HUNGER’s guide to the Beat Hotel Marrakech
Walk in the footsteps of the iconic Beatniks this Spring, as the renowned Glastonbury stage the Beat Hotel heads to Marrakech for a four day festival. Inspired by the Beat Generation’s quest for creativity without boundaries, the Beat Hotel arrived at Glastonbury in 2011, providing “a hedonistic refuge for artists and punters, much like its mid-century namesake in Paris”. As the original generation once did, young hippies can find muses and mellowness in Morocco’s cities and deserts, so scroll down to find out all you need to know about the most creative place to be…
soundtrack your day (and your night)
Whether it be electronic beats that get you moving or indie vibes that keep you chill, there’s something for even the most eclectic tastes at the Beat Hotel. Think world-famous duo Maribou State for the fist pumpers and London foursome Teleman for the foot tappers, there’s music to take you through every day and night. Featuring a top DJ line up to boot, the international likes of Hunee, Haai, Gerd Janson and Gilles Peterson will take you to pool parties and beyond, whilst DJ/producer Yasmean and Astrofever Records’ Polyswitch represent Morocco’s own burgeoning scene. As part of a special opening concert, on Thursday 28th March, sufi trance troupe, the Master Musicians of Joujouka, described by William S.Burroughs as a “4000-year-old rock and roll band”, bring the complex rhythms and melodies that have been passed down through generations, and even caught the attention of the original beats. They’re joined by all-female collective Deep Throat Choir bringing their intricately layered vocal arrangements to the inaugural show.
SOAK IN THE SUN
Taking place in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, the Beat Hotel’s setting is as magical as its offerings. Surrounded by the famous terracotta architecture and towering cacti, the vibrancy of Marrakech is the ultimate inspiration for the immersive cultural experience.
there will be banquets and takeaways galore
Internationally renowned chefs will be serving up their own take on Morocco’s rich flavours and produce, from London’s Berber & Q, Black Axe Mangal and Salon to Swedish BBQ maestro Niklas Ekstedt. Whilst Marrakech tastemakers Nomad represent the best of of the citie’s home-grown delicacies, to give guests a truly authentic Moroccan experience.
walk in the footsteps of the ultimate beatniks
From Jack Kerouac to Allen Ginsberg, some of the most iconic Beats travelled on a visceral journey through Marrakech to experience a culture so unlike their own, and inspire their renowned literary works. Perhaps you too will find your muse somewhere on a Moroccan mirage.
find your inner zen
Whether searching for creative inspiration or inner peace, there’s a stimulating programme suited for you. Faber & Faber offer up talks and Q&As with some of literatures’ finest, from Trainspotting’s Irvine Welsh to Booker Prize winner DBC Pierre and journeyman Andrew Weatherall. Conceptual artist Jeremy Deller presents a late night film series, whilst musician Nabihah Iqbal talks us through North Africa’s global music footprint, and Daniel Pinchbeck talks 21st century Shamanism.
