Back to the City 2025 was a truly unforgettable experience. The early crowd admission allowed attendees to browse and shop at their leisure, setting the tone for a day of vibrant energy. With numerous clothing stalls vying for attention, it was crucial for each vendor to offer something extraordinary to captivate potential customers. We observed that successful stalls proactively engaged with passersby, almost intercepting them, and encouraging them to explore their merchandise - a tactic that proved effective.
The event provided valuable insight into the psychology of buyers, revealing what draws them to specific stalls. Some patrons were attracted to beautiful promoters, while others, like ourselves, benefited from natural curiosity sparked by our unconventional brand name, FVCK Lifestyle. This curiosity often led to engaging conversations, allowing us to share our brand ethos and connect with attendees on a deeper emotional level.
One poignant encounter stood out - a patron shared a personal story of childhood trauma, highlighting the importance of our mission to eradicate violence in all forms. This resonated deeply with our brand values, and it was clear that our message was striking a chord.
Brand awareness was significantly boosted, thanks to coverage from prominent media outlets, including eNCA, and various blog channels. As the day progressed, the atmosphere transformed into a vibrant celebration of hip-hop culture and street style, with attendees flocking to the market areas.
The festival maintained its high-energy atmosphere, featuring a stacked programme across multiple stages, dozens of graffiti artists, and a vast market of clothing stalls and activations. The organisers successfully delivered a diverse lineup of over 100 artists, 120 clothing stalls, and multiple brand activations, resulting in non-stop foot traffic.
From a vendor's perspective, the crowd quality was exceptional, with attendees eager to engage, explore, and make purchases. Steady surges between headliner sets and the street-culture programming encouraged attendees to invest in unique pieces and limited drops. Social media and event recaps showcased busy stall lines and strong interest in independent brands throughout the day.
The masterful DJ Switch, acting as master of ceremonies, played a pivotal role in maintaining the energy, introducing each brand with enthusiasm and giving them sufficient airtime to captivate the audience.
Logistically, setup and visibility were well-executed, with the market footprint and activations creating natural walk-throughs that allowed smaller stalls to thrive alongside bigger brands. While minor challenges arose, such as brief rain showers, vendors with waterproof solutions and adaptable tents handled these disruptions effectively.
Key takeaways from #BTTC include the importance of early event access and optimising shopping hours, with prime time identified between 10h30 - 13h30. We eagerly anticipate #BTTC 2026, with tickets already available on WebTickets and selected retailers.
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