In the warmth of a summers day the sound of cicadas fill the air, the smell of fresh bread lingers. There’s music; and laughter and groups of people in eccentric clothing dancing. These people appear as  free and unlimited from the constraints of the real world that the rest of us carry. Instead, these revellers live safely for a few days under the soothing mildness of the May sun in a commune festival that encompasses incredible local and authentic Italian food, wine tasting, and the best acts famed in euro-dance. It is as if the clubs of Berlin have relocated to the sprawling countryside of Tuscany — and it is called FLASH Festival.

This tight-knit festival isn’t yet a big-name calendar event, but that’s what’s so special about it. Exclusivity means that FLASH Festival Tuscany can continue to provide a multi-sensorial experience quite unlike any other event. It’s not just about the music, though that is a huge selling point, but about the culture and community that derives from spending a weekend in the Tuscan countryside, and with a capacity of just 1000 attendees. By the end of the long-weekend, attendees are no longer just attendees but famiglia – family.

The mild heat of May warms the manicured garden of the villa where FLASH takes place. Nearby, the town of Castiglion Fiorentino is a sleeping giant, with towering walls and ancient cathedrals – it is a stark contrast to the Italo house and disco tunes that has got everyone dancing. Castiglion Fiorentino is a historical village that pre-dates Roman times and is located within the province of Arezzo. In an area that oozes rich cultural heritage, it’s no wonder FLASH Festival is a not just a festival, but a destination.

FLASH Festival Tuscany was established in 2017 by Tuscan local, Benedetta Venturini and fun-loving Australian creative, Karl Schussig. The duo got the idea for FLASH Festival whilst living in dance-haven Berlin and wanted to bring the essence of dance music and combine it with incredible authentic Italian food and wine that Benedetta knew and loved. It’s true that Tuscany as a destination is extraordinary, with an overwhelming number of vineyards and fresh produce that makes even the simplest of dishes a knockout for the senses. To take the words out of Bene’s mouth, “Tuscany is a way of living”.

Italy – it’s known, primarily, for its more-ish cuisine. There is something unmatched about aromatic basil, the smell of garlic frying in a pan, nutty and earthy cheeses both crumbly and creamy, all added to a dish to elevate it and trigger all senses. Italian’s say that it is best to cook tricolore – the three colours of the flag that are green, red and white – so expect dishes filled with ripe tomato-y sauces, mixed with fresh domes of mozzarella and a fist-full of basil and oregano.

Across the table, two friends clink their wine glasses together in a Saluti. There’s a large dining space with a long table, where friends can join other groups as they all sample the best in Italian food on offer at FLASH Festival. There is a Pasticceria, Pasteria, Osteria, Pizzeria and Gelateria to choose from. The options seem infinite and are served up with attention to care and a sprinkling of love, just like Nonna makes at home.

A series of local wines are on offer at FLASH Festival too. Choose from crisp, tangy whites or oaky, full-bodied reds from the surrounding region. Once working through the wines, switch to an Aperol Spritz or local craft beer. Saluti!

As the sun sets on the horizon and the evening air carries with it the whisper of a cool breeze, the lasers begin, and the passion of the festival comes alive. The space becomes a dance floor, the atmosphere is electric and everyone feels buzzed after an afternoon of wine tasting and sampling local pizza and pasta. The line-up of music guests at FLASH Festival, Tuscany are eclectic to say the least. Most notably the festival is home to variants of dance music including Italo and disco, but R&B and brass bands are no stranger to the scene either.

The best way to explain the scene is if whimsical tropical dance were to meet deep house music and have a lovechild somewhere in the Italian countryside. Dancers fill the space in mesh t-shirts, colourful patterned co-ords, glitter and a smile – it’s infectious. With some incredible acts in their alumni, including CC:Disco, Dan Shake and Laurence Guy, there’s no denying that there’s deep love ingrained within the deep beats these dancers feel in their soul. FLASH Festival hosts some of the most up-and-coming local and international acts in an intimate setting that is unlike any other festival in the world.

After a day of pizza, gelato, wine and dancing, one must find a place to rest their head and prepare for the next day of partying. FLASH Festival Tuscany has a range of accommodation options that can be added to tickets, ranging from classic camping to proper glamping. There is even the option to stay nearby in a hotel and travel into the festival freely.

The glamping options are a real standout as it means attendees can be within the grounds of the community, but with all the creature comforts of a hotel. These can be booked for up to four people. The “Bellissimo glamping” has all the added luxuries to make a visit to FLASH Festival one to remember, including a comfortable mattress with cotton linen, lighting and mirror, a storage box for personal belongings, and cotton bath towels. The best part of the glamping is that the tents are pre-erected, so there’s no fuss, just dance the night away and then sleep soundly in this cosy dreamland of breath-taking luxury.

Those fortunate enough to attend FLASH Festival will find themselves slipping away from the real world, falling down the rabbit hole into a multi-sensory playland for adults. This feast for the senses tantalizes all who enter with local and authentic food, wine to gorge on and party-beats to keep feet moving all night long. Come as a friend, leave as la famiglia.