Alex Jukes

Beyond the Valley unveils lineup featuring John Summit, Black Eyed Peas, KI/KI, Skepta & more

by

Beyond The Valley, Australia’s largest multi-day music festival, has revealed the lineup for its  11th edition.

After selling out in under an hour last year, BTV is returning to the stunning Barunah Plains from 28 December through 1 January to kick off its second decade.

Leading the 2026/27 lineup is global dance music powerhouse John Summit, who takes on the festival’s most coveted moment, the New Year’s Eve countdown. Alongside him are multi-platinum American superstars Black Eyed Peas, playing an exclusive Australian show. Dutch rave royalty KI/KI, one of the most commanding forces in dance music today, also joins the lineup, with British grime pioneer Skepta returning to BTV for the first time since 2019/20.

Beyond The Valley’s 11th edition will also feature Ocean Alley, Overmono, Disco Lines, Nia Archives, Armand Van Helden, The Veronicas, Vince Staples, Frost Children, SPFDJ, Jayda G, salute, southstar, Odd Mob, Dean Turnley, and more.

Presented by Untitled Group and triple j, and supported by the Victorian Government, Beyond The Valley is one of Australia’s defining summer traditions, drawing tens of thousands each year for four days of world-class music and community, delivering transformative memories that can’t happen anywhere else.

LINEUP:

Fresh off the release of his latest album CTRL ESCAPE and a headline set at Tomorrowland 2026, John Summit joins the Beyond The Valley lineup as one of dance music’s biggest global stars. The DJ, producer and label owner has amassed over a billion global streams, scored two #1 US dance radio hits and landed eight Top 10 tracks on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. With three sold-out headline shows at LA’s Kia Forum, a headline debut at London’s O2 Arena, the return of his Experts Only Festival, and his debut Ibiza residency at [UNVRS], Summit sits among the most in-demand names in dance music. This New Year’s Eve, he’ll headline Beyond The Valley’s countdown into 2027, taking on one of Australia’s most iconic festival moments.

One of the best-selling groups of all time in the digital era, Black Eyed Peas make an Australian exclusive appearance at Beyond The Valley. Formed in Los Angeles in 1995, the group has spent decades fusing hip-hop, pop, electro and Latin sounds into some of the most iconic songs of the 21st century. Six-time GRAMMY winners with over 35 million albums and more than 120 million singles sold worldwide, their landmark albums Elephunk and The E.N.D. delivered era-defining anthems including “Where Is The Love?”, “Boom Boom Pow” and “I Gotta Feeling”. Their reach shows no sign of fading, with classic hit “Rock That Body” becoming the second biggest song on TikTok globally in 2025.

KI/KI has emerged as one of electronic music’s most exciting and influential voices. The Dutch DJ and producer has reshaped the global rave landscape on her own terms, selling out 20,000-capacity shows, gracing the cover of DJ Mag, and becoming a Spotify Global EQUAL Ambassador. In 2025, she made history as the first woman to win the Dance category at the Netherlands’ Edison Pop Awards. Her recent collaboration with electronic legends Underworld, “Arp12”, marked a landmark moment, following singles “Going Existential In The Rave” and “Here With Me”. Teased in Beyond The Valley’s campaign launch video with her track “What’s a Girl to Do in ’25”, KI/KI returns to Barunah Plains for an iconic three-hour set, bringing her blend of 90s touchstones and modern club energy.

Skepta returns to Beyond The Valley for the first time since the 2019/20 edition. The Tottenham-born grime MC, rapper, producer and fashion director helped define a generation of UK rap and remains among its most celebrated figures. In 2025 he delivered a standout Glastonbury set after stepping in at short notice, and has joined forces with Fred again.. on singles “Victory Lap”and “Back 2 Back”. Known for era-defining tracks including”Shutdown” and “That’s Not Me”,Skepta brings his pioneering sound back to Barunah Plains.

Other major additions include Australian favourites Ocean Alley, who make their Beyond The Valley debut off the back of their chart-topping album Love Balloon, having previously topped triple j’s Hottest 100 with”Confidence”. They are joined by pop icons The Veronicas, returning to Beyond The Valley for the first time since their iconic 2019 performance with anthems including “Untouched”, “4ever”and “Hook Me Up”, and British jungle trailblazer Nia Archives, who brings her live show to Australia for the first time following the release of her critically acclaimed new album Emotional Junglist.

Uncompromising American musician Vince Staples brings his sharp lyricism, while St. Louis sibling duo Frost Children arrive blending emo, electro and pure pop. Also joining the lineup are LA duo After, whose nostalgic blend of Y2K pop and trip-hop is making waves globally.

On the electronic front, the lineup welcomes house institution Armand Van Helden, three decades into his career and behind classics like”You Don’t Know Me” and “My My My”. UK brothers Overmono arrive fresh from a landmark 2025 that included Glastonbury and London’s Alexandra Palace, while American house hitmaker Disco Lines lands off the back of his viral remix of Tinashe’s”No Broke Boys”.

Scottish-born DJ and producer Hannah Laing brings her euphoric blend of trance, techno and hard dance, alongside Scottish house favourite Ewan McVicar. Rising techno favourite Funk Tribu and Swedish-born techno force SPFDJ push the energy even further, while homegrown talent Dean Turnley also joins the lineup fresh from the success of viral single “Actin’ Tough”.

The programme runs deeper still, welcoming fan favourite Job Jobse, Grammy-nominated Canadian house artist Jayda G, renowned DJ and producer Boys Noize, techno titan Anetha, bass star Hamdi, Manchester-based Austrian selector salute, rising producer southstar, and Australian hitmaker Odd Mob. Also joining the lineup are Layton Giordani, Jordan Brando b2b Luuk Van Dijk, MPH, Club Angel, nimino, Rossi., Oppidan, Kyle Starkey, Tommy Holohan, BIIANCO, Benwal, oskar med k, Faster Horses, Helena Lauwaert, X & Ivy and Yikes, alongside homegrown live bands The Jungle Giants, Playlunch, Rum Jungle and 2charm, plus many more.

Beyond an absolutely stacked artist lineup, The Lounge Room returns with another packed programme of live podcasts, conversations and interactive experiences. Ross + Will Weightman host day one alongside their interactive session Weightman’s Law, where festival-goers become the jury in a series of hilarious real-life disputes. Masters of Ceremonies brings its unique take on sport and culture, while Kath Ebbs hosts a live conversation before bringing their line dancing event Cowboy C*untry to the festival. Cupid’s Court Live Dating Show roams the campgrounds, putting modern romance centre stage as it matches lucky singles. Presenter and creator Wintana Kidane brings her podcast Bittersweet, celebrating culturally diverse artists, while Fast Fashun invites punters to create festival fits from textile surplus. Also joining the programme are The Grill Podcast, Listen Up with Ash McGregor, TDA In Conversation, Ball Magnets Podcast, Breaking Through Poddy, In Pour Taste: Comedy Wine Tasting and more.

QUOTES:

Quote attributable toNicholas Greco, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Untitled Group:

‘Festivals matter more than ever. They give people a place to belong, and a place to fall in love with music – and it’s a privilege to play a part in that through BTV. We’re so excited to be delivering such an incredible lineup to our BTV community, and to bring in the new year with you all again”.

Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism NatalieSuleyman:

“The Victorian Government is proud to back Beyond the Valley through the Regional Events Fund. Events like this provide another fantastic reason for visitors to experience the Bellarine and Greater Geelong region. So not only will it be an incredible festival, but it will help fill our hotels, cafes and small businesses with visitors.”

EXPERIENCES:

Beyond The Valley’s three main stages return in full force. The Valley Stage makes its biggest appearance in festival history, the Dance Dome returns as a cultural staple and rite of passage, and the beloved Dr Dan’s brings together headliners, homegrown talent and sets you won’t see coming.

The Woods arrives, a brand-new hidden paradise for campers to discover. Bunnings returns bigger than ever, while Salomon takes its popular Run Club further with the introduction of Base Camp. Festival favourites return in force, including The Lounge Room and The Daily Aus’ podcast programming, POOF DOOF’s Cirque Du Slay, The Palms Pool House and The Sanctuary. The Valley Club returns as BTV’s members-only private playground, while Jack Daniel’s House Party, Red Bull Unforeseen and Smirnoff Schmall Klub all return with new twists.

Accommodation options include General and Premium camping, Lux Camp packages, pre-pitched tents and off-site hotels with bus transport. Festival tickets are available in 4-day, 3-day, 2-day, NYE-only and Single Day formats, alongside Ticket + Car Pass bundle options, with flexible payment available via Afterpay, Zip Pay and Laybuy.

Beyond The Valley is supported by an Australian Government initiative, Revive Live, and the Victorian Government’s Regional Event Fund.

Register for presale HERE

The Daily Aus presale begins Tuesday 4th August 10AM AEST

Official presale goes on sale Thursday 6th August 6PM AEST

General on sale begins Friday 7th August 12pm AEST


BEYOND THE VALLEY

28 DECEMBER 2026 – 1 JANUARY 2027

BARUNAH PLAINS, WADAWURRUNG AND EASTERN MAAR COUNTRY, VIC

Fort X Festival Debuts at a Medieval Slovenian Castle with Dixon, Butch, Maceo Plex, Âme, Jimi Jules & More

by

A new boutique electronic music festival will make its debut this September as Fort X transforms Slovenia’s medieval Mokrice Castle into a day festival for underground house and techno. Taking place on 5th September 2026, the inaugural edition brings together Dixon, Maceo Plex, Jimi Jules, Âme DJ, Butch, Nic Fanciulli and more inside a medieval fortress surrounded by woodland just outside Ljubljana.

Rather than building a temporary festival site, Fort X has been designed around the architecture and landscape of Mokrice Castle itself, a 15th-century fortress. Stages are woven through hidden courtyards, woodland paths and centuries-old stone walls, with bespoke lighting and projection mapping transforming the historic setting after dark before sunrise sessions carry through into Sunday morning.

The inaugural lineup features cultured house and techno artists from across Europe, including Âme DJ, Butch, Dixon, Fiona Kraft, Jimi Jules, Maceo Plex, Mimi x Fy and Nic Fanciulli alongside regional artists Aney F, Elena Mikac, Joe Quinn and Pablo Panda. Capacity has been intentionally kept limited, with programming designed around longer sets and an intimate audience.

Fort X is brought to life in collaboration with BSH Events, one of Europe’s leading electronic music promoters organising a series of landmark site-specific events in the region and Main Stage Travel, the team behind renowned destination festivals, Kala and Snowboxx.

With capacity intentionally limited, organisers expect the inaugural edition to sell out ahead of September.

Tickets are available now via fortxfestival.com

LINE UP

AME DJ, ANEY F., BUTCH, DIXON, ELENA MIKAC, FIONA KRAFT, JIMI JULES, JOE QUINN, MACEO PLEX, MIMI X FY, NIC FANCIULLI, PABLO PANDA

First Photos From Mallorca’s New 1300 Capacity Electronic Music Club

by

FITZ Mallorca celebrated its Sold-Out Opening over the weekend with PAWSA, Nic Fanciulli and Miguelle & Tons. Here’s the exclusive first look photos.

FITZ Mallorca
Avinguda de Gabriel Roca, 32 · Palma de Mallorca
Instagram | Website

Following a highly anticipated launch, FITZ Mallorca successfully opened its doors on Thursday 16th July, marking the beginning of a new chapter for one of Palma’s most storied nightlife addresses. The sold-out debut event featured 12 hours of uninterrupted music from headliners PAWSA, Nic Fanciulli, and Miguelle & Tons, setting a vibrant tone for the season.

The transformation of the iconic former Tito’s and Lío venue, which has welcomed legends from Frank Sinatra and Grace Kelly to Ray Charles and Elizabeth Taylor is now complete. The 1,300-capacity waterfront site has been meticulously reimagined as a bold, modern venue, blending its century-old legacy with a high-end vision for the future of electronic music. 

Guests experienced the venue’s new state-of-the-art d&b Audiotechnik sound system and unique daytime-to-night-time transitions provided by the site’s floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows.

The opening also marked the successful debut of the venue’s flagship residency programme, ‘The House of Artists,’ which is set to bring world-class house and techno talent to Palma throughout the summer.

View the exclusive launch night photos here

For more information on the venue and upcoming events, head to https://fitzmallorca.com/

AMOK Mallorca Announces Season Closing Party, Ministry of Sound’s 35th Anniversary and New Residency from Bootshaus

by

Website | Tickets | Instagram

Following a strong start to its 2026 season, AMØK Mallorca is unveiling a packed programme of upcoming collaborations and special events, bringing together internationally recognised club brands, leading electronic artists and some of the summer’s most anticipated parties. Highlights include a summer residency from Germany’s renowned Bootshaus every Monday, a special appearance from Ministry of Sound celebrating its 35th anniversary, and a season-closing celebration on 26 September.

The announcements reinforce AMØK’s ambition to establish Mallorca as a leading destination for electronic music, combining world-class programming with immersive production and a unique Mediterranean atmosphere.

Recognised as one of Germany’s most influential electronic music institutions, Bootshaus has built a global reputation through its genre-spanning programming, cutting-edge production and commitment to club culture. Originally founded as Warehouse in 1991 before becoming Bootshaus in 2005, the Cologne venue has grown into one of Europe’s most respected electronic music brands.

Throughout the summer, Bootshaus will bring its distinctive sound to AMØK with a residency programme on Mondays, showcasing the breadth of its musical identity. Upcoming performances include Kitty Amor, Argia, Avangart Tabldot, Aymen Rhalib, Juno, Nicole Da Silva, Maxi Meraki, MCFLY, Kaz James, Alicia Hahn, Tripolism, Jean Philippe & Mole, Notre Dame, Meera, Marten Lou and more. The residency also reflects the strong connection between Mallorca and Germany, one of the island’s most important international visitor markets.

On 25 July, Ministry of Sound arrives at AMØK Mallorca as part of its global 35th anniversary celebrations. The special event forms part of the legendary London club brand’s anniversary tour and will feature Cuartero, Joëlla Jackson and a special guest, continuing a year of celebrations following the recent transformation of Ministry of Sound’s London home.

Alongside these major collaborations, AMØK’s summer calendar will feature a series of headline events, including Franky Rizardo on 23 July, CRO on 26 July, BUNT on 5 August, a special event surrounding the lunar eclipse on 12 August, and the official summer closing party on 26 September.

With its combination of open-air spaces, immersive indoor production and a carefully curated international programme, AMØK is helping shape the next chapter of Mallorca’s electronic music scene. The venue’s summer 2026 season reflects its ambition to bring together globally recognised artists, influential club brands and destination-driven experiences for audiences from across Europe and beyond.

Head to https://www.amokmallorca.com/ for further information and tickets. 

Address: C. de, Km 10, Platja de Palma i Pla de Sant Jordi, 07199 S’Aranjasa, Balearic Islands, Spain

SUMMER LINEUP KEY DATES: 

20 July – Bootshaus: Kitty Amor, Argia

20 July – Franky Rizardo w/ Grace Arribas, Thomas Patrik

25 July – Ministry of Sound: Cuartero, Joëlla Jackson + special guest

26 July – CRO 

27 July – Bootshaus: Avangart Tabldot

30 July – Shimza

2 August – WhoMadeWho w/ Cristina Tosio, Valerio Latina

3 August – Bootshaus: Juno, Nicole Da Silva

5 August – BUNT 

6 August – Shimza

10 August – Bootshaus: Maxi Meraki, MCFLY

12 August – Special Event: Lunar Eclipse (additional event)

13 August – Shimza

15 August – Claptone

17 August – Bootshaus: Kaz James, Alicia Hahn

24 August – Bootshaus: Tripolism, Jean Philippe & Mole

29 August – Miss Monique

31 August – Bootshaus: Notre Dame, Meera

7 September – Bootshaus: Marten Lou, Nicole Da Silva

26 September – Grand Summer Closing: Jamie Jones 

DJ Snake to Headline Inaugural Marbella 12:XII Festival

by
festival site

Website | Tickets | Instagram

Joezi, Skinny, Deelan, Blacksun, Diego Marin and more also play the open-air setting amongst palm trees and with an elevated view of downtown Marbella 

All new festival 12:XII will make its debut in Marbella on Friday 21st August 2026 with a concept centred around the theme Beyond Time. The first edition of this exclusive one day luxury event will be headlined by era-defining French superstar DJ Snake alongside Joezi, Skinny, Declan, Blacksun, Diego Marin and more.

Conceived for those who like a premium touch, 12:XII brings together music, high spec production and Marbella’s famous sun. Positioned between the Mediterranean coastline and the Sierra Blanca mountains, Marbella has long been an escape for Europe’s luxury seekers, with legendary beach clubs, fine dining and world-class hotels.

The quality of the light, the warmth of the air and the deep blue of the water combine to create something that feels unlike anywhere else. The old town, with its whitewashed walls, bougainvillea-draped squares and maze of narrow streets is a glamorous strip while the marina is where superyachts, designer boutiques, rooftop bars and some of the finest restaurants in southern Spain form a world of pleasure. 

The venue is an open air space that will be converted with giant LED screens, ice cannon and dynamic structures as well as a world class sound system and an elevated back stage and VIP experience in amongst the palm trees and under a baking sun and starry night sky.

Leading the lineup is DJ Snake, one of the most successful electronic artists of his generation. The French producer has amassed billions of streams through global hits including Turn Down For What, Lean On, Taki Taki and Let Me Love You, while headlining festivals and arenas across the world. Joining him is Joezi, whose emotive blend of Afro house and melodic electronic music has made him one of the genre’s standout names. The lineup is completed by Skinny, Declan, Blacksun, Diego Marin and more artists to come. 

The festival takes its name from the connection first formed in December 2012, bringing together experience across electronic music, luxury hospitality and artistic direction to create a new annual event in Marbella.

Says the founder: “Great brands are built around an idea, not an event. 12:XII was born from the belief that time is the ultimate luxury, and that one extraordinary night can live far beyond the moment itself. DJ Snake was the natural choice to open that story because true icons don’t just perform – they define generations.“

With its inaugural edition, 12:XII will become an essential new addition to Marbella’s summer schedule as it brings together global electronic music talent with one of the hottest lifestyle destinations in the Med.

Tickets for 12:XII are on sale now, with General Admission tickets starting from €49.The festival takes place on Friday 21st August 2026 at Recinto Ferial de San Pedro Alcántara, Avenida del Mediterráneo, 8, 29670 Marbella, Spain. VIP tables are also available in limited numbers. For tickets and more information, visit https://12xiifestival.com/billetterie

Black Coffee to Headline Exclusive Open-Air Show at UNESCO-Listed Buda Castle

by

Grammy Award-winning artist’s exclusive 2,000-cap performance takes place at one of Budapest’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Tickets | Instagram

Grammy Award-winning Black Coffee will headline an exclusive 2,000-cap open-air performance at Budapest’s UNESCO-listed Buda Castle on 14 August 2026, marking a rare opportunity to experience one of the world’s leading electronic artists in an intimate and historic setting.

Presented by BSH Events in partnership with local promoter City Takeover, the event marks BSH’s first-ever show in Hungary and continues the Croatian promoter’s reputation for creating unforgettable electronic music experiences in culturally significant locations.

Black Coffee is a global force in Afro house, having defined the sound through his acclaimed productions, headline festival performances and celebrated Ibiza residencies. His long-standing relationship with BSH has already produced several standout events, and this summer continues that legacy with his highly anticipated return to Budapest – his first performance in the city in 12 years – following his appearance at BSH Amphitheatre Pula in Croatia just two weeks earlier.

Set atop Castle Hill overlooking the Danube, Buda Castle is one of Budapest’s defining landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Perched above the Danube, Buda Castle has dominated Budapest’s skyline since the 13th century. Today, its UNESCO-listed Baroque palace provides one of Europe’s most spectacular settings for cultural events. Its dramatic architecture, panoramic views and unique atmosphere will provide a spectacular backdrop for one of the summer’s most anticipated electronic music events.

The Budapest event represents the next chapter in the ongoing collaboration between Black Coffee and BSH, following a series of successful performances together across Europe. It also marks a major milestone for BSH Events as the promoter brings its distinctive approach to destination-driven electronic music experiences to Hungary for the first time.

DHB Festival Portugal Announces 2026 Lineup with Luciano, Josh Baker, Bedouin and more

by

DHB has unveiled the cultured lineup for the fourth edition of DHB Portugal, which is back from 18th-19th September 2026 with a gorgeous new beachfront location in Costa da Caparica, just south of Lisbon.

The intimate atmosphere and close knit crowd has defined previous editions of this sun-kissed two-day event and once again this year sees a carefully curated selection of international and local artists across house, Afro, organic and minimal, all against the dramatic backdrop of Portugal’s Atlantic coastline.

Opening on Friday 18th September, the programme focuses on groove-led house with performances from Brazilian star Beltran, underground favourite and acclaimed selector Carlita and UK tech house favourite Josh Baker alongside Oxhalá, Mehdi, Rafael and Rome.

Saturday 19th September shifts towards Afro, organic and minimal with pioneering cult hero Luciano, the intoxicating depths of Bedouin and Ahmed Spins leading the lineup. They are joined by Rooléh, Saraga and Portugal’s own Just Kelly for the closing day.

Following three successful editions, DHB Portugal returns in 2026 with a new location in Costa da Caparica, a lively coastal town and in Almada, Portugal, famous for its 15+kms of golden sandy beaches and world-famous surfing just a 20-minute ride south of Lisbon, which makes it popular with surfers and digital nomads. 

Set on those same sweeping beaches, DHB Portugal brings open-air production to a natural coastal setting for two classy days of sounds under the sun. The event comes from As We Are Events, the Lisbon-based creative agency behind a growing portfolio of large-scale music and cultural events who are shaping the Portuguese landscape. 

New Music Venue FITZ Mallorca Launches in Palma This Week with PAWSA, Nic Fanciulli and Miguelle & Tons

by

FITZ has fully renovated the iconic former Tito’s and Lío site and launches its flagship House of Artists series on Thursday 16 July.

A major new electronic music venue is set to open in Mallorca this summer as FITZ Mallorca launches following the complete transformation of Palma’s iconic former Lío venue by Grupo Sounds. The fully renovated 1300-capacity waterfront club features a state-of-the-art d&b Audiotechnik sound system and has been reimagined as one of the Balearics’ leading destinations for electronic music.

Leading FITZ Mallorca’s programme is The House of Artists, the venue’s flagship electronic music residency, bringing internationally renowned house and techno artists to Palma throughout the season. Demand has already been overwhelming, with the opening event on 16 July selling out in advance, making it one of Mallorca’s biggest nightlife launches of the summer.

Running from 6pm until 6am, the sold out opening features 12 hours of uninterrupted music from PAWSA, Nic Fanciulli and Miguelle & Tons. The night sets the tone for The House of Artists, which will establish FITZ as one of the Mediterranean’s newest destinations for world-class electronic music.

The launch of FITZ Mallorca marks the latest chapter in the story of one of Palma’s most legendary nightlife addresses. For more than a century, the waterfront venue has welcomed everyone from Frank Sinatra, Grace Kelly and Marlene Dietrich to Ray Charles, Josephine Baker and Elizabeth Taylor, before becoming home to the internationally renowned Lío. Now, FITZ begins a new era, blending the venue’s remarkable legacy with a bold new vision for electronic music.

Head to https://fitzmallorca.com/ for more information.

FITZ Mallorca

Avinguda de Gabriel Roca, 32 · Palma de Mallorca

MINISTRY OF SOUND LAUNCHES ‘LAST ORDERS’, A NEW IMMERSIVE DINING EXPERIENCE FEATURING MICHELIN-STARRED CHEF BRAD CARTER AND DJ RALPH LAWSON

by

This September, Ministry of Sound will launch Last Orders, a one-of-a-kind dining experience transforming its legendary dancefloor into a sensory feast in celebration of the club’s rich 35-year history. 

The first edition will take place on Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th. Inspired by the club’s anniversary, it sees Michelin-starred chef Brad Carter and renowned DJ Ralph Lawson guiding guests through three decades of house music via a curated five-course menu in the heart of the nightclub.

Beginning in Chicago with an elevated take on the city’s iconic deep-dish pizza, a nod to the birthplace of house music, the menu is a playful journey through the sounds, cities and late-night food cultures that shaped the genre. Highlights include a deep-dish pizza filled with braised squid and spicy nduja, a New York-inspired lobster and prawn roll that fuses the classic East Coast favourite with Cantonese-style prawn toast, and a refined interpretation of the legendary Berlin lamb kebab, inspired by the city’s after-hours food scene and reimagined as a fine-dining tribute to one of electronic music’s spiritual homes.

As each course unfolds, Ralph Lawson charts the evolution of house music through perfectly timed Chicago, Balearic and UK house tracks, tracing a musical journey from Ministry of Sound’s roots in New York’s legendary venue, Paradise Garage, through to the present day as it marks its 35th anniversary.

Having spent his life pursuing his two passions, cooking and raving, Chef Brad Carter is a self-taught chef who built his reputation doing things differently. Carter is known for his ingredient-led approach to modern British cuisine and his ability to tell stories through food, ultimately earning a Michelin star at his restaurant Carters of Moseley in Birmingham, UK.

Carter says: “We will be bringing big energy to this iconic dancefloor in the form of a specially curated menu inspired by the greatest cultural scene that shaped me and many others since 1991.”

Equally renowned in his industry, Ralph Lawson, is one of the UK’s most respected house DJs. Having spent more than three decades behind the decks himself, Lawson is widely considered a pioneering figure of UK house music, known for his eclectic deep cuts and playful style, blending Chicago house, techno, disco, funk and more.

Lawson says: “We set out to create a menu and soundtrack that worked in perfect harmony while celebrating 35 years of the club’s history. With fond memories of coming to Ministry of Sound as a clubber myself, it’s a real pleasure to return to The Box and tell that story through music.”

Launching with a celebration of Ministry of Sound’s 35th anniversary, Last Orders is a new dining series that will return with future editions bringing together different chefs, DJs and themes, creating original collaborations between music and food. 

Tickets are priced at £250 per person and include a five-course tasting menu, cocktail pairings and an intimate post-dinner Ralph Lawson DJ set.

For more information, visit ministryofsound.com

MINISTRY OF SOUND LAUNCHES ‘BOXED IN’ – A LIVE-STREAMED DJ COMPETITION OFFERING EMERGING TALENT A CAREER-DEFINING OPPORTUNITY

by

Ministry of Sound has announced Boxed In, a new live-streamed DJ competition designed to discover and platform the next generation of DJ talent. Filmed inside The Box, the newly renovated main room of the world’s most famous nightclub, the event takes place on 13th September and will stream on Twitch.

Boxed In pitches six emerging DJs against one another across a 12-hour live stream with six established mentor DJs guiding them through a series of challenges that test not just mixing ability but endurance, booth etiquette, crowd control and musical knowledge. 

Crucially, the audience controls the outcome in the form of live voting and real-time reactions from viewers that help to shape the challenges.

The winner receives a money-can’t-buy Ministry of Sound residency that includes global and club shows alongside a significant £25,000 worth of equipment, studio time and artist development; all the essentials any up and coming DJ needs. 

The six mentors confirmed for Boxed In are club associates old and new with Mak10, Sam Divine, G33 (Girls Don’t Sync), Fish 56 Octagon, Jakkob and Sian Owen, all forming a panel of great experience across genres and generations, and with a combined social following in the millions.

Caitlin McAllister, Managing Director at Ministry of Sound says “Ministry of Sound has always been about championing great new talent, and Boxed In is our way of doing that for a new generation of DJs. There are so many brilliant artists out there who just need the chance to be seen. We wanted to create something that gives them a real platform, puts them in front of a global audience and lets them show what they’re capable of. We’re excited to see who steps up, and hopefully play a part in launching the career of the next big name in dance music.”

Applications for the competition are now open. To apply, prospective contestants must submit a 60-second tape explaining why they should be a contestant alongside a 15-minute mix uploaded to SoundCloud. 30 applicants will be shortlisted and mentors will then go through an elimination process, ending with each mentor selecting one competitor to pair with and guide through the stream.

The concept was developed by Ministry of Sound in direct response to the barriers facing emerging DJ talent. Electronic music continues to be driven by new artists, but the routes into the industry have narrowed significantly for a multitude of reasons. ‘Boxed In’ is designed to create a visible, participatory platform for undiscovered talent and connect them with a global audience.

To apply, submit a 60-second video and a 15-minute SoundCloud mix at https://boxedin.stream/

Head to https://ministryofsound.com/ for further details.