Doof in the Park: A Celebration of Dance, Community, and Emerging Talent

Introduction to Doof in the Park

Doof in the Park burst onto the scene last year, and its second edition saw it return to Dundee’s Camperdown Park with an even more vibrant footprint. The annual festival, spearheaded by local DJ Hannah Laing, welcomed around 17,000 dance music lovers, consolidating its place as one of the UK’s standout electronic music festivals.

A Thriving Atmosphere

The 2026 festival featured an impressive lineup across four stages, amplifying the energy and atmosphere throughout the day. With early acts like MDDLTN and Evie Twiin warming up the crowd, the stage gradually escalated through exhilarating performances by artists such as BK, ALT8, and Eddie Halliwell, culminating in Hannah Laing’s headline act. This impressive structure ensured that the festival did not just boast big names but also cultivated an atmosphere rich with anticipation and excitement.

Showcasing Local Pride

For Dundee, Doof in the Park is about more than just electrifying music; it showcases the city’s vibrant culture to visitors from across the UK and beyond. Each ticket sold contributes to local hotels, restaurants, and businesses, reinforcing Dundee’s identity as a capable host for major national events and ensuring an economic boost that radiates through the community.

Hannah Laing: A Hometown Hero

At the heart of the festival is Hannah Laing, a rising star in the electronic music scene. Having begun her journey playing local venues, her success story resonates deeply with fans and aspiring artists alike. Doof in the Park is celebrated not only as Hannah’s triumph but as a testament to the city that shaped her. Her narrative is interwoven into the very fabric of the event, instilling a sense of shared pride among festival-goers.

Keep It Fking Moving: Nurturing New Talent

A significant addition to the festival this year was the fourth stage, aptly named the “Keep It Fking Moving” stage, specifically aimed at showcasing emerging artists. Many of these talents hail from Doof Studios, Hannah’s music academy based at The Change Centre. DJs like VSY, Westy, Paul Findlay, and Kieran Cameron took to this stage, creating a dynamic atmosphere that celebrated the next generation of electronic music talent.

The Highlander: Celebrating Artistic Roots

Among the festival’s highlights was the return of The Highlander stage, inspired by the iconic bar in Ibiza where Hannah first performed outside of Dundee. This stage not only honors her roots but also represents a connection to the community that supported her journey. It featured upcoming DJs like DJ Guffers B2B Johnny Reid, allowing festival-goers to discover new sounds in a more intimate setting that echoes the spirit of friendship and artistry.

The Unique Up the Doof Stage

The Up the Doof stage returned to offer a distinctive greenhouse-like atmosphere, creating a different vibe compared to the larger stages. Artists such as Evie Twiin, Leechy, and Clara Cuvé kept the energy alive, providing an immersive experience where music and lighting combined to produce a memorable environment.

An Innovative Doof 4 Life Stage

The Doof 4 Life stage stood out as a key feature of the festival, with its expanded layout allowing for larger crowds and enhanced viewing experiences. This year, fans enjoyed a new viewing platform that brought them closer to the action, making the experience even more engaging. As legendary trance DJ Paul van Dyk took to the decks, the excitement reached a fever pitch, showcasing the festival’s impressive growth in its second year.

Beyond the Music: A Festival of Community

However, Doof in the Park is not solely about the music. It also embraces a diverse range of food and drink options, promoting local businesses alongside mainstream favorites. A standout addition this year was the Doof Hub, an interactive space where aspiring producers could submit their music directly to Doof Records, affirming the festival’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent in the industry.

Remembering Through the Ellie Phone

In a thoughtful gesture, the festival unveiled the Ellie Phone, a repurposed phone box dedicated to Hannah’s late best friend, Ellie Scanlan. This feature provided a quiet space for reflection amidst the overwhelming energy of the festival. Visitors could record messages for Ellie or loved ones, embodying the community spirit that Doof fosters—one built on friendship, support, and remembrance.

Headlining with Heart

As the day turned into night, anticipation for Hannah Laing’s set soared. Her performance, packed with her greatest hits and a heartfelt tribute to Ellie, showcased her artistry and emotional connection to the audience, perfectly complemented by stunning visuals, pyrotechnics, and booming sound. The atmosphere was electric as fans celebrated not only her talent but the deep-rooted pride of the Dundee community.

A Festival with Purpose

Even in its second year, Doof in the Park has carved a unique identity, balancing world-class performances with opportunities for local artists. Each new addition felt intentional, enhancing the overall experience while reinforcing the core values of community and support—principles that resonate deeply with Hannah Laing’s own journey and the essence of the festival itself.

Conclusion

With its commitment to celebrating local culture and nurturing talent, Doof in the Park stands as a clear reflection of its vital roots in Dundee, proving that it is indeed a festival with heart, one that will continue to grow and inspire for years to come.