities, especially considering that the sea is calm and there are no waves. However, one of the interesting events was a three-hour bike ride through the surroundings of Versilia with Italian professional cyclist Manuel Quinciato. But it should be noted that this offer is only suitable for those in excellent physical shape.

Where are the cooking classes here? Where are the wine and craft beer tastings? Even a trip to the mountains would be wonderful, or just a guided walking tour of the historical sights of Camaiore. These are activities that would help La Prima Estate fulfill its promise of being a "celebration" within the framework of a "hybrid of festival and relaxation." There are a few special moments - the opportunity to book a special lunch at a partner restaurant or to interact with leading figures in the music industry - but most of the incredible experiences and activities advertised turn out to be non-existent. The festival heavily relies on its musical attractions, which is quite logical, considering that the event block of the festival needs some refinement. La Prima Estate 2023 demonstrates the festival's ability to attract brilliant artists and host truly star-studded shows, but if it wants to be on par with, say, the British Wilderness festival, the organizers still have a long way to go. The vibes in Camaiore are impeccable, and La Prima Estate must fully leverage its stunning location if it wants to show the world that it is "one of the major players" on the festival scene.