Last weekend, somewhere deep in the forest, under the warm and humid Polish summer skies, I found myself surrounded by glowing lights, music, and thousands of smiling faces. We had all come for the same reason: to dance, to listen, and to feel something real. This was the Brasswood Festival 2025, a moment that felt both wild and carefully crafted. A mix of nature, art, and emotion.
The festival takes place in two cities, Gdynia and Sopot, with each hosting one part of a two-day concert experience. It’s split into two themes: “Pylenie” – (“Pollen”) and “Kwitnienie” – (“Blossom”). The first is all about electronic and organic sounds, and the second brings orchestral and lyrical music. Two different atmospheres, two different energies, like two sides of the same musical coin.
Friday, July 25 – “Pylenie” in Gdynia
On Friday evening, I stepped into Kolibki Adventure Park in Gdynia, and right away it felt like I had entered another world. Tall trees, earthy smells, and stages hidden between branches. The forest was alive with sound. This was “Pylenie”, the day of movement and beats.
The lineup didn’t disappoint. Dub FX gave us with an explosive and incredible set, I’ve never seen him before, and here in the forest, his energy hit instantly. Then we had Essex, Carpetman, Bearjamin, T.Etno, Ros Addiction, Etnica Elektronika, Nimm2 and Wianek, each one adding a new layer to the evening. The music was bold, playful, and sometimes a bit weird, of course in a good way. People danced with strangers, or alone, or barefoot. The mood was relaxed but charged, like the forest itself had joined the party.
Saturday, July 26 – “Kwitnienie” in Sopot
Saturday was something else entirely. The second day, called “Blossom”, took place at the magnificent Opera Lesna in Sopot. Even getting there felt special. A colourful parade walked through the streets from Plac Przyjaciół Sopotu all the way to the venue. Musicians from Red Swing Low Gryfice Orchestra and dancers from the Jantar University Ensemble led the way, dressed in bright costumes, twirling and smiling, even as the sky gave us a bit of light rain. It felt like walking into a fairytale, slightly soggy but still magical.
Inside Opera Lesna, the setup was beautiful. Three stages scattered across the area, with floral decorations, soft lights, and trees wrapping around the scene. It felt peaceful but full of life. People wandered slowly, talked quietly, then danced suddenly.
One of the most emotional moments came with the farewell performance of L.U.C. After 22 years, this was his last show; for the moment. He offered us a journey through his career, full of humour, memory, and powerful collaborations.
On stage with him were legends and long-time friends: jazz icon Michał Urbaniak, the unstoppable Dub FX (again!), and the Polish Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra Sopot, with conductor Michał Krężlewski. The music blended everything – rap, jazz, strings, beatbox. People left their seats and moved closer, like they didn’t want to miss even one note.
Right after, the energy shifted again. On the “Lasy” Stage, the Rebel Babel Ensemble brought brass, boldness, and joy. They played so that their energy filled every corner of the place. People danced everywhere. It was no longer clear where the stage ended and the crowd began. That moment, going from quiet reflection to full celebration, showed what Brasswood does best.
The Final Act: Morcheeba Under the Trees
As night took over, all eyes turned to the main stage. The British band Morcheeba arrived a bit late, but no one seemed to mind. When they began, their sound, smooth trip-hop with soul and soft electronics, melted perfectly into the forest. Skye Edwards, the lead singer, has a way of making everyone feel close, even from far away.
They played classics like “The Sea”, “Part of the Process”, and of course, “Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day”. There were also newer songs, like “Call for Love” and “Blaze Away”, which proved they’re still evolving while keeping their soul intact. The highlight? During “Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day”, Skye invited fans on stage. Within seconds, the front of the stage filled with dancers. It was spontaneous, warm, and completely unforgettable.
The Spirit of Brasswood
Throughout both days, there was something consistent: the attention to detail, the emotional connection, and the deep respect for nature. Everything, from the flower-filled sets to the lighting, and of course the music, was chosen to create a specific feeling. Not too polished, not too wild. Just right.
I left Brasswood with muddy shoes, a tired body, and a heart that felt a little fuller. And honestly? I wouldn’t change a thing.
