Whenever in the year an elrow party hits town, you know you are in for an absurd day out as the Barcelona party crew are dubbed “the most extravagant dance party” with reason. “Horroween” elrow’s take on a haunted Halloween day festival promised a Spooktacular celebration like no other. Ann McManus was there to check it out.
A high saturation, mind-bending mashup collaboration between party favourite 10-piece brass band Old Dirty Brasstards, and Beyond Repair Entertainment who specialise in dance, performance art, and wildly creative events.
It was a fresh, new South London venue, for the drum & bass festival from the South London label that celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. What went down in the woods? Laura Jones was there both days to find out.
Printworks London opened it’s doors for the first time since March 2020 with no published line-up or set times. Mike Barnard was there.
Wanderlust 108, the world’s only mindful triathlon, took place in Battersea Park at the end of July. The fitness festival had been reimagined for 2021 and Ann McManus was there to find her zen.
Dropping a drum & bass hat trick down at Peckham Audioin one single night, Simon Splice premiered EP New Beginnings; the new Eloisa Records imprint launched; and a new awakening for the genre was celebrated. Laura Jones was there in March.
AVA returned to London for its third year of conference and electronic music at Printworks London. Mike Barnard reports.
Wilkinson is no stranger to building a successful show from live elements of drum & bass, and refining it over the past four years. He was back in Brixton on Friday, February 28th for another expert round of that Wilkinson Live sound. Laura Jones was there.
The Hydra brought their series of parties at Printworks London to a close in 2019 with a techno and electro romp. Mike Barnard and Ann McManus were there.
Bugged Out! took over Printworks London for a 25th anniversary celebration on Saturday, November 16th. Mike Barnard and Ann McManus were there.
Let It Roll, the huge drum & bass festival from the Czech Republic, staged their debut UK show at the O2 Academy Brixton. The Portal opened and Sub Focus headlined a bill that included artists from across Europe. Laura Jones was there.
The fifth edition of Oasis Festival in Marrakesh returned to the Fellah Hotel for a sold out birthday edition welcoming 5,000 revellers. Mike Barnard was there.
The tried and trusted late August bank holiday event showcased the best in homegrown British dance music across drum & bass, house and grime. As well as stylish sets from Belgian producer The Magician and Dutch Bakermat came a tour by the US’s Armand Van Helden though 25 years of house hits. Jungle beats past, present and future delivered, courtesy of Andy C, Chase & Status and London’s Shy FX, with a little help from his friends. Laura Jones was there.
After a successful stint in the Olympic Park in east London, elrow took its third instalment of the most over-the-top immersive day festival, elrow Town, north to Trent Park. Eric Morillo, Alan Fitzpatrick, Jamie Jones and Camelphat all headlined. Ann McManus was there.
The Hydra went back to where it all began for the London promoters with three shows over the August bank holiday weekend. Mike Barnard was there.
Wanderlust’s signature mindful triathlon returned for a third year in Battersea Park. The event comprised a 5k run or walk, a DJ-powered 90-minute outdoor yoga class with Tom Middleton on the decks and a 30-minute guided meditation. Ann McManus was there to take part.
Sónar 2019 attracted 105,000 people to see 140 performances by more than 300 artists from 36 countries. Mike Barnard was there.
Albania’s Kala Festival returned for its second year offering another mix of music, wellness and beaches. Mike Barnard was there.
Junction 2 Festival hosted its debut Friday with a diverse line-up including Bicep, Ben UFO, Craig Richards, DJ Koze, Volvox b2b Umfang and DJ Stingray. Mike Barnard and Ann McManus were there.
Mike Barnard returns to Junction 2 Festival for the annual Saturday showcase of house and techno.
Label Klockworks presented a third Photon at Printworks London on Saturday, March 30th. Mike Barnard and Ann McManus were there.
Kerri Chandler returned to headline Printworks London on Saturday, March 9th as part of his Kaoz show. Mike Barnard was there.
French label Ed Banger Records took over Electric Brixton on Friday, January 25th for their biggest London show in six years. Mike Barnard was there.
A dark shadow cast itself over Tobacco Docks as techno enthusiasts descended on the former burial ground for Drumcode’s annual Halloween takeover. Ann McManus was there to review.
The scenes at fabric’s 30 hour clubbing marathon as the London venue celebrated its 19th birthday.