The 9th edition of the UNTOLD Festival has once again solidified its status as one of Europe's premier music events, attracting over 427,000 participants from around the globe. This year’s edition, held in the heart of Transylvania, saw music lovers from Europe, the USA, Canada, Brazil, Asia, and the UAE converge on Cluj-Napoca for four days and nights of pure musical enchantment.
The festival featured an impressive lineup of 250 local and international artists, DJs, and producers performing across eight stages. Headliners included Sam Smith, Lenny Kravitz, Burna Boy, and Martin Garrix, who each delivered unforgettable performances that resonated deeply with the diverse crowd.
A Star-Studded Lineup and Unforgettable Moments
The festival kicked off with a bang as Louis Tomlinson made his debut on the main stage, captivating the audience with hits like “Just Hold On” and “Back to You.” British artist Tom Grennan also delivered a memorable set, premiering songs from his upcoming album, while Steve Aoki continued his UNTOLD tradition, collaborating with Romanian artist Irina Rimes on a special remix of “Dudadu.”
Day two saw rock legend Lenny Kravitz take the stage, delivering a powerful performance that included classics like “Are You Gonna Go My Way” and “Fly Away.” Meanwhile, Brazilian DJ Alok paid tribute to the late Nicu Covaci, the founder of the Romanian rock band Phoenix, in a touching moment that united the crowd in applause.
Sam Smith, performing for the first time in Romania on day three, brought the house down with his soul-stirring vocals during the “Gloria – The Blackout Tour.” The day also featured an electrifying set by the Swedish House Mafia, who closed their show with a spectacular fireworks display, leaving the crowd in awe.
The final day of the festival was no less spectacular, with Burna Boy taking the main stage by storm, while Martin Garrix delivered a high-energy set that left fans wanting more. Other notable performances included Mahmut Orhan, Nicky Romero, and the debut of FISHER, who brought his unique sound to the Galaxy stage.
Beyond the Music
UNTOLD 2024 was not just about music; it was a celebration of culture and creativity. Festival-goers enjoyed a wide array of activities, including a flying simulator, VR games, and a Fashion Village showcasing over 30 Romanian designers. The Food Festival offered a culinary journey with more than 40 vendors, catering to a variety of tastes, including Romanian, Asian, Hungarian, and Indian cuisines.
Looking Ahead to UNTOLD X
As the curtains closed on this year’s event, anticipation is already building for UNTOLD's 10th anniversary edition in 2025, aptly named UNTOLD X. With 40,000 tickets already sold, the festival promises to be an extraordinary celebration of a decade of music, freedom, and unity.
UNTOLD has once again proven why it is not just a festival but a cultural phenomenon, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate their shared love for music and the magic of togetherness. As the city of Cluj-Napoca bids farewell to the 9th edition, one thing is clear: the best is yet to come. See you next year at UNTOLD X!
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Images are © ALR Photography / Aaron Roberts. More photos can be viewed here.