The Lofts Newcastle announce new dates with Louie Vega, Todd Terry, Mark Knight, SKREAM, Franky Wah & more

Danny Howard, Louie Vega with Eli Escobar, Todd Terry with Melon Bomb, Mark Knight, SKREAM, Franky Wah all set for North East

– Tickets now on sale for newly announced shows 

– The iconic Pete Tong speaks ahead of the venue’s launch weekend this month

Organisers behind The North of England’s new city centre “super club’, The Lofts, have today confirmed a string of new dates and late summer shows featuring some of the world’s most celebrated and hottest DJs.

Following the 1500 capacity venue’s launch event on Friday August 27th – featuring Pete Tong and Horse Meat Disco – The Lofts will now welcome Danny Howard (28th August)Louie Vega with Eli Escobar (3rd September)Mark Knight (10th September)Todd Terry and Melon Bomb (11th September), SKREAM (17th September) and Franky Wah (24th September) through its doors as part of its mission to continue to build the buzz within Newcastle’s nightlife scene. 

Based in Newcastle upon Tyne – the new 1500 capacity ‘super-club’ features 3 separate rooms including a ground breaking sound system from L-Acoustic and a state-of-the-art, fully immersive light and visual show.

Taking place on Saturday 28th August, The Lofts will present an electric night of house with Danny Howard, DJ Spen, Frankie Foncett, Mighty Mouse and Ricky Morrison. 

Danny Howard is a celebrated British dance music DJ, producer, and radio presenter, best known for presenting BBC Radio 1’s Dance Anthems with Danny Howard.

Howard is viewed by many as the heir to the dance music throne and his energy and impeccable tune selection will make for a special night come late August. 

Danny says:  “They say the further north you go, the better the party, and Newcastle is cerainly proof of that!  It’s always an incredible vibe whenever I’ve played in the city before and I have a year’s worth of energy saved up for this, so see you on August bank holiday for a large one….!” 

Meanwhile, Friday 3rd September will see the actual man himself, the definite house music bonafide King, Louie Vega, head to The Lofts with Eli Escobar. 

Luis Ferdinand Vega Jr., better known as “Little Louie” Vega, is an American DJ, record producer and Grammy Award winner remixer of Puerto Rican ancestry. He is one half of the Masters at Work musical production team and is an all round musical legend. 

Next to perform is Grammy Award nominated Producer & DJ Todd Terry who is one of the artists who helped to define New York’s dance and house music scene.  Terry will be supported by Melon Bomb – a house and disco collective of four DJs from Ibiza who have become symonymous for making parties and will bring a touch of the Island to Newcastle with their inimitable style of music.

Hot on the heels of the Vega date, The Lofts crew bring you Toolroom Records supremo, Mark Knight, with Illyus&Barrientos for a special night filled with house and good vibes on Friday 10th September. 

On Friday 17th September, The Lofts are proud to present one of the hottest DJs on the scene right now, the high-rising dance star that is SKREAM. 

As one of the UK’s best-loved selectors Skream has enjoyed the kind of consistency most DJs and producers can only dream of. His passion for collecting and playing music is unrelenting; disco, house, techno and everything in between makes him one of the UK’s most innovative and pioneering of DJs.

Completing the late summer run of high-profile shows at The Lofts Newcastle is Franky Wah on Friday 24th September. 

The DJ/producer, is currently one of the hottest and most exciting names in the dance realm for 2021. Receiving rave critical acclaim from established dance peers, ongoing support from key industry figures and playing to thousands of fans on multiple festival stages have led to Franky garnering fan support in its thousands.

Frankie said today:  “I’m absolutely buzzin’ to announce I’m coming to play at the brand new superclub – The Lofts. I’ve been dying to play Newcastle and can’t wait to party with you all!”

As previously announced, BBC Radio 1 legend Pete Tong and Horse Meat Disco will open the venue on Friday 27th with support from Charlie Hedges, Mighty Mouse and Natasha Kitty Katt.

Local resident DJs John Dance, Jonny Burn and Kev Cannon will be on support duties all weekend.

There are few individuals in the world of dance music who can claim the kind of influence Pete Tong has had over the last twenty years.

As the voice of BBC Radio 1’s prestigious dance programming, Pete has held a commanding presence over the industry for more than two decades  With an unparalleled ear for new talent, Tong has become the leading tastemaker of the electronic generation.  Quite simply, an industry icon.

Speaking ahead of today’s fresh announcements, he said: “I’m very excited to be a part of launching Newcastle’s new superclub.  I have really missed playing in front of a live crowd and can’t wait to kick off with The Lofts.”

For more information about The Lofts go to  HYPERLINK “http://www.theloftsne1.co.uk/www.theloftsne1.co.uk

-Ends-

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/5fq6so7fq4pz9ub/AAAkHnWwyipa0whci2zO0hQza?dl=0

The Lofts social media links:

https://www.facebook.com/TheLoftsNE1/

https://www.instagram.com/theloftsne1

ESCAPE RECORDS DROP FIRST RELEASES FROM GLEN HORSBOROUGH, BAAUER & LOCAL 

Earlier this summer, game-changing Welsh promotional outfit Escape Records announced a huge expansion which saw the launch of their brand new label. They have now announced the first three releases, showcasing exactly what the label will be all about with well crafted house, dance and urban music across their two sub-labels; Escape and Tapes, with Glen Horsborough, Local and Bauuer all serving up one single each. 

Having firmly established themselves as the leading event promoters in Wales over recent years with a number of hugely successful events in their portfolio, including Inside Out, Colour Clash and Party At The Park, the label arm of Escape Records sees the team put all their insider knowledge and expert understanding of up and coming talent to good use. Each release has been carefully A&Red and label artists will be given a huge platform to really shine. 

Says Glen Horsborough; “I am delighted to be part of the Escape Records team heading up Label Operations. We have a clear vision on delivering some feel good dance and urban music. We have a string of really exciting releases planned for 2021 and beyond and can’t wait for the world to hear them.’

Glen previously produced the weekly Hed Kandi show on Ministry of Sound Radio for over a decade and now presents his own ‘Let There Be House’ podcast with over 60,000 downloads per month on iTunes. He’s previously had releases out on Salted Music, Motive, Hot Sunday, Ocean Trax and of course Let There Be House Records, reaching a number 1 in Beatport Hype House with ‘You Don’t Know’.

He now brings his skill and experience to the Escape Records family and is also the producer behind Escape’s first release which dropped on July 2nd, linking up with talented singer songwriter Elisabeth Yorke-Bolognini, who has previously provided vocals for Defected Records and Toolroom. The track is entitled ‘You & I’ and is an all round feel good uplifting house record with a killer vocal hook and some irresistible summer sounding chords.

Track: https://soundcloud.com/weareescaperecords/youandi

July 30th then saw the release of Bauuer ft Nikki Belle ‘Pushing On.’ Bauuer has been on the house scene under various guises since 2004. His remixes and originals have been heard on dance floors and radio across the globe on labels such as Armada, 3Beat, Ministry of Sound and Hed Kandi amongst others. ‘Pushing On’ follows his last release on Let There Be House, ‘Take A Little Time’, which clocked up millions of streams and high profile support, earning him a Beatport Top 10. 

Vocals on ‘Pushin On’ come courtesy of Nikki Belle who rose to prominence as one half of Hot and Juicy gaining world-wide success with Mousse T on the smash hit ‘Horny’. She then went on to score a UK top 30 hit on Cahill’s remake of the classic ‘Trippin On You’ and released further singles on 3Beat to critical acclaim. 

Their simply irresistible, hands in the air piano and house anthem ‘Pushing On’ is a real standout. With its rich chords and gorgeous soaring vocal, slick drums and fat bass, it cannot fail to be huge this summer and beyond. 

Track: https://soundcloud.com/weareescaperecords/pushinon 

Next up, on August 13th, Local serves up the infectious ‘Go Pro’ produced by UK bass heavyweights Shapes. Having previously collaborated with a host of UK icons including Skepta, Jaykae, Mike Skinner and Lady Leshurr, as well as reaching #2 on the iTunes Hip Hop charts with his latest EP, the Cardiff born MC has firmly established himself as one of the country’s most exciting exports. 

His new release alongside Shapes is a slick UKG track with lush chords and well swung drums. The icing on the cake is the heart aching, pitched up vocal that soars up top and will undoubtedly make for plenty of big moments at festivals this summer. 

The three tracks are the first to come from Escape Records and will be released across the label’s two sub-brands; Escape, covering all things house and tech-house, and Tapes, which will be more urban leaning. Given the diverse and eclectic array of sounds showcased across the collective’s portfolio of events and festivals, it was important that this ethos was also mirrored across the label. 

Track: https://soundcloud.com/weareescaperecords/local-go-pro-prod-shapes/s-93I25fjMYzb  

Says Music & Marketing Exec Will Docherty: “The labels’ ability to offer multiple different sounds through the Tapes urban project alongside the main Escape house label will allow us to bring our vision to a wider audience, showcasing some of the best music Wales has to offer.”

This is a fantastic trio of releases that is sure to quickly establish Escape Records as one of dance music’s most vital new labels. 

Brand new “Balearic Mornings EP” from HI-LO and Reinier Zonneveld on Filth on Acid

HI-LO 

https://www.facebook.com/officialhilo/

Reiner Zonneveld

https://www.facebook.com/ReinierZonneveld

Listen to Balearic Mornings – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_55huWeQqxU

Order – https://snd.click/Balearic_Mornings

The 99th EP on the iconic Filth on Acid label comes from label boss Reinier Zonneveld and frequent collaborator HI-LO, and they serve up two more terrific tunes. After releasing ‘Saw of Olympus’ which is the most streamed techno track on Spotify since its release, the duo return with another highly anticipated collaborative release. The first single ‘Beleric Mornings’ is out today on Spotify and Apple Music, while ‘Existencia’ will follow on August 6th.

While on a trip together digging on the beaches of Ibiza from dusk till dawn, the Dutchmen found each other dancing as the sun rose for another blissful Balearic day. That experience inspired the music here.  

Balearic Mornings is a deep and sunny tune with bright and colourful chords that bring trance-like feelings. It still makes a big impact on the floor, especially with the soulful female vocal, but is packed with real heat and heart. Existencia is a driving, rolling track with big drums, euphoric chords and a real sense of powerful forward motion. Of course, some textbook acid also arrives to race along next to the bass and ensure maximum dance effort impact.  

The pair finally had the chance to play out their releases live and received an overwhelming reaction from fans. HI-LO joined Reinier Zonneveld for his recent Tilburg club night as part of Reinier’s Karren Maar national tour which saw six performances across the pair’s home country, The Netherlands. Their amazing synergy in the studio continues to shine through with praise coming from fans and DJs alike.

‘Balearic Mornings’ is out today on Spotify and Apple Music. Stay tuned for the second single ‘Existencia’ to drop on August 6th via Filth On Acid. 

This is another big EP from Filth on Acid.

Artist: HI-LO, Reinier Zonneveld

Title: Balearic Mornings

Record Label: Filth On Acid

Release Date: 6th August 2021 [Beatport (2 weeks)], 20th August 2021 (all other download stores)

Tracklist:

1) Balearic Mornings

2) Existencia

Boardmasters 2021 – Preview

With less than a week to go until Boardmasters finally returns, we’re here to give you an overview of the ultimate surf & music festival on the Cornish coast.

Taking place between 11 – 15 August in Newquay, this year promises to be very special.

Headliners on the main stage include Foals, Gorillaz & the amazing Jorja Smith…but that’s not all. Oh no…Sam Fender, Loyle Carner, Jamie xx, Lianne La Havas, The Kooks, Blossoms, Mahalia Music, Slowthai, ANDY C, Eats Everything, and Django Django also join the incredible line up.

Is that simply not enough? There’s more – Basement Jaxx and Maribou State head to the Cornish coast with DJ sets, Georgia brings her one-woman drum machine and incredible vocals (hopefully covering Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill), The Futureheads (fingers crossed covering Hounds of Love by Ms Bush also), not to mention Young T & Bugsey, Arlo Parks & a whole host more…truly something for everyone.

No wonder tickets have sold out early…you may be lucky enough to find some on Twickets now if you’re lucky…

Hey, if the music isn’t enough, why not take a short trip to the coast during the day. Fistral Beach transforms into a vibrant surf festival complete with pro surf competitions, skate and BMX competitions, art installations, workshops, gigs and a bustling surf village.

See you at the beach…

Graham Tarrant

Clubbing TV unveils its 2021 Top 40 Live Streaming DJs

The First international TV dedicated to DJs and club culture is unveiling its 2021 Top 40 Live Streaming DJs. From superstar DJs to upcoming new talents, the list is ranking dj sets and live performances streamed all over the internet. 
12 independent professionals of the music industry were asked to give notes on criteria such as regularity, quality, scenery & fund raising, on an extensive list of artists’ videos. The first edition was ranking Carl Cox’s cabin fever as number one, Marc Rebillet’s live performances as number two and David Guetta’s massive fundraiser stream as number three. 

For this second edition, and along with the TOP40 Live Streaming DJs, a series of 6 special categories have been made to reward: 

“The coolest DJ live stream”, “The most original format”, “The best global initiative”, “The biggest stream”, “The craziest venue”, and “The most notable absentees” !

Consisting of more than 1500 hours of live streams from festivals, clubs, parties from all over the world, Clubbing TV is one of the leading force in the electronic music industry. Knowing all the pros & cons of the live streaming experience, the technical headaches, the platforms challenges and the endless Content ID claims, Clubbing TV has established the criteria of what makes a good live streaming. Fully focused on how to improve the streams on the channel, Clubbing TV has also created its own live-streaming platform : www.clubbing.live which makes everything easier for DJs and their fan base!

 The Top 10 DJ streams can be read below. 


The full TOP40 poll can be found here: 

https://clubbingtv.com/top-40-live-streaming-djs/

https://www.facebook.com/clubbingtvofficial/

https://www.instagram.com/clubbingtv/?hl=en

Biffy Clyro added to Reading and Leeds lineup

Since making their debut at Reading and Leeds Festivals way back in 2002, Brit-Nominated Biffy Clyro return to this year’s festival as the final headliner. The Scot rockers will be taking the place of Queens of the Stone Age, who, due to restrictions and logistics, sadly are unable to perform at the festival. Simon, Ben and James last headlined in 2017 and will be performing hits from across their incredible career including tracks from their latest No.1 album A Celebration Of Endings. The band are very happy to return: “We are delighted and honoured to be headlining Reading & Leeds for a third time.We cannot wait to get out there and play for you all again after such a tough year…It’s gonna fuck!!”

Making their debut at the festivals this year will be Dublin four-piece Inhaler. With their debut album It Won’t Always Be Like This rocketing to the top of the album charts, these lads are set to be the ones to watch as future headliners.

London rapper and songwriter Russ Millions will be bringing his own style of hip hop to the festivals and will undoubtedly perform his Tik Tok dance challenge-inducing #1 Platinum-selling single Body. He can’t wait to get back out there to perform: “I’m excited to be reunited with my supporters again at R&L, let’s turn up!”

Emerging from the pandemic gleaming, Holly Humberstone is one of the biggest breakthrough UK pop acts of 2021. Less than a year since the release of her debut EP, her dark, wonky, electric pop with brutally honest lyrics has gained over 100 million streams worldwide, all recorded from her bedroom in Grantham. 

Born and raised in Camden Town but rapidly achieving global recognition, Bakar is set to bring his fresh carefree sound to Reading and Leeds this summer. Refusing to be defined by genre, his sound effortlessly dances the line between indie and rap.  HIs soulful offering ‘Hell N Back’ has garnered over 87 million Spotify streams.

South London’s Blanco, at just 21 has already made his mark on the UK rap scene, breaking out as a key member of ’drill dynasty’ Harlem Spartan. Refusing to limit himself, Blanco embraces versatility from Drill rap to Brazilian paired with complex metaphors and cheeky references produce his individual sound, which he is set to bring for an electric set at Reading and Leeds.

Positioned at the unique intersection between metal and hip-hop, Dana Dentata, is a force to be reconned with. Crafting empowering, feminist, industrial, metal-dripping rap, her shock-rock performance art isn’t one to be missed over the festival’s weekends.

Hailing from Dublin, Chaya, is a multi-instrumentalist with classical training, growing up on exclusively classical music until New York City’s underground scene introduced him to the vibrant world of electronic. His diverse influences collide to produce a truly individual sound, often embodying classic UK Garage elements married with classical undercurrents.

Jazmin Bean is a complex and intense enigma, who will be showcasing their intoxicating mix of Alt Metal Electropop to The Pit Stage. Unapologetically impossible to define, Jazmin radiates an empowering sense of individualism, self-integrity, and independence. They embody the spirit of the Gen Z’s vibrant unorthodox subculture. 

Indie-Punk three piece from Brighton, Gender Roles follow a whirlwind 2019 full to the brim with a triumphant BBC Radio 1 Maida Vale session with Annie Mac and riotous sell-out headline shows. The trio bombard the stage with charged-up, hazy guitars and a whole lot of chaotic fun. 

Born out of sheer “boredom with the state of music at the moment” Punkband, bring pure attitude, punk and swagger to all their raucous tracks. They channel the youth of Britain’s disinterest and disgust in post-punk Britain paired with gritty, unpolished instrumentals. 

Also announced today is female rap phenomenon Trillary Banks, who will be set to deliver a captivatingly raw blend of Rap and Dancehall culminating in contagious summer sounds. Trailblazing for women in the UK music landscape, she debuted her ‘FIRE IN THE BOOTH’ freestyle with Charlie Sloth, a rite of passage for any rapper but all the more valuable for female representation.

Essex Golden Boy French The Kid, naturally blends a resonant mix of English and French melodics, aided by growing up in the South-West of France. His bars share deep introspection, tackling mental health, his gritty past as well as looking ahead to the bright future. 

Championing a unique style of conscious rap, Kam-Bu, uses his fast-paced, bass-leaden bars to share contemplative stories, stirring up the London scene. He takes aim at urgent political issues from Grenfell to institutional racism, as well as themes on the Black culture and the environment. Smoothly oscillating from party anthems into poignant lyricism, he is not one to be missed. 

The BBC Music Introducing Stage will be showcasing the best up and coming talent from across the UK at Reading and Leeds Festival, with artists such as Radio 1 Live Lounge Introducing winner Bonnie Kemplay, Berwyn, who made the BBC Music Sound Of 2021 list, The Rap Game’s Lady Ice and Graft as well as Kent starlet Josie Man, Somerset singer songwriter Finn Askew, Leeds post-punk rockers Yard Act, electronic rising star Meg Ward, South London rapper Master Peace and many more.

Sadly, due to various restrictions and logistics, a few artists are now no longer able to perform at the festivals. This includes Queens of the Stone Age, Madison Beer, Denzel Curry, Sofi Tukker, Super Whatevr, Wallows, Oliver Tree, Tate McRae, MizorMac and Nation of Language.

For those heading to Bramham Park, the Leeds site will again be welcoming a full timetable of after-hours events at Late Night Leeds from Thursday night with DJs and performers taking to the three stages, Anachronica, a new dance stage, and of course the legendary Picadilly Party, to keep festival goers partying until the early hours. With a brand new, audio-visual experience stage, among the line-up on the dance stage will be DJ SemtexBadBoy Chiller CrewFumez The EngineerHariett Jaxxon and chart-toper 220 Kid. This year the Anachronica stage is focusing on all things in the forefront of UK dance music. DJs who are pushing the limits and pioneering in Jungle, Garage and Dubstep will be stepping up into the Mad Max-esque world of Anachronica, skillfully salvaged and adapted to blast out some of the biggest tunes late into the night. 

Ibiza Promoter Hires Plane For Direct Party Flight to Croatia

Now that summer is here and travel restrictions have been lifted, Promoters Ibiza Underground Movement will be chartering a party plane to Amnesia’s 7-Day Croatia Takeover on August 30th to September 5th for a once in a lifetime party experience. They have chartered a private Airbus A321 for a direct return flight from Stansted, London to Zadar, Croatia to make sure you arrive at Amnesia’s mouthwatering takeover of Noa Beach Club in style. In-air sets during this one-off experience will come from Seb Zito and Jamie Roy and the final few Aeroplane & Festival Ticket package are available now at Skiddle.com so act fast to be part of history. 

This unreal and unique party is set to take place at 40,000ft as you fly from the UK to Croatia – which is on the Green List for travel –  with a bunch of fellow music lovers. Supplying the sounds will be the aforementioned Jamie Roy and Seb Zito, who are two of the UK’s finest and some extra un-announced special guests and residents.

Included in this once-in-a-lifetime party experience is also a VIP ticket to Amnesia’s seven-day take-over festival, which just keeps on getting bigger and better with more names and more venues now added. From August 30th to September 5th, 2021 the world-renowned Ibiza superclub hosts an iconic series of events at the stunning Zrce Beach on the Isle of Pag at all three of its famous open-air beach clubs Noa, Papaya and Kalypso with details of an Amnesia Hotel Party at Hotel Olea with Chris Stussy and Prunk to come soon. 

No matter how you travel to the event, this will be the ultimate Ibiza experience in Croatia over six nights of main stage events, after-parties, a hotel pool party take-over, sunset boat trips, BBQ fiesta, after beach parties, VIP packages, watersports, luxury yacht packages and plenty more.

Amnesia has just added new artists Michael Bibi, Prunk and Chris Stussy and Vintage Culture to already announced names Adam Beyer, Claptone, Marco Faraone, Kölsch, Luca Donzelli, Richy Ahmed, Patrick Topping, Seb Zito, Mathame, Mar-T, Cinthie and more.

IUM will also be hosting a pool party and once this flight is sold out, further planes will be added with flights from Manchester and Ibiza. All COVID-related safety checks and measures will be in place before and during the flight. 

AMNESIA 7 DAY IBIZA TAKEOVER IN CROATIA

AUG 30 – SEPT 05 – 2021

CLOSING WEEK ZRCE FESTIVAL BEACH, ISLAND OF PAG

For more information, tickets & accommodation on the event – https://croatia.amnesia.es/

To book a seat on the private plane – https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/croatia/Noa-Beach-Club/IBIZA-UNDERGROUND-MOVEMENT-PARTY-PLANE–VIP-AMNESIA-FESTIVAL-/35869698/ 

Adam Beyer, Claptone, Marco Faraone, CAAL, Kölsch, Luca Donzelli, Richy Ahmed, Patrick Topping, Seb Zito, Mathame, Mar-T, Cinthie, Chris Stussy, Prunk, Michael Bibi, Vintage Culture, Jamie Roy and many more.

Creamfields comes to Chemsford

Creamfields one of the world’s biggest electronic promoters have revealed plans for an all-new 50,000 capacity two-day camping festival in 2022 which will see them bring their award-winning festival South, taking over the stunning Grade II listed Hylands Park for Creamfields Chelmsford.  

With the iconic Hylands villa as its backdrop, the multi-stage festival will also give fans the chance to experience the colossal 15,000 capacity Steel Yard superstructure is scheduled to take place on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th June Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend, which has been moved to a four-day weekend next year to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.  

The launch of Creamfields Chelmsford is a game changer for the UK festival landscape and coincides with the 25 year celebrations of its award winning sister festival in Daresbury, which is staged annually in the heart of the Cheshire countryside and attracts sell out audiences of 70,000.

Since its inception the UK edition has become one of the biggest electronic music festivals in the world, attracting big name artists including Calvin Harris, Swedish House Mafia, Eric Prydz, Tiësto, deadmau5, Carl Cox, Bicep LIVE, Chase & Status, Pendulum and The Chemical Brothers.  Internationally, Creamfields is one of the few festivals to have successfully established itself on the global market with shows staged in Chile, Abu Dhabi, Ibiza, Malta, Argentina, Peru, Hong Kong and multiple cities across China to name a few. 

Creamfields Chelmsford is an exciting new addition to the UK Festival calendar and for fans in particular who can expect an all-star line-up of dance music heavyweights to be announced. 

Creamfields flagship festival in Daresbury, will take place 25th – 28th August Bank holiday weekend 2022.

Croatia ‘End of Season’ Party Guide

Finally, summer is here and travel restrictions are lifted. After a long time away, we can all now reconvene on the dance floor and dance away our woes.

There is nowhere better – or safer, given it is on the green travel list – to do that this summer than Croatia.

The gorgeous country boasts hot sun, the lush Adriatic sea, wonderful local cultures and customs and some world class parties.

Here is our round up of the best of them.

Amnesia Announce Seven Day Ibiza Takeover in Croatia

Date: 30th August – 5th September, 2021Location: Zrce Beach, Island of Pag

Tickets / More Info / Accommodation TICKET & INFO LINAdam Beyer, Claptone, Marco Faraone, Kölsch, Luca Donzelli, Richy Ahmed, Patrick Topping, Seb Zito, Mathame, Mar-T, Cinthie and more.


Ibiza is coming to Croatia for the second time this summer when iconic White Isle super club Amnesia hosts a non-stop seven-day takeover from August 30th to September 5th 2021. This historic and ultimate closing week celebration goes down at the stunning Zrce Festival Beach on the Isle of Pag and features six nights of main stage events, afterparties, a hotel pool party take-over, sunset boat trips, BBQ fiesta, after beach parties, VIP packages, watersports, luxury yacht packages and plenty more for the ultimate Ibiza experience in Croatia, which has been tagged a safe place to party and as it stands is on the UK green list for travel which means no need to isolate when returning to the UK for either vaccinated or non vaccinated travellers.
The first phase of the line-up bringing the true sound of Ibiza are house and techno heavyweights Adam Beyer, Claptone, Marco Faraone, Kölsch, Luca Donzelli, Patrick Topping, Richy Ahmed, Seb Zito, Mathame, Mar-T, Cinthie and many more.  This action-packed seven-day take-over is a rare treat indeed for 2021. It follows on from the spectacular BSH Island that took place in early July and marked the first full-sized European festival of 2021. At that event, Amnesia hosted a special off-location showcase at the 17th-century Fortress of Pag with Jamie Jones and more with Do Not Sleep hosting the Main Stage at NOA. Now Amnesia, Noa Beach Club and BSH events have partnered up for this brand new seven-day takeover for a season closing Fiesta.
World-renowned super club and Ibiza authority Amnesia will preside on Zrce Festival Beach with its many decade’s of Ibiza authenticity and experience and considerable party know-how, as well as taking world-class DJs in tow with them. Zcre Festival Beach‘s globally renowned open-air Noa Beach Club with its punchy sound systems, alfresco dance floors and uninterrupted views of the Adriatic Sea will be transformed with next-level production into genuinely hedonistic and immersive Ibiza outposts. As well as the wealth of music, there is a huge selection of activities to keep you entertained around the clock. 


Croatia’s Circus Maximus Launches NFT Ticketing & Aiming To Become The World’s First DAO Festival

Date: 8th – 13th August

Location: Noa Beach Club, Zrce Beach 

 Tickets:here / Website NFT Tickets:here / Video: here
New technologies, the crypto industry and DAO are set to revolutionise events
Circus Maximus 2021 is more than just a festival. It is the first step on a revolutionary road to putting partying back in the hands of the people and becoming the world’s first-ever DAO music festival. This year’s event runs 8th – 13th August at the world-renowned Noa Beach Club in Croatia, with full Covid-19 measures in place to keep everyone safe. Headliners include Da Tweekaz, Regard, Brennan Heart, Imanbek, Harris & Ford. All purchases with cryptocurrency via the web app at https://tickets.circusmaximusfestival.com/welcome come as a digital NFT ticket, while purchases on the web at https://www.noa-zrce.com/en/events/circus-maximus also come as an NFT ticket that is mined on your behalf and presented as a physical ticket. 
DAO or Distributed Autonomous Organisation is an organisation that is run through rules encoded in smart contracts. DAO’s can be organised around common goals or interests. Although most DAOs are focused on finances, Circus Maximus is exploring how a music festival can be organised in a DAO way that allows the whole world to have their say.
The accomplished team behind the well-established Circus Maximus wants to transform the festival industry by making attendees an integral part of the story. The first step on this path is to put the festival in the hands of the community, who will then determine its continued existence with the help of new technologies, the crypto industry and DAO. 


We Still Dance


Date: 19th – 23rd AugustLocation: Papaya Club, Zrce Beach  

Tickets: here
Dancing is a form of freedom. Dance is the hidden language of the soul. To dance means to be connected with yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful. We are taking this privilege back and we want you to join us. After nearly 2 bizarre years we are so excited to finally come together again on the beautiful Island of planet Pag.Dance with us from August 19th to 23rd at Zrće beach! Book your healing holiday and enjoy Croatia’s beautiful nature, sun and sea with some of our beloved artists playing for you.

Camp Bestival 2021 – Review

After the past 18 months of lockdown, it would be easy to give undue love to any festival returning this summer. With Camp Bestival arriving in such energetic flamboyant style, there’s no need for faint praise here. 

It’s always difficult to name the highlight of a weekend at Camp Bestival. It could be one of the musicians or headline acts. Or possibly the entertainment and performers around the site for younger ones. It could even be the dystopian Caravanserai area with its heady mix of trapeze artists, sea-shanties and steampunk aesthetics. Hey, it might even be the Blue Coats holiday camp entertainers doted throughout the site. But for me, it was the world’s best chocolate brownies from the campsite coffee shop after enjoying all of the aforementioned.

On Friday, with gale force winds across Dorset, the festival literally took off the ground. Based on the popular tv show, Brainiac Live supplied explosive action and daredevil stunts for all the family…following this, Junior Jungle were booked again this year after an unbelievable tour-de-force in 2019. Described by organiser Rob da Bank as one of the “top 5 acts ever booked for Camp Bestival’, words simply cannot describe the show (hence the photo below…) Nick Terrific and MC Rocky’s hot costumes and energy literally brought the crowd on stage with them for some smooth moves and a whole new interpretation of a lateral flow test, which has to be seen to be believed.

On a more serious note, Georgia took to the Big Top in impressive style. Very few people would be brave enough to attempt to cover Kate Bush, but her solo cover of ‘Running Up That Hill’ was arguably a match for the original. It’s always a sign of a strong line up at a festival when there are clashes – two bands which you want to see, playing at the same time. In this case, 2-Tone favourites The Selecter took to the main stage at the same time, still showing such class and style after 40 years.

Becky Hill closed the Friday night with impressive pyrotechnics and banging hits. This was her first headline slot at a festival and it won’t be the last – having earned her way up the line-up over the years, she delighted her fans with charm and modesty. A contrast to Jess Glynn’s diva behaviour two years’ prior at the festival.

Everyone emerged from their tents early on Saturday morning, and there could only be one reason at Camp Bestival – of course it was Mr Tumble. Performing his japes and nursery rhymes, young fans (and many parents alike), watched with unparalleled excitement. Without his best friend Dick, Dom’s performance seemed a little less enjoyable this year without the banter the two have built. 

Sara Cox really got the party-started again with her 80s pop extravaganza and equally impressive shoulder pads. With two dancers joining her to perform the classic lift-off dance from Dirty Dancing, the crowd had the time of their lives.

What can be said about the next act though. The Cuban Brothers led by Miguelito continue to be highly inappropriate and great fun. With Kenny (the Bastard) and Dominic providing break dance moves and back flips, it’s clear why Los Hermanos Cubanos return every year, even if their language isn’t suitable for all ages. Yes friends!

Heather Small displayed her impressive back catalogue playing hit after hit, while Level 42 made everyone realise how many classic songs they had.

The funk soul brother Fatboy Slim was the star of the show on Saturday night. Celebrating his birthday, Norman Cook embraced the fancy dress theme dressed as the Pink Panther and kept the crowd raving with his rockafeller skank and deep bass. 

Sunday was a hazy start for many, especially for those staying up late the night before to hear snooker legend Steve Davis’ incredible hardcore DJ set. With such an eclectic mix ranging from Craig Charles‘ funk and soul, indie darlings The Sherlocks, rock from Reef and pop from Max & Harvey, there was something for everyone. Dom Joly even managed to provide the laughs with his Powerpoint presentation of unique holiday snaps and escapades from around the globe. Yes, it was definitely funnier than that sounds…

Dub Pistols © Graham Tarrant

Despite the Friday gales, sharply dressed Dub Pistols made everyone glad it wasn’t a truly mucky weekend with sunshine and occasional showers across the weekend. Groove Armada were the final act on the main stage at the weekend, with a full band line up. Compared to their DJ-only sets in previous years, this year their set was engaging, energetic and a highlight of the weekend. It truly finished the party in super-style before the emotional firework finale.

In conclusion, a big heartfelt thank you to Rob and Josie da Bank for their tireless work in putting on such an amazing show again in the face of such adversity.

In the words projected onto Lulworth Castle, We Are Family. Roll on 2022!

WORDS AND PHOTOS: GRAHAM TARRANT

© Graham Tarrant