MOGA Essaouira, one of the world’s leading boutique festivals and late summer getaways, completes its eclectic line up for 2025 edition
with new additions all adding extra depth and breadth to an already cultured line up. They include techno innovator Dorian Craft, Spanish house star Enzo Leep, Carpets and Snares label and record store boss Jorge Caiado, inventive tech house titan Luca Saporito (Audiofly), Items & Things’s dark minimal and disco queen Magda, Scorpios Mykonos and Bodrum resident Rita Soko and many more, with over 70 artists confirmed to perform at the festival. These latest names are in addition to the likes of the already revealed Apollonia, Bonobo, Cabanne, DJ Tennis, Folamour, Janeret, Patrick Mason, Saiorse and many more.
MOGA Festival is the ultimate destination festival for music lovers and cultural explorers alike. Set against the stunning backdrop of Essaouira, one of Morocco’s most underrated coastal gems, MOGA offers far more than just music – it is a full spectrum of experiences for all of the senses. Think golden beaches, Atlantic ocean breezes and sun-drenched afternoons that stretch deep into hedonistic nights which mean this boutique gathering allows you to extend your summer in style. The vibrant local culture of Essaouira is blended with a finely curated, eclectic soundtrack of house, electronic, Afro and global grooves so whether you’re dancing in the medina, soaking up sunset sessions by the sea, or connecting with the global MOGA tribe, this is a journey for mind, body and soul.
The new additions have in part been curated by house music connoisseurs Deeproot, Bedouin Saga and Life & Death and bring even more depth to the lineup, favouring the underground with a focus on musical storytelling and organic grooves. These artists will soundtrack a truly unique experience across four distinct stages: Main, Garden, Wild, and Terrace, with each offering a different sonic journey beneath Essaouira’s sun and stars.
Running for five days, MOGA kicks off with its beloved OFF program on October 1–2 which has an array of free daytime activities, intimate parties and cultural activities scattered throughout the city’s historic medina. From October 3–5, the action shifts to Hôtel le Golf d’Essaouira & Spa, where the IN program takes over with full production, over 70 artists, two pools, four immersive stages and a palm-lined oasis perfect for dancing, connection and exploration.
Inspired by its surroundings, MOGA combines global electronic music with local rhythms, celebrating Essaouira’s rich Gnawa heritage and Atlantic soul. Like its sister edition in Caparica, Portugal, MOGA Essaouira also includes a holistic program of wellness sessions, creative workshops, culinary pop-ups, and artistic installations and is expected to welcome 16,000 attendees from around the world.
FULL LINEUP
II FACES – ADASSIYA (LIVE) – ANTON – ANZAR – APOLLONIA – ARAPU – ARYMÉ – AVANGART TABLDOT – AVÖ – AWEN – BALOO – BARON – BEDOUIN – BONOBO – CABANNE – CHOUJAA – DANIEL BELL – DAOX – DEATRA – DJ TENNIS – DJUDAH – DJ SMEMO – DJ SWEET6TEEN – DORIAN CRAFT – ELISE JILIAN – ENZO LEEP – FELIX ID – FOLAMOUR – GARRETT DAVID (LIVE) – GIU NUNEZ – HOLLY MOLLY – JANERET – JAWORA – JC [HoMe] – JNJS – JORGE CAIADO – JUSTIN SHAFFER – KOSH (LIVE) – LATO – LIVER J – LUCA SAPORITO (AUDIOFLY) – MAGA – MAGDA – MAGUPI (LIVE) – MANUEL COTTA – MASSALA – ME.DI – MIISHU – MILUHSKA – MIROLOJA – MOBLACK – MOLYNESS – NEYL & NADRUMS (LIVE) – NATHABES – NITEFREAK – NOMADS – OSFUR – PATRICK MASON – PRASLEA – PRIKU – RAMYEN – RITA SOKO – SAADOON – SAFAR – SAIORSE – STEVE O’SULLIVAN – THOMAS MELCHIOR – TOMAS STATION – UVITA – YAYA (MA) – ZEINA – ZULU NAWFEL
Tao Group Hospitality announces the highly anticipated debut of the newly remodelled Marquee Nightclub New York followed by the grand reopening of the reimagined Marquee Nightclub Las Vegas. These transformative renovations mark a bold new era for the iconic nightlife brand, blending cutting-edge design, world-class entertainment, and an elevated guest experience in two of the world’s most dynamic nightlife capitals.
Marquee New York will reopen this September after undergoing its third complete renovation in 22 years.
Designed in partnership with Jack Hotho, the redesign is both a tribute to the original Marquee and a forward-thinking update built with today’s audience in mind. The space has been completely gutted and reimagined to feel warm, music-driven, and content-focused—highlighted by an upgraded LED system, immersive visual technology and a more expansive dance floor. Rich dark oak finishes and subtle purple accents bring depth and a moody elegance to the room. Above all, the renovation is an ode to New York, rooted in listening to what the crowd wanted and delivering a refreshed, future-ready Marquee with an artist line-up that includes Steve Aoki, Kaskade, Oliver Heldens, Francis Mercier, Chris Lorenzo, Elderbrook, and more.
Hot on the heels of the New York debut, Marquee Las Vegas will reopen this October, revealing a dramatic transformation of the main room of its legendary multi-level venue inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The remodel will introduce next-generation audiovisual technology with a high-resolution, 1.5 ton monolith LED screen, a moving LED centrepiece and an enhanced lighting and laser rig to bring festival-style production to the main room. Drawing inspiration from the amethyst stone, the space now features custom metallic wall coverings, bronze mirror panels, and lush burgundy and champagne velvets, all designed to let the music and visuals take the spotlight. Headliners at Marquee Las Vegas include Fisher, Alesso, Steve Aoki, Pauly D, Loud Luxury, Benny Benassi, Cedric Gervais, Claptone and more.
“Marquee has always been synonymous with energy, music, and unforgettable moments,” said Noah Tepperberg, Co-CEO of Tao Group Hospitality. “It’s more than a nightclub, it’s a cultural touchpoint that’s evolved with the times while staying rooted in the pulse of nightlife. With these remodels, we’re honoring the legacy of the brand while elevating every detail to meet the evolving expectations of our guests.”
Jason Strauss, Co-CEO of Tao Group Hospitality, added: “We’ve reimagined both Marquee New York and Marquee Las Vegas to deliver next-level experiences that reflect the future of nightlife. From design to technology to service, every element has been thoughtfully considered to raise the bar once again. We couldn’t be more excited to unveil this next chapter in two cities that mean so much to the brand.”
The updated venues will continue to host performances from the world’s top DJs and artists, paired with Tao Group’s signature hospitality and a renewed focus on immersive, experiential design.
This winter, Bohemia Beach Club returns with another unmissable Saturday series delivering even more world-class house music and unforgettable party experiences, all set within an atmosphere of opulent luxury and sophisticated style.
Last season set a new benchmark, with sold-out shows and standout sets from the likes of Loco Dice, James Hype, Chris Stussy, Diplo, Sonny Fodera, Chloé Caillet, Miguelle & Tons b2b Ben Sterling, Rossi, Franky Rizardo, Jan Blomqvist, Paco Osuna, Roger Sanchez, Arielle Free, Sarah Story, Hot Since 82, HoneyLuv, Defected and many more.
As the new season dawns, Bohemia Beach Club once again promises more than just a party. It’s an escape and celebration of music and connection in a setting that stimulates every sense: ultra-luxury loungers, a stunning glass infinity pool and sweeping views of Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, and Ain Dubai elevate every moment.
Golden afternoons flow into star-lit nights, where guests dance beneath the sky, sip signature cocktails, savour indulgent shisha and fully embrace the unmistakable ‘Vibe at FIVE’.
The new season opens in spectacular style on 4 October, with returning Belgian superstar Lost Frequencies, the hitmaker behind “Black Friday”, “Are You With Me” and countless other hits that have amassed over one billion streams. He has headlined past Bohemia beach parties in front of sold-out crowds and now sets the tone for the full season ahead with Serve Cold & Grigoré, Sam Oui and Quilliam.
After him, on 11 October comes innovative Afro-house star SONA who has collaborated with Drake on “Texts Go Green” which earned him the #1 spot on the Billboard R&B Producers chart, and he plays with Sparrow & Barbossa, and Mr Goodalf b2b Anrey. 18 October is the seasoned dance talent Robin Schulz fresh off another epic residency in Ibiza, with Laurenano also playing. 25 October welcomes Global house tastemaker Sonny Fodera and Sam Oui, Jenn Getz and Alfie, then progressive house heroes Anjunadeep take over 1 November with key artists 16BL, Because of Art, Durante, Jody Wisternoff, and Qrion.
The world renowned Defected return on 8 November following their famous 25th anniversary celebrations here last season with the soulful disco house sounds of Purple Disco Machine plus DiOSA and Kori Hall, and then 15 November is Brazil’s leading house champion Vintage Culture, who has defined the melodic scene with his unique sounds, and he is joined by Fabricen and Hilde. Then it is underground favourite Adam Ten on 22 November alongside Fabrice b2b Stasi Sanlin and Franky Rizardo on 29 November bringing all shades of house and tech next to Jixo & Danz and Codeface.
Victorious Festival remains an impressive inclusive music festival by the beautiful south coast.
The Southsea event offered the strongest headliners of the summer, with Queens of the Stone Age on the main stage on Friday, with the nutty boys, Madness, on the Castle Stage at the same time. Saturday offered man-eater Nelly Furtado and Vampire Weekend, while Sunday was a spicy choice between Melanie C and Kings of Leon.
It’s such a shame we can’t be in two places at once, as each of those artists deserves to be seen.
The beauty of Victorious Festival is that they always book an impressive headline-worthy artist to begin proceedings each day and this year was no exception.
On Friday, The Charlatans kicked off the main stage. Singer and frontman Tim Burgess does not appear to have aged a day since they first arrived on the indie scene in 1990 with ‘The Only One I Know‘. Playing a crowd-pleasing greatest hits set at 1pm definitely got everyone in the mood for the entertainment ahead.
In a positive change this year, the comedy performers took to the main stage, rather than a small big-top. This was a relief for many who in previous years have struggled to get into the crowded performance tent.
Comedian and Masked Singer presenter Joel Dommett followed The Charlatans on the main stage and stated he was slightly daunted at the size of the huge crowd who had come to see him in the Southsea sun. Mixing tales of his innuendo filled intros from the Masked Singer, to his own self- deprecation of playing his early rap-tape, it was an inspired decision moving the comedy so more people could enjoy it.
Following this great start to the family event, much has been written in the news about the silencing of a certain Irish band. The festival has already issued a statement and an apology for the way events transpired. At Summer Festival Guide, we are here to review events and festivals across UK and Europe and look to ensure the crowd are having a great time – they certainly were all weekend and Victorious have stated they will be making a generous donation to humanitarian efforts.
Elsewhere over on Castle Stage at the same time, many were enjoying Daniel Beddingfield who is embarking on something of a comeback, playing a mix of garage music, before finishing with his hits ‘If You’re Not The One‘ and ‘Gotta Get Through This.’
Victorious has so many stages on offer, and the Seaside Stage is one of the most beautiful locations overlooking the coastline. Following in the footsteps of Barrioke in 2024, this year was Massaoke – humurous rock legend wannabes, with leotards and gold spandex on offer. The colourful band played the music and backing tracks, while the crowd were encouraged to sing all the words displayed on the screen to classic 70s and 80s power ballads and cheesy rock classics. Modern karaoke never sounded so good (or so bad when we joined in for ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ briefly…)
Before the Friday-night headliners, party starters Kaiser Chiefs bound on stage, with arguably the biggest crowd of the day. Reminiscing how its been 20 years since their debut seminal album ‘Employment’ was released, Ricky Wilson still has bundles of energy, scaling the stage scaffolding while entertaining, with hits including ‘I Predict A Riot‘ and ‘Ruby‘.
The crowd knew and sung every word. They are about to tour the UK in the coming months and based on the audience reaction, many tickets would have been sold after this electrifying performance.
Queens of the Stone Age (QoTSA) followed and Josh Homme certainly knows how to begin in style. Some bands save their biggest songs for the end of their sets, but QoTSA went straight into ‘You Think I Ain’t Worth a Dollar, but I Feel Like a Millionaire‘, ‘No One Knows‘, ‘Burn the Witch‘, then ‘My God Is the Sun‘ – arguably four of their biggest songs.
Halfway through the set, Josh Homme stated they’d come across the Atlantic to play for their fans and asked the audience what they wanted to hear. At request they played, “Little Sister‘, before a young audience member displayed a sign asking to join the band on-stage. Ironically the singer stated they weren’t the Foo Fighters, although Dave Grohl was previously this bands drummer…
As well as the music, as stated earlier, Victorious Festival prides itself on being a family orientated festival. The kids area this year offered a number of highlights, from meet’and’greets with Sonic the Hedgehog and Peppa Pig, through to impressive old-school British Empire Wrestling, and the famous ‘World’s Biggest Bouncy Castle’ which we’ve tried at many other events across the UK – well worth a mega-bounce if you see it.
Saturday began with the impressive Rizzle Kicks – who truly kicked things off in style. The crowd (and band) were jumping and the duo certainly don’t take themselves too seriously, with huge flowers in pots on stage.
Not to be outdone, Scouting for Girls followed, with their James Bond theme. Singer Roy Stride previously played the smaller acoustic stage here a couple of years ago, but now won the crowd over on the main Common Stage. With his selfie-stick, he filmed the audience while proclaiming everybody wants to be on tv.
Victorious also offers many slots for local bands, from the impressive Southsea Alternative Choir over on the aforementioned Seaside Stage, to breakthrough opportunities on the main stage.
Crystal Tides, an energetic Portsmouth indie-band played in the afternoon before local singer songwriter Marley Blandford had the opportunity of a lifetime to play before his biggest crowd to date – in the style of Ed Sheeran, he mixed acoustic guitar with looping pedals to create an impressive collection of tracks – one to watch in the future, especially with his cover of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody‘ to close the set.
Shed Seven returned to the festival in their usual cheeky style, with singer Rick Witter reading out many fan messages he’d received from fans young and old. Chucking his maraca to a young 9 year old in the crowd, he asked if anyone remembered the 90s, before playing their crowd pleasers ‘Going for Gold’, ‘Chasing Rainbows‘ and even a cover of The Smiths ‘There Is A Light Which Never Goes Out‘ with it’s darkly comic lyric
‘…And if a double-decker bus, crashes into us To die by your side, is such a heavenly way to die…’
Quite!
Scottish legends Travis followed, and Fran Healy sung ‘Why Does It Alway’s Rain On Me‘, although based on the dust around the site, it was clear Portsmouth and Southsea were basking in some particularly fine summer sun.
Back over on the Seaside Stage, 90s pin-up Betty Boo dazzled crowds with her old hits ‘Where Are You Baby’ and ‘Doin’ the Do‘, before concluding with ‘Pure and Simple‘ made famous by Hear’Say on the first series of Pop Idol. Utah Saints followed with an impressive DJ set, mixing classics from The Prodigy and New Order (both of whom have headlined Victorious in previous headliners.)
Talking of headliners, we chose to see Nelly Furtado over at the Castle Stage. It was surprising how many hits she’s had, from ‘I’m Like A Bird’ to ‘Promiscuous‘. She also played a couple of covers including ‘Get Ur Freak On‘ and James Morrison’s ‘Broken Strings,’ before sending the huge crowd away happy with ‘Man-eater.‘
Food-wise, a special shout out must go to Lidl and their Bubbles and Bangers stall. They offered a substantial hot-dog, and a glass of chilled lemonade for £7.50, or even better, a hot-dog with prosecco for £9.50. Considering many bars were charging the same for a can of gin’n’tonic this summer for the same price, this was the best deal of the summer. All profits went to the NSPCC charity also, so a big shout out must go to everyone’s favourite low cost supermarket for saving pennies. There was also the chance to win some merch or a bucket hat to keep cool.
Sunday, with everyone feeling slightly jaded from two days partying, there needed to be a big act to get everyone moving. Wow, and what an act to start the day.
Craig David brought his TS5 show to Southsea and had everyone singing all the words to his hits, from ‘Re-rewind (Bo-Selecta)‘, to ‘Fill Me In‘, ‘Walking Away‘, and finishing of course with ‘7-Days‘. It must be said this was a tough act to follow, and possibly based on the immense size of the crowd, Craig could have been headlining any of the nights.
Bradley Simpson, singer of The Vamps followed. Many of the audience had clearly come to see him, with banners held aloft and screams from his adoring fans. He certainly worked the stage, climbing over the speakers and strutting the stage like a true boy-band professional.
Jasper Carrott provided the comedy of the day and defied his 80 years with good humour, although some of the material regarding fax machines and prostate examinations left the younger audience members baffled. Definitely one for the older audience.
The Zutons followed, with a cover of Amy Winehouse’s ‘Back to Black‘, before performing their own ‘Valerie’ made famous by the late-great singer.
The Reytons followed and it was a surprise to hear they’re one of the biggest unsigned bands in the UK.
Frontman Jonny Yerrell proclaimed “This is the best festival in the UK…full of so much love and energy“. Who are we to disagree.
Bloc Party played a greatest hits set list, with singer Kele proclaiming this was a great place to perform the final night of their tour. Many of the audience may not have heard them before but recognised a couple of their songs used recently in adverts.
Headline wise, Sunday was the biggest possibly seen by Victorious and the biggest of any festival this summer. American superstars Kings of Leon took to the main stage and brought an incredible close to the weekend. Normally singer Caleb doesn’t say a word to the crowd between songs, but he stopped many times to thank the huge crowd. He even spotted a Tennessee flag in the audience from his home state and seemed in good spirits throughout.
It was an absolutely flawless performance from KoL, with songs played from their 25-year career. The biggest cheers went out for ‘Use Somebody‘ and ‘Molly’s Chambers‘, but of course, the crowd sung every word when they finished with ‘Sex On Fire’. They certainly did not disappoint.
There were so many other impressive acts we saw which we haven’t had time to cover. From Everything Everything with their indie-dance music to Public Service Broadcasting with their conceptual approach of using archival footage from old films and documentaries – there really was something for everyone at Victorious.
We can’t wait to return next year – this was a memorable year, but for all the right, positive reasons we keep coming back. The festival keeps on expanding and you can see why. Kings of Leon are going to be a difficult act for Victorious to beat next year, but we are excited to find out who they book.
Following a legendary debut that proved you don’t have to wait for summer for festival season to begin, Hospitality Weekender is back in January 2026 with its one-of-a-kind indoor raving experience, and has just announced an unrivalled lineup for three more days of non-stop drum & bass from Friday 30 January to Monday 2 February 2026.
Transforming the iconic South Coast holiday resort into a fully immersive raver village, the Weekender delivers an all-in-one festival that brings global talent and Hospitality’s signature family together for a unique and unmissable start to the year. Hospitality, guided by its ‘Spread Love’ motto welcomes all ages, races, genders, and sexualities, fostering a safe, vibrant, and united community under one roof, all powered by a shared love of drum & bass. All ticket packages include on-site accommodation at a range of price points, so get yours now at https://weekender.hospitalitydnb.com/
With exclusive access to the entire 60-acre Butlin’s Bognor Regis site across all three days, ticket holders can enjoy world-class music just steps away from their cosy bed after a full day (and night) of raving. A variety of comfortable on-site accommodation is available from self-catered apartments to hotel-style rooms with packages starting from just £252 per person.
In true Hospitality style, the Weekender delivers the full spectrum of drum & bass across four custom indoor arenas from liquid to jungle, rollers to neuro, and everything in between. Pioneers, legends, and next-gen tastemakers will set the tone for 2026 with stages hosted by some of D&B’s most iconic labels and sound systems.
Highlights include Hedex’s long-awaited Hospitality debut, Kasra b2b Samurai Breaks fresh from their headline set at Shogun x Flexout’s sold-out Cause takeover, and a historic first-time collaboration unites the legendary Valve Soundsystem and Virus Recordings. Adding to the exclusives, Camo & Krooked go b2b with Kanine for the very first time, while DNB Classics make their debut at both Hospitality and the Weekender, celebrating the sounds that shaped the scene.. They join over 100 artists including Metrik, A Little Sound, Flava D, Sota, DJ Storm, Roni Size, DJ Hype and many more.
There is an abundance of bars, restaurants and takeaways, plus an on-site supermarket to keep you fueled for more than just raving, with various activities,a 24-hour arcade, waterpark pool parties and a £15M indoor activity centre all easily accessible. Butlin’s Resort itself is just over an hour from London by train, with easy access via the M25 for Gatwick Airport.
Says Maya De N’Yeurt of Undivide & Hospitality Weekender: “After an unforgettable debut, we’re beyond excited to bring Hospitality Weekender back to Butlin’s in 2026. For one weekend only, the South Coast becomes our very own drum & bass village, a space where every corner of drum & bass is celebrated, with something for everyone. Now the blueprint’s been laid, we’re pushing to deliver an even bigger, better, and more unforgettable edition. We can’t wait to welcome you back once again in January.”
Hospitality Weekender is one of the flagship events from the worldwide foremost drum & bass authority. With the same attention to detail and careful curation that it has championed for over 25 years, it’s the best possible way to escape your winter blues.
Game-changing new West London venue Gallery Club has announced its full Season Two programme for this autumn. The new schedule features the likes of Damian Lazarus, Jeremy Underground, Dennis Ferrer, Krystal Klear, Silvie Loto, Beltran, Rossi., Reznik (Keinemusik) and others, with more to come throughout the season.
Launched in spring 2025, Gallery Club has quickly gained recognition as a place for cultured electronic music in the capital. With a capacity of 400, it is an intimate space that already hosted notable acts such as Seth Troxler, Pete Tong, Kaz James, Nic Fanciulli, Blond:ish, Rossi., and Prospa.
Designed to offer a high-spec audio-visual experience, the club features a 360° central DJ booth, an immersive lighting setup, and a d&b audiotechnik sound system as well as The Club Room, a Cuban-inspired cocktail bar with Latin-influenced programming, a hidden, invite-only area for intimate sets called The Studio Room and even Carlo’s Pizza for tasty late night slices.
Co-Founder & Creative Director Barth Rougier says “We are bringing the most exciting electronic acts week in, week out, from the most up and coming names to the most established. We have so many more special guests that we will be announcing throughout the season as well.”
Season Two A–Z Line-up (more to be announced):
ABEL, AGELESS, AJ CHRISTOU, BELTRAN, BLACKCHILD, CAMERON JACK, DAISYBELLE, DAMIAN LAZARUS, DELILAH, DENNIS FERRER, GREGGIO, HALFPINT, JEREMY UNDERGROUND, KRYSTAL KLEAR, LAOLU, LIV RAVDEN, MATTEO DIOP, MAYSSA, MINNA, ODRIK, PAISLEY JENSEN, PAREA, REZNIK, RICHE, ROSSI., SAM KARAM, SARAGA, SILVIE LOTO, TOMAN, TOMMY GOLD, VILLANOVA
For more info and tickets head to galleryclublondon.comFollow @galleryclublondon for further updates.
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.’
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.
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
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 salutes one of our most iconic metal bands on Sunday, who are celebrating more than fifty years of making heavy metal history. Who else to headline then, but metal gods JUDAS PRIEST. The pioneering group have so many classic tracks, you should start debating what the set list will look like now.
Over on the Sophie Lancaster stage, your Thursday headliner will be tech death Canadians CRYPTOPSY, with a None So Vile 30-year anniversary set. Friday’s headliner sees the Duke of Spook, WEDNESDAY 13 at his spellbinding and macabre best.
On Saturday, Norwegian progressives LEPROUS will close out the stage. And to wring out any last energy you might still have after JUDAS PRIEST have finished with you on Sunday, dark synth artist CARPENTER BRUT will wrap up the weekend in dazzling fashion.
Who else might you catch on the Ronnie James Dio main stage over the festival? BLOODSTOCK can reveal the legendary SEPULTURA will appear as part of their final farewell tour, see them while you still can. Sure to challenge the crowd surfer record again, are you ready for MUNICIPAL WASTE?
Speaking of pulverizing, you won’t want to miss seminal thrashers DEATH ANGEL lay down the law. Fans of modern metalcore should get revved up about the confirmation of Australian squad NORTHLANE and Scottish bruisers BLEED FROM WITHIN.
But if nu-metal is more your thing, then Des Moines massive VENDEDwill be just what you are hoping for. There’s plenty of excellent talent coming over from mainland Europe too with melo-death Swedes ORBIT CULTURE added to the line-up.
For a musical curveball, how do you feel about Irish traditional music mixed with heavy metal? THE SCRATCHwill offer you a chance to find out. Don’t be downhearted symphonic & power metal fans, you haven’t been forgotten –IMPERIAL AGE are coming to make all things right.
2026 also sees the inimitable LIFE OF AGONY return to BLOODSTOCK, after sadly a medical emergency forced cancellation in 2022 – they will be worth the wait! And that’s not all, Californian rockers OF MICE & MEN are also locked in, plus hardcore giants BIOHAZARD, who are sure to create one of the most impressive pits of the weekend too.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! There’s plenty of headbangin’ shenanigans to be had over in the Sophie tent all festival too, not least with Jurassic levels of entertainment coming from HEAVYSAURUS (yes, we like dinosaurs).
Cleveland death metallers 200 STAB WOUNDS and THE HELL also join the affray to blow any cobwebs away, and if that’s not enough, Sheffield crew BLACK SPIDERSbring some rock n roll classic riffs guaranteed to get the party in full swing. For something a little more avant garde, maybe a blackjazz set from Norwegians SHINING will take your fancy.
Have we saved the best for last? We know you’ll be pleased with the very long awaited return of NEVERMORE!
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.
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.
