The history of GEM Fest began in 2014. That year the famous KaZantip Festival temporarily moved to Georgia from Ukraine following the annexation of Crimea by Russia. The Anaklia edition of KaZantip proved controversial from the start because of a conflict with the Georgian Orthodox Church. Instead of letting KaZantip return to Georgia the next year, Georgian authorities suggested that Anaklia host a Georgia-made festival.
The inaugural GEM Fest was held from July 30 to August 7, 2015. It was organized by Giorgi Sigua, the former head of the National Tourism Administration of Georgia. The name of the festival has a double meaning. GEM is an abbreviation for Georgian Electronic Music but it also alludes to the word “gem”. According to the organizers, the festival brings together “not only the most lustrous and renowned pearls from all over the world, but also a handful of uncut diamonds”, referring to up-and-coming musicians. GEM Fest aims to uncover the priceless gem hidden in every artistic talent.
GEM Fest strives to showcase the very best of modern electronic dance music, stage technology and youth culture. That is why it features world-class musicians and DJs alongside outstanding artists, photographers, designers, filmmakers, choreographers, video artists, athletes and other talented young people. Artists that have headlined GEM Fest include Agoria, Armin Van Buuren, Booka Shade, Dubfire, Ellen Allien, Fedde Le Grand, GuaGus, Luicano, Paul Van Dyk, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, WhoMadeWho, and more.
Originally running over 9 days, GEM Fest was expanded to a whole month in 2017. The festival has several stages, including one located in the local Aqua Park. GEM Fest offers two types of passes: multi pass (unlimited entry to the festival site and access to all activities on the site, access to all stages, free entry to the Aqua Park) and VIP pass (all options of a multi pass plus free admission to all pre-festival events and access to VIP zones and exclusive private parties).
Photo: gem-fest.com