Summer Festival Guide

We Out Here 2025 – Review

August 19, 2025 by Graham Tarrant

We Out Here is a beautiful melting pot of a festival – embracing so many genres, from rap, reggae, funk, disco and jazz – there truly is something for everyone with a passion for great music.

Curated by legendary DJ Gilles Peterson, it should come as no surprise that the music on offer each year is truly special.

Looking through the line-up, there are few artists which may be household names…yet. But that does not mean it is not one of the strongest selection of music found at any festival this year. With WOMAD festival taking a hiatus in 2025, this is the true kaleidoscope of the year and offered the best discoveries of 2025.

There are too many highlights to list – record stores selling incredible signed vinyl, talks from inspirational writers, or even the chance for a wild dip or paddle-board in the surrounding rivers or relax in the Sanctuary. You can take part in art therapy or yoga classes…or even the simple glory of finding some shade from the Dorset sun next to the rollerblade disco.

As previously mentioned, with over 100 artists across the weekend, there is something for all lovers of good music. There were so many discoveries which have been added to heavy rotation on Spotify playlists once returning home.

The appropriately named Lush Life stage offered artists – from the lesser known Fulu Muziki (an Afro-futurist music ensemble from the Democratic Republic of the Congo with an incredible rhythm section), to the well known A Guy Called Gerald. Hearing him on vinyl or in a bar is enjoyable, but seeing him live is truly where the magic happens and the only way to fully appreciate the man’s work.

Rhythm Corner is a mix of hay-bales and superstar DJ’s including Carl Craig, Josey Rebelle, Ben UFO and one of jungle scene’s most respected names, Roni Size.

Over on the main stage, there truly were some inspirational acts to discover. One highlight included Jalen Ngonda, who is such an incredible talent. Wearing flares and an incredible smile, Jalen will surely be a future headliner, not only at We Out Here but possibly Glastonbury – he’s that good. With an incredible soulful voice on par with John Legend, with touches of Marvin Gaye’s falsetto, it truly was a stunning performance.

On Sunday, the main stage opened with Kahil El Zabar – possibly the best jazz multi-instrumentalist you’ll see this year. At 70 years young, he’s a 5-time recipient of the Jazz Journalist Association’s Percussionist of the Year award and no wonder. Sublime. In the eloquent words displayed on stage during the set ‘we need to release the spirit within both as an act of resistance but more importantly as an act of love.’

The headliners this year certainly did not disappoint either, with such a diverse mix. Thursday offered the beautiful Noname, a Chicago rapper with boundless energy and charisma. Friday offered a treat with MJ Cole performing his album ‘Sincere’ in its entirety. Live it still sounds as good today as it did when it was released, the true test of a timeless classic.

In the words of Gilles Peterson ‘the Saturday headline felt like a perfect embodiment of everything I ever hoped WOH could stand for.’

The Rotary Collection 222 was truly mindblowing and such a privilege to experience. Celebrating the life work of Charles Stepney, who I’m ashamed to admit I was not familiar with before this festival, it was dazzling how many people have recorded his songs, or sampled his creative genius. From working with the beautiful Minnie Ripperton to Earth, Wind and Fire, he has also been sampled by the mighty Jay-Z and Kanye West.

No-one can sum up their performance better than Gilles himself – ‘Bringing together tradition, family, energy and a large community of musicians from disparate provenances to express the beauty of Charles’ compositions and arrangements with a packed field singing and swaying in the light of the moon was beyond anything I could have imagined. The goosebumps and tears were real – a true expression of what music can make us feel.’

© Photography by Sienna Lorraine Gray | Khroma Collective (www.instagram.com/khromacollective)

It was incredible to see, and be part of the crowd – the musicians truly appreciated the adulation from the audience also and responded to the love they richly deserved.

Unfortunately, Michael Kiwanuka had to cancel his remaining summer shows due to an ongoing illness, so we didn’t get to see him at We Out Here, or the upcoming Victorious festival over the bank holiday weekend.

But what a replacement the festival managed to secure at the last minute. Loyle Carner, having headlined The Other Stage at Glastonbury drew in the biggest crowd of the weekend. Such a young talent, it’s no wonder he won the Mercury Music Prize and will shortly embark on an arena tour throughout the UK. Clearly he loved the festival, saying simply : “This is the best festival I’ve ever been to in my entire life”.

We couldn’t argue with that. We Out Here truly was special.

Gilles Peterson brought proceedings to a fitting close in The Bowl with a celebratory, genre-spanning set. He finished an incredible weekend by summing it all up so well “I want to say thank you to everyone who’s come this weekend. Honestly, last night with Rotary Connection and bringing over Shirly Wahls was unbelievable. For me it was a career highlight. When I was there listening to 10,000 people singing the words to ‘Les Fleurs’ in a field in Dorset, in England, I couldn’t believe it. Thank you so much ‘cos that’s what it’s all about. The way we can mix the heritage music, the forward-thinking music, the UK DJ culture; there’s nothing like it anywhere in the world.”

We Out Here truly is a joyous festival and we can’t wait for it to return to Dorset next year.

This truly is one of the, if not THE best festival for discovering exciting new music in the UK.

Early Bird Access for next year will go on sale from Thursday 28th August 2025. Don’t miss out and sign up here https://weoutherefestival.com/sign-up-for-woh-2026/

WORDS: GRAHAM TARRANT

PHOTOS: PRESS / AS CREDITED.

The World’s Craziest Bingo Rave Hits San Francisco for Its Biggest Event Ever

August 15, 2025 by Alex Jukes

Bingo Loco XXL San Francisco

November 15th, Cow Palace

Doors Open: 6:00 PM Show starts: 8:00 PM Ends: 11:00 PM.

Links:

https://www.bingoloco.com

https://www.instagram.com/bingo.loco

The global bingo rave phenomenon brings its wildest night yet to the iconic Cow Palace, with 8,000 partygoers, outrageous prizes, and a two-hour sensory overload of music and madness

The Bay Area is in for a party like it’s never seen before when BINGO LOCO XXL lands in San Francisco for its largest ever event on Saturday, November 15, 2025. The legendary Cow Palace will be transformed into a wild collision of music and mayhem with colossal prizes, dance-offs, confetti showers and much more. Tickets are available now at bingoloco.com.

What to Expect at BINGO LOCO XXL:

– Eight thousand participants in a high-octane bingo showdown

– Insane prizes from vacations to cars, giant inflatables to absurd mystery boxes

– Epic DJ sets, dance-offs, lip-sync battles, and surprise celebrity appearances

– Confetti showers, CO2 cannons, and non-stop party anthems

– Hosted by the infamous BINGO LOCO MCs, known for turning quiet nights into full-blown raves

Bingo Loco has already taken over more than 200 cities across the globe and made its indelible mark everywhere from New York to London, Dubai to Sydney, with more than 1200 successful shows in the US alone. Now, the viral live experience is bringing its electrifying experience to California for a full-throttle rave-meets-game-show that blends confetti explosions, high-stakes bingo and unpredictable party energy into a two-and-a-half-hour spectacle.

BINGO LOCO co-founder Craig Reynolds says San Francisco is in for something truly unforgettable with this XXL special;

“We’ve taken over concert halls, theaters, and even churches. Now it’s time for something truly outrageous. Cow Palace is legendary – and what we’re planning for San Francisco will blow minds.”

This supersized edition follows Bingo Loco’s explosive rise in the US and shows launching in more than 120 cities in the last 18 months alone. Its inescapable energy has made it the go-to night out for birthday, stag and hen parties, wild friend reunions and corporate blowouts and all with a reputation for being the most unpredictable experience imaginable.

After touring across over 200 cities worldwide, selling out in New York, London, Dubai, and Sydney, BINGO LOCO is pulling out every stop for this landmark XXL edition.

Event Details:

● Event Name: BINGO LOCO XXL

● Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025

● Location: Cow Palace, 2600 Geneva Ave, Daly City, CA

● Tickets: On sale at bingoloco.com

● Age Restriction: 21+ only (ID required)

LANDSCAPE-10.19.2024_Bingo-Loco_Bomotion5-43-(1).jpeg

BLOODSTOCK ANNOUNCES 25 BANDS FOR 25TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2026

October 13, 2025August 9, 2025 by Anna Hyams

BLOODSTOCK is delighted to return to Catton Park in August 2026 to celebrate its 25th anniversary – will you be there to celebrate this momentous occasion with everyone?

With 2025’s event fully underway with headliners TRIVIUM, MACHINE HEAD, and GOJIRA melting faces this weekend (alongside 120+ more bands), BLOODSTOCK cordially invites you to get excited for 2026 too, by revealing the first 25 bands set to make 2026 the festival’s best year yet.

You can snap up tickets immediately at the on site box office at an early bird price, saving yourself the booking fee. More info on all ticket types and on sale dates is further below.

BLOODSTOCK is overjoyed to welcome back titans of groove metal, the unmistakable LAMB OF GOD as Friday’s headliner on the Ronnie James Dio stage. Frontman D. Randall Blythe states, “We are thrilled to return to headline Bloodstock in 2026! The UK is one of our favourite countries in the world to play and Bloodstock is one of our favourite festivals. And to Bloodstock security… I will make sure I have my pass on me at all times. See you next August!”

BLOODSTOCK is always keen to give fresh faces the opportunity to show what they’re made of and step it up to headliner status. Without further ado, Saturday’s RJD headliner will be none other than the crushing SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL. That gives you a year to get up to speed with their just released, new album ‘Grizzly.’ Beware of bears on site from tomorrow…

BLOODSTOCK WELCOMES HEAVY METAL TRUANTS

After thirteen annual cycle rides from London to Download Festival, the Heavy Metal Truants are thrilled to announce that next year will see them charting a new path to glory — destination: BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR.
Co-founded in 2013 by then Metal Hammer Editor In Chief Alexander Milas and Iron Maidenmanager Rod Smallwood, the Heavy Metal Truants have so far raised over £1.5 million for four children’s charities: Teenage Cancer Trust, Nordoff & Robbins Music Therapy, Childline, and Save the Children. Since its beginning, this unique initiative has been spearheaded by a three day, 30-person, 175-mile cycle from London to the gates of a major metal festival, and next year that destination is BLOODSTOCK.

“Heavy Metal Truants is more than a cause – it’s a family, and our success and longevity is testament to the power of this metal community which we are so proud to be a part of,” said Milas. “The help and generosity we’ve had from our friends at Download Festival has been nothing less than legendary, but after 13 years, the timing felt right to carry the torch to new, hallowed ground. The response from Bloodstock when we floated the idea was nothing short of phenomenal.”

Adam Gregory, Director of Bloodstock, adds, “Bloodstock is honoured to have been chosen to have the baton passed to us from Download. As we join together with the Heavy Metal Truants on the next part of their incredible journey, I’m confident our fans will continue supporting such a monumental effort from HMT and everyone involved for some truly amazing causes.” The 2026 ride will invite cyclists of all backgrounds and abilities to take up the gruelling challenge of cycling 175 miles with a single goal: raising vital funds for kids in need. As in previous years, the Heavy Metal Truants will also include a series of virtual challenges so walkers, runners, and cyclists from all over the world can also support and take part.

JOIN THE RIDE! You’ll be in good company! See some of the previous pedal-to-the-metal family below!
Sign-ups for HMTXIV are open NOW.

For updates and registration: www.heavymetaltruants.com Follow on social: @hmtruants

Von Dutch Loves Selects 20 First-Time DJs to Play Brunch Electronik Festival

August 7, 2025 by Alex Jukes

Von Dutch Loves is giving 20 amateur DJs the chance to perform at one of Barcelona’s most beloved music events: Brunch Electronik Festival, taking place this August.

In partnership with the Spanish festival, Von Dutch Loves will host its very own open-air stage, a 360-degree, two-tier platform positioned at the heart of the festival grounds. Over the past 5 weeks, an open call was launched to uncover emerging talent from across the region, drawing over 1200 submissions. The final 20 winners, selected for their originality and energy, were announced on July 16th and 17th with sounds ranging from Speed Garage to Hard Groove and Trance to Amapiano. The focus was on creating a diverse, inclusive, gender-balanced lineup.

“The audience is the line-up,” says the booking team, “the stage will be located at the heart of the site, giving real visibility to emerging talent thanks to our partnership with Von Dutch Loves.”

Launched earlier this year, Von Dutch Loves is the new music-led fashion label from Von Dutch that sits at the heart of the culture, capturing and curating the moment. The label debuted with a capsule collection in collaboration with global electronic artist Vintage Culture, who has been spotted wearing the exclusive pieces across Spain this summer, from Barcelona to Ibiza, before the brand headed to London for a secret rooftop party with tastemaker promoters Blanche.

Finding the perfect partner in Brunch Electronik Festival, Von Dutch Loves taps into the underground, championing new talent, and shares a commitment to building platforms for the next generation, and this is just the beginning for the brand new label.

Says Jack Cheicka, “Von Dutch Loves was created to spotlight the next generation of cultural voices, and our partnership with Brunch Electronik perfectly reflects that mission. Brunch shares our commitment to creativity, authenticity, and community. Together, we’re not just watching culture evolve; we’re actively shaping it. Supporting emerging DJs and building inclusive, creative spaces is just the beginning.”

The first limited edition range from Von Dutch Loves is now available at www.vondutchloves.com. Follow @vondutchloves to keep up to date with all announcements as well as access to exclusive merch drops, event tickets, and more.

Von Dutch Loves

Website | Instagam

Brunch Electronik

Website | Instagram

Camp Bestival 2025 – REVIEW

August 14, 2025August 4, 2025 by Graham Tarrant

We’ve been coming to Camp Bestival for over ten years – and it remains, without a doubt, the best family festival in the UK.

The slogan of the festival is ‘We Are Family’ and it couldn’t be more appropriate. Rob Da Bank and his wife Josie host the ultimate holiday event with something for everyone, young and, well, young-at-heart.

Whether it’s top CBeebies entertainment from Mr Tumble with his confetti canons, Mister Maker and his shapes, or even the meet-and-greet with Bluey (and based on the queues, the Australian dog remains as popular as ever) – the young children were very well catered for.

Joe Marler reading a bedtime story © Graham Tarrant

Every year Camp Bestival has a theme and this year was a giant pyjama party. Joining in with the PJ fun was rugby legend Joe Marler, shortly to appear on BBC’s Celebrity Traitors.

Remember Monday backstage © Graham Tarrant

Music wise, the festival maintains an eclectic mix, ensuring that no matter what genre you love, there is something for you. Whether its Eurovision pop from Remember Monday with their feel-good hit of the summer ‘What The Hell Just Happened‘ , or Miss Americana and her stunning tribute to Taylor Swift – for those who missed out on her ERAS Tour, there were so many delights for those who wanted to Shake It Off in the sunshine.

Taylor Swift tribute act Miss Americana © Graham Tarrant

For those slightly older, Lightning Seeds displayed how many hits they have in their catalogue. Finishing with their anthem Three Lions, it did beg the question whether it needs to be reworded to celebrate the success of the England Women’s football team, rather than commiserate the men’s continued years of hurt (Ian Broudie now even changes the lyrics from ‘…40 years of hurt…’ in the original song, as it’s now closer to 60 since any success…)

Elsewhere The Zutons played their hit ‘Valerie’ made famous by the late great Amy Winehouse, before covering her song Back to Black.

Party starters Dub Pistols know how to celebrate and reminisced that they have been playing the festival since the early days when the festival started 17 years ago. Summer Festival Guide favourites The Cuban Brothers followed, with singer Miguelito Cubano seranading the crowd with ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’, before starting a giant conga in the crowd, while wearing a pair of motorcycle pants (…believe me they need to be seen to be believed, but then maybe, it’s best left to the imagination…)

This year, the headliners were the big draw and the best the festival has seen in many years. Friday night offered Sugababes. It was mesmerising how many pop hits they played, beginning with Overload, and finishing with their classic About You Now.

Saturday was arguably the best headliner the festival has offered in many years, with Basement Jaxx bringing their full band live extravaganza to Dorset. With a mix of laser bras, inflatable stars, and best of all, an invasion of gorillas during ‘Where’s Your Head At‘, this was a fantastic audio & visual experience for all ages.

The only debate as to whether Basement Jaxx was the best headliner the festival has hosted came on Sunday. Sir Tom Jones, at 85 years young, still knows how to put on a great show. It was reassuring to hear that his voice remains as powerful as ever with his Welsh baritone timbre beginning with a moving cover of ‘I’m Growing Old’.

Playing a mix of covers from his heroes including Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Cat Stevens, Dusty Springfield and The Waterboys, it was his own hits which received the biggest sing-alongs of the weekend. ‘Delilah‘ still sounds superb, ‘It’s Not Unusual‘ was given a samba twist, while ‘Sexbomb’ sounded slightly more uncomfortable in this day-and-age. Never one to leave fans disappointed, he also played his covers of ‘Kiss‘ by Prince and ‘You Can Leave Your Hat On‘, made timeless by the movie The Full Monty.

A special shout out must also go out to the incredible accessibility team at Camp Bestival. Unlike many festivals we cover, they clearly know that not every disability needs to be clearly visible. Many people live with conditions that are not immediately apparent to others and the festival understands the importance of understanding and accommodating the diverse needs of individuals.

One of the highlights of Camp Bestival is how it is welcoming and open, accessible, welcoming, and most of all, fun for all.

‘We Are Family’ has never been truer. We can’t wait to keep returning.

Early-bird tickets for next year are available at https://dorset.campbestival.net/weekend-tickets/

Words & Photos: Graham Tarrant

Truck Festival 2025

August 2, 2025 by Kimberley-Anne Simmons

Back again for another year was Truck Festival which is located in the beautiful countryside of Oxfordshire at Hill Farm.

The weekend was completely sold out which was amazing to hear. This year saw Bloc Party headline the Thursday night, Nothing but Thieves on the Friday, Kasabian on Saturday and The Courteeners closing the Sunday night with a firework display to end the weekend.

Alongside was a huge amount of bands, artists, comedians and other entertainment. The site is filled with cuisines that cater for all and the feelgood food tent which is all volunteer based and the proceeds go to charity.

There were several stages in which there was always something to see, fairground rides and a kids area. Even the final of the euro women’s football final was shown on site.

At the festival covering the event was our photographer Kane Howie Photography

Make sure to get your tickets for 2026 HERE!

Terminal V Croatia 2025: A sun-soaked success as attendance doubles in the techno festival’s second year

July 25, 2025 by Alex Jukes

The second edition of Terminal V Croatia has wrapped up, and what an incredible event it was. Held at the iconic Garden Resort in Tisno, the 2025 festival marked a significant leap forward for the brand’s international chapter, doubling attendance from its debut year and cementing its place on the global electronic music map.

Over five days and nights, thousands of music lovers from across Europe, Australia, Asia and beyond descended on the Adriatic coast for an unforgettable blend of cutting-edge music, pristine natural surroundings, and immersive production. With standout sets from X Club, I Hate Models, BLK, Yanamaste, Kettama, Dax J, Mall Grab, Vendex + Kobosil, Terminal V Croatia delivered an expertly curated lineup across sun-drenched beach stages, sold out twilight boat parties, and legendary afterparties at the open-air Barbarella’s Discotheque.

“The turning point for Terminal V came when we realised just how much appetite there was, not just in Scotland, but internationally. The need for a bold, well-curated line up that spans the spectrum of techno and contemporary electronic music,” said Derek Martin. “Croatia felt like the natural next step, but it had to be the right fit. The Garden Resort stood out immediately: idyllic , intimate, and set against one of the most beautiful backdrops in Europe.”

After a successful debut in 2024, returning to Tisno was an easy decision. With a year of learning behind them, organisers fine-tuned every aspect, from the flow and site layout to the overall production, elevating the experience while staying true to the environment that makes The Garden so special. “The energy this year was next-level,” said Simon McGrath. “The local and regional support, especially from the Croatian crowd, has been incredible. There’s a real scene here, and it’s growing.”

The contrast between Terminal V’s industrial Scottish roots and the laid-back coastal setting of Tisno has added a new dimension to the brand. “Scotland brings unmatched intensity, but in Croatia, there’s this magic, the crowd is in the moment, the vibe is relaxed but still euphoric, especially during those sunrise sets at Barbarella’s. One moment that really stuck with us was watching the sky turn pink as the music kept rolling and the dancefloor stayed packed. That’s the kind of memory that defines a festival.” adds Derek.

With its focus on community, curation, and high-level production, Terminal V continues to evolve far beyond just another festival brand. The launch of a record label and year-round podcast series keeps the connection with fans alive long after playing the final track.

Looking ahead, Terminal V has no plans of slowing down in Croatia. “This is a long-term chapter. We see Tisno becoming a cornerstone of our story, not just as a summer destination, but as part of the cultural fabric of European electronic music. We’re here to stay, we are looking to expand more internationally and we’re only just getting started.” Derek and Simon, the founders, add.

Stay tuned! Terminal V Croatia returns in July 2026. Super Early bird Tickets on sale from Friday 1st August at 10AM CET via both international and local ticket agents, frozen at 2025 prices: https://terminalvcroatia.com/

EXIT Festival Organisers Make Powerful Statement Following 2025 Edition

July 24, 2025 by Alex Jukes

The festival hosted a storming 25th edition in what is likely to be the last edition in Serbia following political pressure.

EXIT Festival took place as scheduled and drew over 200,000 attendees to Petrovaradin Fortress, despite political tensions between festival organisers and the Serbian government.

And now, following the four-day festival, which saw sets from Tiësto, Solomun, Hot Since 82, Boris Brejcha, Indira Paganotto b2b Sara Landry and a high-energy performance by The Prodigy, festival organisers have released a powerful statement highlighting the festival’s fight against oppression.

“This year, we didn’t just defend EXIT’s freedom – we defended the right of the entire global music and cultural scene to speak freely. That’s why this year’s EXIT is of such importance. What happened over these four days at Petrovaradin Fortress proved the social impact that music and togetherness can have. Together with our fans, students, and both local and international performers, we held firm against state oppression. We showed that love still triumphs over fear and the power of solidarity. said Dušan Kovačević, founder of the EXIT Festival Group.

Founded in 2000 as a student-led initiative advocating for democratic reform, EXIT has grown into one of the most recognised music festivals in Europe and is credited with generating more than €300 million in tourism revenue for Serbia.

However, this year’s edition unfolded amid political pressure on the organisers following the festival’s public support of student-led protests sparked by a fatal infrastructure accident in Novi Sad.

The festival also featured a tribute to the 40th anniversary of Live Aid, including a performance by Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats. Geldof added, “Our music has always carried the message of freedom. We stand with the future, we stand with Serbia!”

Despite announcing 2025 is likely to be the final edition in Serbia, Exit organisers have vowed to continue the festival and will announce its next destination in due course.

MRAK Unveils three-date Amnesia Ibiza Residency in September

July 22, 2025 by Alex Jukes

https://www.instagram.com/mrak_ofc/
https://www.instagram.com/amnesiaibiza/

TICKETS

Italian electronic tastemaker MRAK is to head up an exclusive three-date residency at the legendary Amnesia Ibiza throughout September. Playing on 5th, 12th and 19th, he will curate immersive electronic trips with a distinctly underground and forward facing energy.

More than just a solo venture, MRAK represents Conte’s deeper, more introspective creative journey. While Tale Of Ushas shaped much of the Afterlife identity, MRAK delves into the more conceptual and experimental realms of Conte’s artistry, where music becomes a medium for storytelling, transformation and immersive experiences. Already this year he has played all over the world and curated day-two of his own Afterlife Festival in Barcelona, and now he finishes summer in style.

This residency will see MRAK reconnected with the deeper, more underground Ibiza scene. He will showcase plenty of new and exclusive sounds and his own new productions, and each party will feature bespoke production, lights and visuals to make it a truly unique night and multi-sensory experience.

Amnesia Ibiza is the most authentic club in the White Isle with a world renowned sound system so this is anunmissable mini-residency from the taste making MRAK.

As well as the residency announcement, this Friday MRAK returns with a trio of stunning new singles. Smoke is a highly anticipated track that has been endlessly ID requested for many months, and it comes here alongside the equally essential Nobody and All Of The Lights.

Smoke is a deep and dark cut, with firmly rooted drums anchoring the groove, while scintillating synth progressions inject light and emotion from above. A smoky vocal drifts through the fog like a mirage, adding a ghostly, human touch. As trance chords break out, they lift the energy, uniting the dance floor and transporting listeners into a heightened state.

The emotive Nobody is another lithe rhythm with a soulful vocal sample drifting above the all-consuming bass and snappy percussion.

All Of The Lights then brings dark, driving low ends and snappy drum patterns with spine-tingling vocals. The bass is broad and brooding, while the epic chords mirror the grandeur of the vocal and ensure maximum emotional impact.

This EP is another inventive exploration from MRAK.

Stream & Buy

Ministry Reconstructs Its VIP for the First Time in 15 Years

July 18, 2025 by Alex Jukes

Sounds of construction have been echoing throughout Elephant and Castle… Ministry of Sound is deconstructing its VIP room and in its place arises something new and bold. Introducing No Velvet Rope Society; a community-led experience with a focus on elevated and inclusive listening for the most dedicated of music fans.

The former VIP area, now home to the No Velvet Rope Society, has undergone a massive half a million pound refurbishment, the first of its kind in over 10 years. Now entering from a gritty, back alley entrance, Ministry nods to its 90s rave culture roots, taking its new Citizens of Club Culture through a journey that is part illegal rave, part premium speakeasy. Inside, the newly installed mezzanine is a high-spec sound arena with direct views into The Box where guests can feel and hear the premium sound system that gave Ministry its name.

A limited number of founding memberships are available for just £150 a year and include VIP access at all events bar student-only nights, queue jump, birthday Moët with table bookings, 15% off first table spend, and priority access for future reservations.

Says Caitlin McAllister, Group Managing Director, Ministry of Sound, “ This VIP refurb has been a dream of mine since I joined Ministry of Sound 10 years ago. From the start, I knew that opening up this space to the Box would be a total game changer – not just for our guests, but for the artists too. It’s been a real passion project, and we’ve poured everything into creating something that feels bold, immersive, and electric. This isn’t just a facelift – it’s about levelling up the entire experience and bringing people even closer to the music and the energy that makes this place iconic.”

No Velvet Rope Society is a mindset. It’s Ministry of Sound’s answer to a stale VIP culture: a half a million pound reinvention that ditches hierarchy and focuses on building a community of culture seekers wanting more connected music experiences. A love letter to sound, No Velvet Rope is 90s rave culture, reimagined for the next generation.

Having soft-launched this new chapter on 28 June at Ministry’s Disco Daddy night, the newly renovated VIP officially launched July 10th.

Check out the NVR membership offering here.