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The Sun
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I partied at UK's biggest nightclubs in 80s & 90s…but, at 57, can I keep up with the ‘Gravers' at Gen-Z Ibiza hotspot?
THE last easyJet flight of the night from Luton touched down in Ibiza to a round of applause and shouts of 'Oi Oi!' It was 11.40pm, I was ready for a nice cup of chamomile tea and bed, but the two Essex ravers, who looked barely out of their teens, in the seats ahead had other ideas. 5 5 5 'We're going to Amnesia, mate' one gurned — that's a nightclub, not the condition experienced by some middle-aged folk like me. While I was with the young clubbers in spirit, my 57-year-old dad bod said a firm no. I was saving myself for the big one — UNVRS, the world's first hyperclub, later in the week. Pronounced 'universe,' it is the recently opened king of clubs on an island that helped launch acid house, which morphed into the rave phenomenon that swept Britain in the late 1980s. UNVRS may not have many vowels but it has a lot of punters — 10,000 can cram into its labyrinth of bars and dance floors. Its superstar DJs including David Guetta, Carl Cox and Fisher attract clubbers from all over the planet. Footie ace Jude Bellingham was at the opening night last month. So, staring down the barrel of 60, would I be able to cut it at clubland's hottest ticket? And would I be the only relic from the halcyon days of Eighties and Nineties clubbing still trying to throw shapes? Known as Gravers, I was interested to talk to survivors from the rave era for whom the party won't stop until the Grim Reaper calls. I'm the UK's oldest clubber - I still wear a bikini at 86 & spent my summer partying with my granddaughter, I'm the last one standing at 3am I haven't been to a nightclub for decades, but back in the day I graced London clubs Ministry Of Sound, Heaven, Sin and Bagleys. With Cardiff -born superstar DJ Jamie Jones on the UNVRS decks on Wednesday, I headed to this pinnacle of modern clubbing, hoping to rekindle the rave era spirit. I bought an early-bird ticket for 55 euros, which means you must arrive at UNVRS before midnight. VIP tickets go for £425-plus. As you journey inland towards San Rafael de la Cruz, the club's mammoth, red-glowing dome dominates the skyline like St Paul's Cathedral in London. I joined the queue with thousands of women in barely there skirts and boob tubes and well-honed guys in shorts and tees. Most looked young enough to be my grandchildren. Security thoroughly patted me down, then I entered another world. Intense white light cascaded from a mirror ball into my eyes as the unrelenting bass seemed to rattle my chest bone. This being Gen Z clubbing, there was an immediate opportunity to update your socials at the transparent selfie booth. A sweeping staircase leads to a huge dance floor with a raised DJ booth at the far end, and it was soon a swarming mass. Just like the old days, the hands are in the air when the music reaches a crescendo, but now thousands of phones are held aloft, recording every beep and thud for posterity . . . and Instagram. UNVRS began life as Club San Rafael in the 1970s, later changing its name to KU Club and then Privilege. 'DON'T EVER CHANGE DAD' Celebs who once partied there include Bowie, Madonna, Kylie Minogue and Tina Turner. In the 1990s, it hosted the infamous Manumission night, which featured live sex acts on stage. UNVRS is less decadent for a different age, drawing a very glam and British — crowd. With my back aching from too much standing, it was time for a beer and a sit down at the cavernous Dome Bar. I wince at the price list. A 33cl bottle of Heinken? That's £15, guv. A bottle of water is nearly £13 and a vodka- redbull around £23. Also catching some air were clubbers approaching my own age. Department store manager Jose Antonio, 55, his wife Maria, 56, and their son Alonso, 21, were on holiday from Marbella in Spain. Asking Jose what brought them to the hyper club, he revealed: 'We like electronic music and know Jamie Jones and, of course, we are going to dance and will stay for two or three hours.' Student Alonso, meanwhile, points out a decent advantage to going clubbing with your parents, revealing: 'They paid!' But Andrew Killin, 56, from North London, who has been to Ibiza ten times over the years, said he wasn't impressed by the sprawling size of the club, finding it a little 'soulless'. 5 5 In the main room I spot a greying figure with large specs nodding his head as if entranced by the beat. Skegness dad-of-four Matthew O'Connor, 57, tells me he's been 'havin' it' since 1988. I'd found a bone-fide Graver. 'I couldn't be on the island, in light of all the hype, and not come to UNVRS,' he told me. 'I wanted to see it and I'm quite wowed.' So are his kids embarrassed that he is still raving as he approaches his seventh decade? 'Quite the opposite,' he insists. 'They tell me, 'Don't ever f***ing change, Dad'.' Matthew — aka DJ Chinny — turns out to be a great raconteur who still 'loves' this party island. 'I came out here in 1988 raving then in 1989 went to Tenerife where things also f***ing exploded,' he revealed. ' Since then I haven't been to Ibiza every year, but it's a love affair that's lasted.' 'IF IT'S IN YOU, IT'S IN YOU' He's still DJ-ing while running a decorating business, and I ask if his clubbing was ever fuelled by drugs? 'I've experimented over the years,' he added. 'It was all about ecstasy and LSD. 'That's back in the day. 'I'm proud now that my weapon of choice is alcohol. 'I'm of the age now where I really need to slow down!' Finally, I asked this fellow 57-year-old if we are too old to rave? 'I'm the same age as the parents of some of the guys I travelled out here with. I'm like the old fossil,' he reveals. 'If it's in you, it's in you.' With Matthew's assurance ringing in my ears I head back to the dance floor and throw my arms in the air to the pumping music.
Extra.ie
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Watch: David Guetta creates plenty of MEMORIES at Longitude
There were plenty of MEMORIES to be made at Marlay Park on Saturday evening as David Guetta 'lifted the roof off' in his first gig in the capital since 2012. The French DJ and producer headlined Saturday night at Longitude with Dubliners across the south of the city revealing they could hear his set. It could have been a BAD idea for the artist to return to Dublin having not played for Irish audiences for such a long time but it was no SWEAT, and there was plenty of MAD LOVE for the 57-year-old. There were plenty of MEMORIES to be made at Marlay Park on Saturday evening as David Guetta 'lifted the roof off' in his first gig in the capital since 2012. Pic: Joseph Okpako/WireImage Dublin locals took to X revealing they could hear the iconic tunes from David blasting across the city, with one revealing: 'Can hear David Guetta concert v loud from my garden.' Another added: 'It's really loud here in Stepaside.' @elenajessica5 #fyp #davidguetta #longitude #dj #dublin #ireland ♬ original sound – Elena Jessica A third tweeted: 'David Guetta is lifting the roof off south Dublin! Gotta say it's the loudest one we have heard yet, sounds impressive!' One Longitude attendee was full of praise for both David Guetta as well as the other acts who played on the day. 'The sun was out. The drinks were flowing & the crowd was buzzing,' they revealed, 'I was kept going all day & I wouldn't have it any other way.' While David Guetta headlined on Saturday night, there were plenty of brilliant acts to see including Dublin DJ duo Belters Only, who were on just before Guetta. British rapper AJ Tracey was also on the stage for a time. The second day of music and festivities at Longitude gets underway later on Sunday with performances starting at 1.45pm. 50Cent headlines on Sunday night, with Sonny Fodera and Tipperary DJ blk also playing sets ahead of the rapper.
Irish Independent
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Longitude Festival 2025 in Marlay Park: Everything you need to know
Taking place over two days – Saturday, July 5 and Sunday, July 6 – at Dublin's Marlay Park, the popular festival has something for everyone to look forward to. Here's everything you need to know ahead of the event: When and where is it? Longitude takes place at Marlay Park in Dublin on Saturday July 5 and Sunday July 6. What times do gates open? Gates open at 1.30pm on both Saturday and Sunday, with the coach and car park opening at 12.30pm. The first act is set to begin on stage at roughly 2pm and the estimated finishing time for both days of the festival is at 11pm. Here's the line-up for both days: Saturday, July 5: David Guetta, Patrick Topping, Enzo is Burning, Belters Only, Black Traffic and Josh McCabe Sunday, July 6: 50 Cent, Sonny Fodera, blk, Hannah Laing, AJ Tracey, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, D.O.D, CamrinWatsin, Flex, Robbie Doherty, BL3SS, Danny Howard, Caz, and Cody Wong. Can under-16s go? All under-16s need a ticket and must be accompanied by an adult, parent, or guardian over the age of 18. According to Ticketmaster, you may be asked to prove your age with a photo ID, or you will be refused admission. Acceptable forms are passport, garda age card or a driving license. What else should I know before going? To avoid entry delays, it's advised to download, print or save your ticket before arriving. You should allow plenty of time for concert entry procedures, ticket checks and searches. Everyone will be subject to a search permissible under law and a condition of ticket purchase and entry. Additional security checks may take place once inside the venue. There will be a strict No Alcohol Policy implemented on all transport and private buses travelling to the venue. So, you should not arrive at the event intoxicated as you will not be permitted entry. How do I get to Marlay Park? The Luas green line will be running from the city centre to Dundrum and from there, it's a 35-minute walk to Marlay Park. There's also a shuttle bus from Dundrum Luas station leaving every half hour from 2pm. If driving, you can go by Dublin city centre via Ranelagh, Clonskeagh, Goatstown, Sandyford, Grange Road and then on to College Road for car parks.
Irish Examiner
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Longitude FAQ: How to get there, where to buy food, what's the line-up?
Thousands are expected to make their way to Marlay Park this weekend to see David Guetta and 50 Cent headline Longitude Festival. Longitude Festival makes its return to Marlay Park on July 5 and 6, with artists such as Sonny Fodera, blk., Belters Only, Hannah Laing, Meduza, and Patrick Topping also taking to the stage over the two nights. Getting there Marlay Park is an extensive regional park and recreation area in Rathfarnham, 10km south of Dublin city centre. Public transport is recommended for getting to/from the venue this weekend. There are many buses operating routes to/from Dublin city centre and routes to/from other cities across the country. LUAS, Dublin Bus, and Go Ahead will only be operating their normal scheduled services and will not be running additional services for Longitude. Marathon Travel will operate a shuttle bus between Dundrum Luas station and Stonemasons Way, near the Grange Road pedestrian entrance. Marathon Coaches will be operating a bus route in Dublin to and from Longitude each day of the festival. The buses will travel from North Wall Quay. For more information, click here. Several national coach services will be operating routes to Marlay Park for Longitude. These include: What is not permitted on-site? Bags and backpacks larger than A4 are not permitted into the festival. Aerosols over 250ml, alcohol, airhorns or sound systems, any item(s) reasonably considered for use as a weapon, which may cause danger, offence or disruption to any other person, audiovisual recording or transmitting equipment, drones, fireworks or flares, laser equipment or pens, glass, unofficial tabards / hi-viz jackets and umbrellas are also not permitted on-site. Festival-goers are encouraged to have with them a mobile phone, good footwear, valid ID such as a passport, Garda Age Card, or driving license, an empty plastic reusable water bottle, and medical Information detailing any allergies, medical conditions and any medications that they may need, including an official prescription or a letter from a GP. On-site facilities There are no lockers on site, so people are advised to only bring with them the essentials and to adhere to the bag policy. Once inside, all bars operate on a cashless basis, but many food vendors accept both card and cash. There are free drinking water points on site. Only sealed soft drinks and water bottles up to 500ml will be allowed on-site but empty plastic or reusable bottles of any size will be permitted for refilling at water stations. There will be first aid points on site with medically trained staff. People are advised to approach a first aid point or a steward for assistance if required. There will be no re-entry allowed, so once you leave the venue, you won't be allowed back in. Is there camping at Longitude? Longitude does not have the necessary facilities in place for camping. Line-up Saturday night will see A Boogie With Da Hoodie, AJ Tracey, Belters Only and David Guetta take to the stage, while Hannah Laing, blk., Sonny Fodera and 50 Cent will perform on Sunday. Black Traffic, BL3SS, Camrinwatsin, Caz, Cody Wong, Danny Howard, D.O.D, Enzo is Burning, Flex, OJ Wilson, and Robbie Doherty will also perform across the weekend. Read More Oasis to play first gig in almost 16 years in Cardiff tonight
Irish Times
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Longitude 2025 at Marlay Park, Dublin: Who's playing, ticket information, how to get there and more
It's that time of year again: festival season. Longitude returns to Marlay Park, south Dublin, this weekend, with a jam-packed line-up for festivalgoers. David Guetta and 50 Cent are headliners this year, playing on Saturday and Sunday respectively. Joining David Guetta on Saturday will be Belters Only, AJ Tracey, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and Patrick Topping. Meanwhile, on Sunday, 50 Cent will be on stage, with Sonny Federa, BLK and Hannah Laing. . When and where is it? Longitude will take place in Marlay Park, south Dublin, from Saturday, July 5th to Sunday, July 6th. What time should I arrive? Gate opening times are from 1.30pm. There are no camping facilities on site. Stage times are available via the festival's app, which you can find at . . READ MORE Saturday, July 5th David Guetta: 9.15pm-10.45pm Patrick Topping: 9.15pm-10.30pm Enzo is Burning: 8pm-9.15pm Belters Only: 7.45pm-8.45pm Josh McCabe: 7.30pm-8.30pm Black Traffic: 6.45pm-8pm Lia: 6.30pm-7.30pm AJ Tracey: 6.15pm-7.15pm Robbie Doherty: 5.30pm-6.45pm Jen Payne: 5.30pm-6.30pm A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie: 5pm-5.45pm Ev Wilde: 4.30pm-5.30pm Danny Howard: 4.15pm-5.30pm Viki Dos Santos: 3.30pm-4.30pm Dan and Dansie: 3.15pm-4.30pm CAZ: 3pm-4.15pm OJ Wilson: 2pm-3pm Leanne Hanafin: 1.30pm-2.30pm Sunday, July 6th 50 Cent: 9pm-10.30pm Meduza: 9pm-10.15pm Sonny Fodera: 7.30pm-8.30pm Shauna Dee: 7.30pm-8.30pm Jamie Maguire: 6.30pm-7.30pm CamrinWatsin: 6.30pm-7.45pm blk: 6pm-7pm John Gibbons: 5.30pm-6.30pm Flex: 5.15pm-6.30pm NewEra: 6.30pm-5.30pm Hannah Laing: 4.30pm-5.30pm Bl3ss: 4pm-5.15pm Miss Cartel: 3.30pm-4.30pm DART: 3pm-4pm Cody Wong: 3pm-4pm Dave Duke: 2.30pm-3.30pm Dan and Dansie: 1.45pm-2.45pm Hollie Larkin: 1.30pm-2.30pm How do I get there – and home again? Concertgoers have been asked to book and plan transport in advance and allow at least three hours extra travel time to and from Marlay Park. By bus: Marathon Coaches is operating a bus service on both days from Northwall Quay in the city centre directly to the concert grounds. Buses are from 11am. A number of national and regional operators are also providing bus services to the event. See for more information. If you are travelling to Marlay Park in a private minibus, coach or bus, event organisers ask that you register the details in advance at enquiries@ . By Luas: Take the Luas green line from the city centre to Dundrum or Balally, both stops are a 35-minute walk to the site. A shuttle bus from Dundrum Luas stop to the venue will run every 30 minutes from 12pm. Tickets can be purchased here . There will be extra, late-night Luas services to accommodate festivalgoers on Sunday, July 6th. By car: Car parking at Marlay Park is limited and traffic delays should be expected. Plan your route in advance and follow the event signage. The organisers recommend the SuperValu car park on Ballinteer Avenue as a suitable spot for drop-off and collection by car. There will be road closures surrounding Marlay Park on the day. Do not attempt to park illegally in areas surrounding Marlay Park, in local estates or outside local residences. Parking enforcement rules will be in operation and you may be clamped or towed. By taxi: Organisers have said they cannot guarantee taxis will be available, and advise pre-booking. Are there any tickets left? There are limited tickets available on from €107 for a single day pass and €210 for weekend tickets. Festivalgoers are advised to purchase tickets from official sources and to download them on to their phones before getting to the park as there is no guarantee of internet connection at the gates of Marlay Park. What's the story with security? Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult; bring your passport, Garda age card or driving licence as evidence of your date of birth. It's recommended no under-5's attend the venue. Allow time for security checks on the way in. Bags larger than A4 size will not be permitted and all bags may be searched, and this can be time-consuming, so consider going bagless for easier entry. There will be no cloakroom or storage facilities. No umbrellas, alcohol, garden furniture, selfie sticks, flares, glasses or cans, among other items, will be allowed into the event. There are no readmissions to the concert, so once you leave there's no getting back in. No alcohol or drinks are permitted to be brought into the venue with the exception of water and soft drinks in sealed plastic bottles up to 500ml. Empty reusable plastic bottles are permitted into the venue and there will be water drinking points on-site. Promoters and An Garda Síochána reserve the right to refuse admission without refund to anyone deemed to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There may be strobe lighting, lasers and pyrotechnics used at the events. Can I take photographs at the festival? Yes, but only with a smartphone or small camera. Professional cameras with a detachable lens and any other recording equipment are banned. What's the weather forecast? Saturday will be cloudy with a high of 20 degrees, according to Met Éireann. On Sunday, there's a chance of sunshine in the afternoon and showers early evening, so pack sun cream and a rain jacket.
