BLOODSTOCK REVEAL BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY, & MORE BANDS FOR 2026

With Halloween around the corner, BLOODSTOCK has some early treats to share, by way of some fiendishly good bands to announce! No tricks here. Hot on the heels of the recent reveal of special guests BODY COUNT, today BLOODSTOCK can tell you another 10 bands who’ll be treading the boards at Catton Park next summer, and if you’re quick, you might just manage to snap up the last of the standard weekend tickets before the box office goblin swoops in with the giant sold out stamp. 

Striding onto the Ronnie James Dio main stage on Sunday, will be the mighty BLACK LABEL SOCIETY. Led by the inimitable, master storyteller Zakk Wylde, do they need any more introduction? Warm up your necks in advance headbangers, you’ll need it. Not ones to be intimidated by that hefty gut punch, Friday sees prime deathcore dealers FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY join the bill. 

The Sophie Lancaster stage is no slouch either. Thursday welcomes back Birmingham’s previous Metal 2 The Masses winners, boisterous lads MANTIS DEFEATS JAGUAR. Friday confirms sanguine-soaked black metal squad BLOOD COUNTESS and party sludge noiseniks GURT, both poised to enter the realms of BLOODSTOCK lore.

Keeping the metal heavy on Saturday, bear witness to the bleak sounds of blackened death & grind alchemists OUTERGODS. If you thought Sunday was a good day for a rest after all that, you thought wrong, because abrasive doom/punk/blues fans NOISEPICKER, stoner doomsters ALUNAH, death/thrash beasts FLAYED DISCIPLE, and Norwich doom trio ACID THRONE are fully committed to ensuring you round up your best metal weekender ever in blistering style!

There’s no time like the present to get your tickets ordered and start getting excited – head to the ticket store now and be part of history at BLOODSTOCK’s silver anniversary! Wednesday early access is also available in some campsites for those who want to max out their BLOODSTOCK experience. Day tickets will go on sale at a later date.
BLOODSTOCK’s 25th anniversary is going to be truly unforgettable.

BLOODSTOCK 2026 is delighted to present RJD headliners LAMB OF GOD, SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL, JUDAS PRIEST, and SAXON. Over on the Sophie Lancaster stage, the headliners are CRYPTOPSY (None So Vile 30-year anniversary set), WEDNESDAY 13, LEPROUS, and CARPENTER BRUT.

You’ll also be able to see SEPULTURA, MUNICIPAL WASTE, DEATH ANGEL, NORTHLANE, BLEED FROM WITHIN, VENDED, ORBIT CULTURE, THE SCRATCH, IMPERIAL AGE, LIFE OF AGONY, OF MICE & MEN, BIOHAZARD, 200 STAB WOUNDS, THE HELL, BLACK SPIDERS, SHINING, NEVERMORE, EVIL SCARECROW, HEAVYSAURUS, SKYND, PARTY CANNON, BATTLESNAKE, INHUMAN NATURE, KITTIE, CASTLE RAT, GRAPHIC NATURE, BOOTYARD BANDITS, EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS, HIDDEN INTENT, SELLSWORD, NECKBREAKKER, SEETHING AKIRA, HAMMER, STAMPIN GROUND, URNE, CELESTIAL SANCTUARY, VIKING SKULL, BOUND IN FEAR, IMPERIUM, FROGLORD, MUSHROOMHEAD, DREAM STATE, and TRIVAX.

With many more bands & additional on site entertainment still to be announced, this is the must-attend celebration of 2026!

For the most up to date festival information, visit the official website at bloodstock.uk.com.

BLOODSTOCK 2026 will take place at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 6th – 9th August, 2026.

Korsakov Weekender Returns to Rotterdam for Monumental 10th Anniversary Edition

Website | Instagram | Tickets

Pioneering independent D&B brand Korsakov returns to its iconic home of Maassilo, Rotterdam, this January to mark a decade of their annual Weekender. The Korsakov Weekender 10-Year Anniversary Edition takes place Friday 30 and Saturday 31 January 2026, promising two days of next-level drum & bass from a global lineup of top-tier talent.

The full lineup is now revealed, promising an unforgettable weekend of drum & bass in all its forms, with highlights including Wilkinson, Hedex, Bou & B Live 247, Camo & Krooked b2b Mefjus, Friction, A.M.C, Serum, Simula, Sota, Harriet Jaxxon, Black Sun Empire, Youphoria, and [IVY], alongside more than 70 artists. Adding to the experience, some of the scene’s most influential labels and brands will host across the weekend, including Critical Soundsystem, Bad Habitz, Eatbrain, Evolution Chamber, High Tea, Souped Up, and the legendary Virus Recordings.

Over 10,000 fans are expected to pass through the industrial, multi-room venue Maassilo again this year, all for their taste of the festival’s famously high caliber curation. You can experience this all with tickets starting at just €70 for the full weekend or €40 for a single day, an unmissable value for an experience of this scale.

Says Korsakov CEO Sami Dmitrovic“We’ve been working hard behind the scenes on what’s shaping up to be our biggest lineup yet, covering the full spectrum of drum & bass and reflecting everything we love about this culture. Maassilo has always been a special place for us; it’s where some of our most important moments happened. Coming back here for the 10-year anniversary feels right and we’re making sure it delivers on every level.”

Maassilo, Rotterdam’s iconic industrial rave complex, has been integral to Korsakov’s journey. A repurposed grain silo with multiple expansive rooms, the venue offers an intense, raw environment that matches Korsakov’s high-energy programming. For the 10-Year Weekender, expect carefully crafted stage designs, high-spec production, and a powerful sound experience that takes full advantage of the venue’s unique layout.

Rotterdam is well connected and easy to reach from across Europe. High-speed trains run frequently between Rotterdam and Amsterdam (just 40-60 minutes), and direct flights from major UK cities can have fans in the Netherlands in under an hour. Eurostar also offers a convenient rail option from London. Once in the city, Maassilo is just 10-15 minutes from Rotterdam Centraal via excellent local transport links. The surrounding area offers a wide range of affordable hotels and hostels, making it easy to plan your stay.

Korsakov is a truly authentic Dutch D&B movement  with a loyal, returning audience, commitment to inclusive energy and a dedication to next-level sound, which means the 10-Year Anniversary edition will be a milestone celebration like no other. Get tickets HERE now. https://bash.social/e/QGq4EyYTlvw5?u=131295

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Anjunadeep returns to Bohemia Presents at FIVE Palm Jumeirah’s Bohemia Beach Club 

image.pngAnjunadeep is a scene-leading melodic house label with a global roster of artists and a long standing favourite at Bohemia Presents

 image.png Bohemia Presents returns with a bold array of DJs and live acts heading up the new season  

image.png Bohemia Beach Club is the crown jewel of FIVE Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, with Bohemia Presents on Saturdays delivering high-octane, day-to-night energy

Website | InstagramBook Here

After an unforgettable night earlier this year, Anjunadeep returns to Bohemia Presents at FIVE Palm Jumeirah’s Bohemia Beach Club on Saturday, 1 November, with a powerhouse lineup featuring Because of Art, Durante, Jody Wisternoff, Qrion, 16BL.

From sunrise sets in Albania to sold-out nights at Printworks London and Brooklyn Mirage, the Anjunadeep experience is more than a sound; it’s a movement. Known for its uplifting melodic soundscapes and fiercely loyal fan base, the label has been at the forefront of electronic music since its founding in 2005 by Above & Beyond and James Grant. 

A pioneer in melodic house, electronic, and progressive music, Anjunadeep has brought global attention to artists like Lane 8, Yotto, and Dusky, while also releasing celebrated albums from talents such as Ben Böhmer, Eli & Fur, and Moon Boots. Their iconic events have become legendary, and now, they make their return to Dubai.

Set at Dubai’s premier beachside destination, Bohemia Beach Club delivers the region’s most elevated party experience, where boho chic blends seamlessly with beachfront luxury. Think ultra-luxe sun loungers, a glass infinity pool, and sweeping views of the Dubai Marina skyline, Palm Jumeirah, and Ain Dubai, all forming a breathtaking backdrop as world-class DJs curate an unforgettable soundtrack.Bohemia Beach Club is a sanctuary for like-minded music lovers who revel in an atmosphere of lavish elegance and effortless cool. This fully immersive experience ignites the senses and captures the essence of the iconic ‘Vibe at FIVE.’

Pitbull to headline BST Hyde Park plus special guest Kesha

American Express presents BST Hyde Park is thrilled to announce that its latest headliner for 2026 will be Mr Worldwide himself, Pitbull. He will be joined by Kesha and many more acts still to be revealed.

The star will take to the Great Oak Stage on Friday 10 July 2026. Tickets go on general sale on Wednesday 8 October. Visit www.bst-hydepark.com.

The international superstar has sold more than 25 million studio albums and has more than 60 million monthly listeners on streaming platforms. He has worked with everyone from Jennifer Lopez to Christina Aguilera to Usher.

With mega hits including ‘Don’t Stop the Party’, ‘Timber’, ‘Hotel Room Service’‘Time of Our Lives’, ‘Give Me Everything’, ‘Fireball’ and ‘Get On The Floor’ the Grammy Award winner has secured his place as not only one of the pre-eminent figures in Latin music and hip hop but as one of the biggest names in the pop world.

Pitbull’s 15-date sold-out ‘Party After Dark’ European tour in June, including two shows at the O2 arena, really took off! Thousands of bald cap adorning fans gathered at arenas across the globe.

The Times gave a 4-star review for the show at the O2, while Metro gave 4.5, writing: “I expected a good time, but nothing could’ve prepared me for the pandemonium I witnessed.”

Rolling Stone UK described Pitbull’s show as “the only cult I’d ever want to join”.

The shows resulted in a viral explosion of fans proudly wearing bald caps and dubbing themselves “The Bald E’s” in honor of the artist’s signature look and larger-than-life persona. The fan movement has taken social media by storm, celebrating Pitbull’s iconic image with humor, creativity and unity.

A true pop icon and electrifying live performer, Kesha burst onto the scene with her record-breaking debut single TiK ToK, which became one of the best-selling digital singles of all time. She quickly followed it with global anthems like We R Who We R and Die Young, cementing her place as one of the defining pop voices of the 2010s. Alongside her own hits, she also topped charts worldwide with the Pitbull collaboration Timber, and first came to prominence after featuring on Flo Rida’s No.1 smash Right Round.

Across her career she has sold millions of records, clocked billions of streams and earned a Grammy nomination, all while evolving her sound from euphoric pop to raw, emotional ballads and genre-spanning experiments. This summer, Kesha returned with her acclaimed new album (…), hailed by The Guardian as “a smart, funny return to her hedonistic hot-mess persona” and by NME as “a classic combo of sass, sex and spirituality.” Kesha herself described it as “the first album I’ve made where I felt truly free” – a powerful new chapter from one of pop’s most distinctive and enduring voices.

Jim King, CEO of AEG Presents UK: “We’re proud that over the years, BST Hyde Park has welcomed artists from every corner of the musical spectrum, but there’s truly no one quite like Mr. Worldwide. Pitbull’s energy is unmatched, and his ability to unite audiences across generations is something special. BST Hyde Park is about joy, connection, and unforgettable nights, and with Pitbull, we know he will deliver all of that and more.”

Previously announced as headliners for 2026 are Garth Brooks (Saturday 27 June) and Lewis Capaldi (Saturday 11 July and Sunday 12 July), with many more stars to be announced.

Pitbull has also been announced as a headliner for the inaugural American Express presents Roundhay Festival in Leeds on Friday 3 July, joined by Kesha and more acts to be announced. Visit roundhayfestival.com.

Tickets:

Amex presale begins – Friday 3 October, 10am

Artist presale begins – Monday 6 October, 10am

BST presale begins – Monday 6 October, 10am

General on sale – Wednesday 8 October, 10am

www.bst-hydepark.com | @bsthydepark

BLOODSTOCK ANNOUNCE BODY COUNT FOR 2026

It’s happening. After years of fans requesting it, BODY COUNT are finally set to tear up BLOODSTOCK in August 2026.  The Grammy-winning crew led by Ice-T will make their long-overdue debut as special guests on the Ronnie James Dio main stage on the festival’s final day, Sunday 9th August, playing directly before headliner JUDAS PRIEST.

No strangers to controversy or crushing riffs, BODY COUNT have been a rallying cry for raw, unapologetic heavy music since the early ‘90s. Born from Ice-T and guitarist Ernie C’s vision to fuse street grit with blistering metal, the band has built a reputation for leveling every stage they set foot on. With a Grammy win for Best Metal Performance (for ‘Bum-Rush’ off their Carnivore album) under their belt, they’re louder, harder, and more relevant than ever. 

Festival director Vicky Hungerford comments, “After 10 years of trying we FINALLY get Body Count to Bloodstock!!! This is going to be one of the most memorable shows the festival has ever seen and how timely it’s going to be a part of our 25th anniversary celebration!” 

Tickets are flying fast – snap yours up now at the ticket store and be part of history at BLOODSTOCK’s silver anniversary! Wednesday early access is also available in some campsites for those who want to max out their BLOODSTOCK experience. Day tickets will go on sale at a later date.

BLOODSTOCK’s 25th anniversary is going to be truly unforgettable. With many more bands & additional on site entertainment still to be announced, this is the must-attend celebration of 2026!

BODY COUNT join an already heavy-hitting lineup including RJD headliners LAMB OF GOD, SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL, JUDAS PRIEST, and SAXON. Over on the Sophie Lancaster stage, the headliners are CRYPTOPSY (None So Vile 30-year anniversary set), WEDNESDAY 13, LEPROUS, and CARPENTER BRUT.

You’ll also be able to see SEPULTURA, MUNICIPAL WASTE, DEATH ANGEL, NORTHLANE, BLEED FROM WITHIN, VENDED, ORBIT CULTURE, THE SCRATCH, IMPERIAL AGE, LIFE OF AGONY, OF MICE & MEN, BIOHAZARD, 200 STAB WOUNDS, THE HELL, BLACK SPIDERS, SHINING, NEVERMORE, EVIL SCARECROW, HEAVYSAURUS, SKYND, PARTY CANNON, BATTLESNAKE, INHUMAN NATURE, KITTIE, CASTLE RAT, GRAPHIC NATURE, BOOTYARD BANDITS, EXCREMENTORY GRINDFUCKERS, HIDDEN INTENT, SELLSWORD, NECKBREAKKER, SEETHING AKIRA, HAMMER, STAMPIN GROUND, URNE, CELESTIAL SANCTUARY, VIKING SKULL, BOUND IN FEAR, IMPERIUM, FROGLORD, MUSHROOMHEAD, DREAM STATE, and TRIVAX. Many more bands are still to be announced!

For the most up to date festival information, visit the official website at bloodstock.uk.com.

BLOODSTOCK 2026 will take place at Catton Park, Derbyshire on 6th – 9th August, 2026.

Marquee NY builds on epic opening weekend by revealing Fall season lineups featuring Fisher, Afrojack, Kölsch, Dimitri Vegas and More

marquee new york

Tickets
Location: New York, USA

Marquee NY unveils their fall lineups following a huge opening weekend with performances from Diplo, Steve Aoki and Zedd

Tao Group Hospitality follows the grand reopening of the newly redesigned Marquee New York on Thursday, September 25, with a powerful Fall 2025 season featuring an all-star lineup including A-list international stars Fisher, Kölsch and more.

After undergoing a complete renovation, Marquee New York has been completely reimagined from the ground up. Designed in collaboration with acclaimed architect Jack Hotho, the revamped space pays homage to the club’s storied past while embracing the future of nightlife. The refreshed design is warm, music-driven, and content-focused, featuring a more expansive dance floor, immersive visual technology, and an upgraded LED system. Rich dark oak textures and subtle purple accents lend the venue a moody elegance that complements its elevated guest experience.

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The reopening of Marquee NY marked a bright new era for the legendary venue with an electrifying lineup with none other than chart-dominating and era-defining star Diplo. After that, Dim Mak party-starter Steve Aoki brought high octane thrills on September 26, and September 27 saw Zedd’s melodic big-room sound in town. 

On October 3, Robin Schulz will bring his signature blend of deep house and pop-laced beats, followed by tech-house heavyweight and ‘Losing It’ legend Fisher on October 4. Alan Walker takes the stage on October 10 to deliver his cinematic, bass-driven sound, October 17 sees Kölsch’s melodic techno stylings offer a deeper, more emotional club experience, while October 18 welcomes bassline innovator Chris Lorenzo to push the boundaries of house and UK garage. On October 23, Belgian superstar Dimitri Vegas delivers high-energy, big-room euphoria, and Francis Mercier makes an appearance on October 25 with his deep house and Afro-inspired rhythms. The month concludes with Kaskade’s uplifting, melodic sounds on October 30 and Max Styler on Halloween with his main-stage indie dance sounds.

November kicks off with Dutch powerhouse Afrojack on the 8th and his festival-ready drops and EDM classics, followed by the cinematic storytelling KSHMR on November 14 before the season wraps up with the enigmatic Claptone on November 15, delivering a spellbinding mix of deep house and groove-laden mystery. 

With this unveiling, Marquee reinforces its status as a pillar of New York nightlife and continues to host the world’s top DJs and live acts, now with a renewed focus on immersive design, premium sound, and unparalleled hospitality.

Tickets and VIP table reservations: https://taogroup.com/venues/marquee-new-york/

Fall Season

October

3 Oct – Robin Schulz 

4 Oct – Fisher 

10 Oct – Alan Walker 

17 Oct – Kölsch 

18 Oct – Chris Lorenzo 

23 Oct – Dimitri Vegas

25 Oct – Francis Mercier

30 Oct – Kaskade

31 Oct – Max Styler

November

8 Nov – Afrojack

14 Nov – KSHMR

15 Nov – Claptone

77 Reveals Inaugural Season with David Morales, Brina Knauss, Adana Twins, Mano Le Tough, Nitefreak, Deep Dish, Olympe, Derrick Carter, Skepta, and Kerri Chandler.

Tickets | Website | Instagram 

Kerri Chandler, Skepta, Kasango,, Sparrow & Barbossa, Patrice Bäumel, Fiona Kraft, Brina Knauss, Olive F, Olympe, Julia Sandstorm, MOOJO, Agoria, Nitefreak, Omar-S, Adana Twins, David Morales, Deep Dish, Mano Le Tough and many more play the new Marylebone nightlife space 

This September, 77 launches its inaugural Autumn/Winter season, marking a new cultural landmark in London. The 550 capacity, state-of-the-art venue, located beneath The BoTree in Marylebone, is designed for connection, creativity, and full-spectrum audio/visual experiences. Its forward-thinking programme of artists and events runs through to December, kicking off with a huge opening weekend on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 September with Kerri Chandler and Daisybelle, followed by SkeptaMeeshy, and OSSIE.

October sets a serious tone from the off when Pan-Pot plays a rare, extended house set on Fri 3 OctDerrick Carter takes over for an exclusive All Night Long session on Sat 11 Oct and Bontan alongside Kasango promises a powerful session on Sat 4 Oct. Rising talent Laolu (Sat 18 Oct), Parisian favourite Moojo (Fri 24 Oct), and cinematic electronic pioneer Agoria (Sat 25 Oct) round out the month.

Meanwhile, No Signal, the cult London radio platform, also runs four Thursday takeovers (2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd) during Black History Month for a focus on different African diasporas and the musical impact they have made across a broad mix of genres and global grooves. 

November brings global energy with house, techno and soulful selectors from across the spectrum starting with Berlin’s deep house duo Adana Twins on Sat 1 Nov, US house innovator Serge Devant on Fri 7 Nov and Paris-based minimalist Fiona Kraft on Sat 8 Nov. Detroit’s own house maverick Marcellus Pittman plays a rare London set on Fri 14 Nov and two NYC titans David Morales (Fri 21 Nov) who plays all night and Victor Calderone (Sat 22 Nov) bring timeless house. The return of legendary dance duo Deep Dish on Fri 28 Nov is a major moment for fans of classic progressive grooves and rising star Brina Knauss wraps up the month with depth and emotion on Sat 29 Nov. Also in November, Zamna kicks off a new monthly residency which draws from the cult festival’s exotic world of sound and rich celebration of indigenous culture. 

December delivers FXHE label head and Motor City icon Omar S playing an unmissable set on Fri 5 Dec, followed by Greece’s Echonomist on Sat 6 Dec. French upstart Olympe headlines Fri 12 Dec, before Mano Le Tough closes the season with signature melodic elegance on Sat 13 Dec.

With its L-Acoustics sound system and KS21 subs, 77 is designed for sound that’s felt and not just heard. A visual system of Robe lighting, strobes, CO2 jets, lasers and LED screens heightens the experience. 

The club is led by a trio of nightlife veterans: Jonathan Wade (formerly of Tao Group), Eniz Hilmi (Rinse FM, Mas Tiempo), and Sebastian Banovic (KOKO, Tramp, The Roof Gardens), each bringing deep experience across music, culture and hospitality, and have put all of their know how into creating an irresistible first season.

With a calendar stacked full of dance music heavyweights and rising underground talent, 77 is set to level up London’s nightlife with high-impact experiences each and every week. 

Head to 77london.com to pre-register for best priced tickets.

77 Welbeck Street London, W1G 0BB

Autumn/Winter 2025

September

Fri 26 Sept – Kerri Chandler, Daisybelle

Sat 27 Sept – Skepta, Ossie, Meeshy

October

Fri 3 Oct – Pan-Pot (Extended House Set), Timanti

Sat 4 Oct – Bontan, Kasango, NenaHalena

Thu 9 Oct – No Signal presents: Diaspora Dance – Southern Groove

Fri 10 Oct – Dorian Craft b2b Baron, Sparrow & Barbossa, RedFreya

Sat 11 Oct – Derrick Carter (All Night Long)

Fri 17 Oct – Patrice Bäumel, Michael Mayer

Sat 18 Oct – Laolu, Bun Xapa, Nadia Summer

Thu 23 Oct – No Signal presents: Diaspora Dance – Black Britannia

Fri 24 Oct – Moojo, Kotto

Sat 25 Oct – Agoria, Antare

Fri 31 Oct – Nitefreak, Kotto

November

Sat 1 Nov – Adana Twins, Nowa

Fri 7 Nov – Serge Devant, Nena Halena

Sat 8 Nov – Fiona Kraft, Timanti 

Fri 14 Nov – Marcellus Pittman

Sat 15 Nov – Alan Dixon

Fri 21 Nov – David Morales (All Night Long)

Sat 22 Nov – Victor Calderone, Chesster

Thu 27 Nov – Zamna Takeover

Fri 28 Nov – Deep Dish, Night Waves

Sat 29 Nov – Brina Knauss, Max Menaged

December

Fri 5 Dec – Omar S, Olive F

Sat 6 Dec – Echonomist, Nowa

Fri 12 Dec – Olympe, Julia Sandstorm

Sat 13 Dec – Mano Le Tough, Nowa

Thu 18 Dec – Zamna Takeover

Sat 20 Dec – Special Guest TBC

SXM Festival announces first round of names for 9th Edition

crowd shot SXM Festival

Carl Cox, Deep Dish, Elderbrook (DJ set), Lee Burridge, Andhim, Layton Giordani and more will all perform at the 2026 edition

Date: March 18 – 22, 2026

Location: Saint Martin, the Caribbean

Tickets & travel Information: www.sxmfestival.com

The world’s most idyllic dancefloor calls once again as SXM Festival returns for a five-day music, art, and cultural odyssey in Saint Martin, the Caribbean, from March 18 – 22, 2026.

 The ninth edition of this globally renowned gathering returns to the breathtaking island for deep immersion on one of the Caribbean’s most naturally stunning islands. With its Phase One lineup now revealed, the countdown begins for a week of unforgettable sunrises, oceanfront dancefloors, secret jungle stages and world-class music.

Whether you’re drawn to the Sunrise Party, where golden light bathes the beach in rhythm, or the legendary Panorama Party, set atop the island’s highest peak with 360° views of the island, SXM Festival is an unforgettable escape perfectly framed by hot sun, twinkling stars, white sand, lush jungle, and handcrafted design.

Over five curated days, SXM offers an experience unlike any other. It is a unique chance to explore a magical world of beach parties where the sand turns to dancefloor, sunrise sessions that start your day with deep, emotional energy, jungle raves hidden among palm trees and lush foliage, exclusive villa parties that redefine private luxury,  The Panorama Party – an iconic SXM highlight atop the island’s highest point, plus pop-up food and culture experiences from local legends and visiting chefs and art installations and decor curated to blend beautifully into the island’s environment. 

From bohemian hideaways to architectural marvels, each location is carefully chosen to complement Saint Martin’s raw natural beauty—a core ethos of SXM since its inception in 2016.

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SXM Festival’s first wave of talent for 2026 brings a masterful blend of house and techno legends, live innovators and underground risers. Carl Cox, one of the most influential DJs of all time, will make his long-awaited SXM Festival debut after over a decade of performing in the Caribbean. Deep Dish, the Grammy-winning duo, return to the global stage and reunite for a tropical performance. Elderbrook, celebrated for his chart-topping hits and genre-bending live shows, brings a special DJ set to the island. Lee Burridge, pioneer of All Day I Dream, will once again deliver his signature sunrise sounds and claim back his crown at one of the most anticipated events of the week. Germany’s Andhim, known for their playful and melodic approach to house, join the bill, alongside Layton Giordani, one of tech-house’s brightest rising stars.

The lineup also features Spencer Brown, beloved for his progressive journeys, Natascha Polké with a full live performance, and Eli Fola, presenting his unique hybrid DJ set of Afro sounds and live saxophone and drums. Fresh talent includes Marten Lou, Maxi Meraki, Nimino, Rafael, Sistek, Yet More, Lumia, and the return of the charismatic &Friends, rounding out a first wave that embodies the festival’s balance of established icons and boundary-pushing new voices.

SXM Festival was born to unite people from all over the world in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Phase One gives just a glimpse of the journey we’re creating for 2026 – a celebration of music, art, and community alongside the Caribbean’s magical backdrop” said festival founder Julian Prince.

SXM Festival is deeply committed to sustainability, local culture and elevated travel. Guests are encouraged to explore the island from culinary adventures and catamaran cruises to guided hikes, and eco-tourism experiences. Throughout the week, the festival works in harmony with the local community, investing in eco-conscious infrastructure, supporting local artists and artisans, and creating economic opportunities for residents.

LINEUP A-Z

&Friends

Andhim

Carl Cox

Deep Dish

Elderbrook (DJ Set)

Eli Fola (Hybrid)

Kadosh

Layton Giordani

Lee Burridge

Lumia

Marten Lou

Maxi Meraki

Natascha Polké (Live)

Nimino (DJ Set)

Rafael

Sistek

Spencer Brown

Tripolism

Yamagucci

Yet More

SXM Festival crowd shot

BST Hyde Park announces extra Lewis Capaldi show due to phenomenal demand

American Express presents BST Hyde Park is excited to announce an additional show for Scottish headliner Lewis Capaldi. Due to phenomenal demand, the BRIT Award-winning musician has announced a second show on Sunday 12 July 2026, following the sell-out of his performance on Saturday 11 July. Tickets for Capaldi’s latest show will go on general sale today at 1:30pm. Visit www.bst-hydepark.com for more information.

Breaking out in 2019 with his record-breaking single ‘Someone You Loved’, Capaldi followed up with BRIT-nominated debut album Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent. Capaldi took a hiatus following the release of his sophomore album, but returned with an inspirational, triumphant surprise show at Glastonbury in 2025, featuring his new song ‘Survive’, and a joyous appearance at Noah Kahan’s set this year, sparking a rapturous welcome from fans. The single became the fastest-selling single of 2025 and that success has also seen his biggest-ever opening week sales for a single. Capaldi now joins esteemed company with the likes of Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Drake, Lady Gaga & Queen to achieve six UK number 1 singles, beating David Bowie, Katy Perry, The Police & more.

A headliner-sized Pyramid Stage crowd embraced the emotion of Capaldi’s return – one of the cultural moments of the year – for a powerful, hit-laden half-hour Glastonbury set. “I just wanted to come and finish what I couldn’t finish last time,” said Capaldi. That he emphatically did, with his soaring vocals leading the crowd through classics, as well as a first live showing for ‘Survive’, and a unifying performance of ‘Someone You Loved’.

Now, Capaldi is making his ultimate comeback performing two dates at BST Hyde Park (Saturday 11 July and Sunday 12 July 2026), joining the illustrious line-up of world-renowned artists who have graced the stage, from Stevie Wonder and The Rolling Stones to Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift and many more.

The beloved Scottish singer is currently making his way through a sold-out 17-date UK arena tour, having been met by rapturous crowds so far in Sheffield, Aberdeen & Glasgow – a powerful reminder of the connection he commands. The response to the tour has been electric, with critics unanimous in their praise, delivering four and five-star reviews across the board.

Capaldi’s subsequent success stems back to 2019’s multimillion-selling debut Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent, which propelled Capaldi from bedroom musician to superstar. Few had seen a debut release quite like it, becoming the biggest selling UK album of both 2019 & 2020, spawning two UK number 1 singles, bagging a few BRITs and a GRAMMY® nomination, with one of those number 1’s becoming a smash hit on both sides of the globe in ‘Someone You Loved’, which as well as recently going 10x Platinum, is also the UK’s most streamed song of all time & the world’s fourth highest ever streamed song.

As he continues to mark a new era, Capaldi has returned even stronger, heart wide open, and ready to step out again. Capaldi has also been announced to headline the inaugural Roundhay Festival on Saturday 4 July 2026. Visit roundhayfestival.com for more information. Capaldi’s full tour dates can be found at www.lewiscapaldi.com/tour.

Tickets:

BST Hyde Park general on sale – Friday, 19 September, 1:30pm

www.bst-hydepark.com | @bsthydepark

AFRICA RISING MUSIC CONFERENCE ANNOUNCES 2026 RETURN 

Africa Rising Music Conference Launches for 2026, leading the way for the growth of Africa’s music industry

After the stellar success of its 2025 edition, Africa Rising Music Conference is excited to announce its return to Constitution Hill, Johannesburg on 22–23 May 2026. With artist and speaker applications now open (deadline: 25 September 2025), and tickets officially on sale, ARMC is once again championing underrepresented voices and innovation in the global music ecosystem.

Year-on-Year Growth & Social Impact – ARMC continues its momentum
The 2025 edition broke all previous records, welcoming 1000+ registered attendees from across South Africa and the globe, representing countries including the UK, Germany, Luxembourg, Sweden, Switzerland, the US, and beyond. ARMC hosted 76 speakers from 7 countries, with 58% of attendees identifying as female, further reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity. Over 140 jobs were created during the six-month build-up to the conference  in 2025 in areas such as content creation, sound, staging, and event production.

Social media also saw exponential growth, with over 630,700+ Instagram views between March and May 2025, and projected follower numbers expected to surpass 10,000 by 2026. Key audience hubs included Johannesburg (13.2%), Cape Town (10.3%), and Nairobi (4.7%), while South Africa, Kenya, and Germany led the top five countries engaging with ARMC online.

This year’s Cradle Crew initiative brought 15 underserved rural youth to the event — next year, the aim is to scale to 100 beneficiaries.

2025 Highlights & Real-World Outcomes
Busiswa launched her newest EP Honey & Grace — produced in Berlin via the SAMPRA Development Fund in partnership with ARMC and Paradise Worldwide. Strategic partnerships like Jägermeister’s Global Pass saw KMAT perform at Ibiza’s International Music Summit, Money Badoo traveling to Germany to perform at Reeperbahn Festival, Europe’s biggest cub festival with more exports to be announced soon. The first-ever Mamas in Music roundtable also took place at ARMC 2025 and featured icons like Yvonne Chaka Chaka and was more than just a conversation. It became the launchpad for a new community – the official Africa Chapter of Mamas in Music which will be launched in the coming weeks.

Get Involved — Apply & Attend
Artist & Speaker Applications are now open until 15th October 2025. Selected UK-based artists may receive travel support via PRS Foundation, Goethe-Institute, British Council, and other mobility schemes.

Artist Applications: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPpXIv0XYc2APe_Y4vein0rCp7AmxVcQoWtRRo7oyIo_5G2Q/viewform?usp=dialog

Speaker Applications:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfWcBrvfaeLYefG1cWcW-U_FAEHMJeO8NhLFAA6PHvRvHK3UQ/viewform?usp=dialog

Tickets
Tickets to daytime talks, workshops, and showcases are now available via Quicket. The first 100x tickets are FREE. Limited VIP tickets are available (includes exclusive sessions, networking, & lounge access).

ARMC 2026 Tickets: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/321748-africa-rising-music-conference-2026/

Why ARMC 2026 Matters
ARMC isn’t just a conference — it’s a catalyst for growth. In just five years, it has evolved from a local meet-up to a high-impact global platform that creates real opportunities.

What You’ll Experience at ARMC 2026

Thought-leadership panels, high-impact keynotes, hands-on workshops and electrifying  artist showcases through “ARMC by Night” can be expected at ARMC 2026 at Constitution Hill.  In addition to that, ARMC will expand their focus on tech and innovation with their demo labs as well as strategic industry networking.

Join Us in 2026 at Constitution Hill to amplify African creativity worldwide.

Apply by 15 October  2025