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BBC News
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Memories of Bristol's Motion as it closes after almost two decades
It can often be underestimated how much impact a nightclub can have on a town or out as a skatepark in Bristol in 2003, Motion started putting on club nights three years later (with the skate ramps forming part of the dancefloor), before it became a full-time nightclub and music venue in has since hosted some of the world's biggest when its lease expires this weekend, Motion will close its doors at the warehouse it has called home for almost 20 years for the final owners are hoping Motion will be able to reopen at another site in the city, but to many, the city centre warehouse holds almost two decades-worth of asked DJs and clubbers to tell us about some of those special moments. Eats Everything, DJ & producerMy favourite memory of Motion is doing the [Radio 1] Essential Mix live. It was me, Calvin Harris and Pete Tong and I was just becoming successful at the like, you're doing an Essential Mix live from your hometown club and it's like what?! What?!Dan (Motion's managing director) lent me decks. I didn't have any CDJs at home, so he lent me four CDJs.I practiced and I practiced - I never plan anything ever - and I planned it meticulously, beat for beat and it worked perfectly and it still sounds good still makes my heart melt whenever I think about it.[Motion] holds a big place in my heart. Jenna Todd Jones[I've had] so many great times. But my very first time going, me and my mate got our photo taken up front and it was published in a Bristol mag that week. I'd only been in the city a few months it felt like the most incredible thing ever. I'd never even been in a club before I felt like the coolest kid in town.I also remember a friend got one of their first gigs at Motion and were on first of the night so was unlikely to have a crowd. [It] felt like the entire psychology department headed down there to party with him in the tunnel, I'll never forget his face looking up to suddenly find 20 familiar faces dancing to his that first time we'd won a competition to get to the VIP lounge above the stage, I remember sitting with DJ Yoda like 'what is my life?!' Obviously no club night was quite as good after that. James Threlfall, skateboarder & BBC presenterIt was funny for me to go from skating at Motion as a kid, to then having a crossover of skating and partying at Motion, and then obviously it became just partying when the skatepark side of things closed for it to become solely a it offered two passions of mine at different points in my life is amazing and I guess part of its legacy is that different people and generations are likely to have unique perspectives on how Motion impacted them. Graciela SotoWhen I went to see Marlon Hoffstadt it was my first time visiting Motion and oh my God I will never forget it. I have been out many times in the past 10 years but the energy I felt in that crowd was something else; everyone was dancing with each other and smiling. It was like if you were in a magical forest surrounded by lovely people. The music was very fun too and I really enjoyed the rare to have a crowd so invested in the show that everyone sings, it was beautiful.I don't remember the last time I felt so much harmony in a rave. Dan Wild, resident DJ and Just Jack founding memberThe early days of Motion were very special. The area wasn't as developed as it now so we could have music on the terrace all night, with no-one to complain. It had a raw hedonistic feel. With the derelict Post Office building opposite it had this dystopian, industrial, Berlin vibe. One morning, with the sun rising, sound-tracked to deep trippy house, someone took all their clothes off, dived off the terrace into the canal, a quick swim to the other side and he ran off completely starkers into the distance, to a load of cheers from the crowd. When we packed up the club at the end of the night, his clothes were still on the terrace. I could only imagine him still running round Bristol naked somewhere in the euphoric state he lots that go into making parties special, but people forget, the most important thing is the crowd, that's what made those parties incredible. Dan Deeks, managing director of Motion A real special memory for me is the night that Eats Everything did his [Radio One] Essential had Pete Tong on that night and we also had Calvin Harris. That for me was a real quite special about this club is we don't have any VIP like to think that we're not like big clubs in Ibiza where you can pay to get a booth or a treated equally. It's a diverse mix of events and some of them are very Bristol centric. That's what really makes it special for me, is Bristol as a city and the people that come here. Carly Heath, Bristol night time economy advisor and former music promoterWinning the Red Bull Culture Clash with Gutterfunk was a significant on Subloaded here and having the most amazing bass sound system to support it, that was a more recently seeing Gardna do his Gardna and Friends show in the Marble a lad that had come through from being in the tunnel, being in the cave, going up to the main stage then having his own party - this place is really special and it's been here so long now that it's like multigenerational too many good memories to share. Conal KellyIt was 2022. Me and a couple of friends went down to Love Saves the Day [festival].We got absolutely drenched, so drenched, so grumpy, couldn't get the bus home, so we were stuck walking through the rain for an hour to get got home, ordered a curry, we were pretty grumpy, and then realised that DJ Seinfeld was playing at Motion so, last minute, bought tickets, went down and managed to turn it around and had one of the best nights we've had. We're still talking about it was awesome. Very, very, very sad that it's closing. Summer BolithoI've always been huge fan of Eats Everything - Bristol icon and lucky to know Dan! Me and my partner Mace officially met 10 years ago but our paths reconnected and we got together at Eats Everything's New Year's Eve is a staple of Bristol culture and has been for the past 10 years. A true loss to see it go, but looking forward to making new memories at Motion 2.0 Bateman, DJI've been fortunate enough to play four times now. One year after the other. And a year on from that, I played it again for their last-ever free party and once more for a Lockyard session. I'd been dreaming of playing this monster since I was 14, and to have played it four times now is just incredible. Cannot put it into owns a piece of my heart that will disappear with it. Pete GizauskasCraig Richards playing two gigs in one night - one in a special secret toilet party that you had to access through a hidden entrance (wink wink) and then playing a surprise set in the main room afterwards. The secret room was decorated with huge taps, rubber ducks and toilet seats hanging from the ceilingBoth were absolute masterclasses from a legend in the UK rave sceneIt was brilliant. The Scribes, Bristol-based bandSupported MF Doom there, was crazy seeing the man himself in was one of The Scribes' first big support slots so we were very excited, and we all loved MF Doom.I remember being mind-blown just by the fact he was in the building, and Motion was the perfect place; just the right amount of grimey for the crowd to really get down.
Scotsman
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Pete Tong presents Ibiza Classics December UK Arena Tour
Following four triumphant sold-out nights at London's Royal Albert Hall, DJ, broadcaster and global dance music legend Pete Tong presents his critically acclaimed Ibiza Classics UK arena tour for December 2025. Celebrating a decade of astounding audiences, the show will feature long-time collaborators Jules Buckley and The Essential Orchestra. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter, get the latest news and reviews from our specialist arts writers Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... "65 classic trained musicians. An avalanche of A-list cameos and one superstar DJ. Pete Tong's Ibiza Classics brought the spirit of Cafe Del Mar to the Royal Albert Hall in all its technicolour, euphoric glory." - Nick McGrath. Telegraph 'I never thought I would see the Royal Albert Hall losing it. Everyone on their feet reliving the halcyon days of dance music reinvented by Tong with a full-on orchestral masterpiece that blew the roof off!' Ibiza Classics - Russ O'Connell. The Sunday Times Magazine Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The show certainly didn't disappoint as some of the most well-known dance tracks of all time were given an airing. As a dance music fan myself, I was in my element, as was the rest of the crowd. Everyone was up on their feet and didn't stop dancing for the full show.' - Codie Bullen. Daily Mail 'From start to finish the show was electric. A beautiful venue, incredible vocalists, and spectacular orchestra - what Pete & Jules have created over the last 10 years is something truly special. Every track as magical as the one before. An atmosphere so incredible and nostalgic you wanted the night to never end.' - Natalie Boare. ITV Performing seven major dates across the UK, the tour kicks off in Glasgow at OVO Hydro on 4th December and will visit Nottingham, Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham, concluding with two huge shows at The O2, London on December 12 and 13. Ibiza Classics debuted in 2015, as part of BBC Radio 1's Prom at London's Royal Albert Hall paying musical homage to Ibiza and its infectious, energetic brand of club music. Now celebrating the best of 10 years and its huge success, Ibiza Classics has firmly cemented itself as part of the live music calendar becoming the world's most iconic orchestral electronic music event. Returning where it all began at the Royal Albert Hall, the shows captivated audiences with its jaw-dropping audio visuals and ground-breaking fusion of dance music —leaving critics raving. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Already capturing the hearts of millions with sold out dates across the UK, the new live arena dates will include a host of special guest DJs and singers showcasing stunning reimagines of timeless classic house tracks. Combining unique orchestration with unparalleled electronic production, ravers rejoice as it is set to be the party of the year reminiscent of the White Isle and its musical history! As part of the celebration, a special limited-edition album Pete Tong and Jules Buckley – Ibiza Classics 10th Anniversary Collection was released last month as a 2LP vinyl or 2CD format. Featuring a track list curated by Pete himself from the last decade of shows. Tickets for the tour are on sale now and available from / / / IBIZA CLASSICS LIVE 2025 Thursday 04 - December Glasgow OVO Hydro Friday 05 - December Nottingham Motorpoint Arena Saturday 06 - December Manchester AO Arena Wednesday 10 - December Leeds First Direct Arena Thursday 11 - December Birmingham Utilita Arena Friday 12 - December London The O2
Daily Mirror
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Father's Day - How to spoil dad on a budget from great gifts to fun days out
MoneyMagpie Editor and financial expert Vicky Parry shares some favourite Father's Day gift ideas for your father figure on June 15 Father's Day is on June 15 this year, so there's still time to get your father figure a gift they'll love! Whether you want to get a classic foodie gift or something a little more unusual, check out our handpicked gifts and days out ideas for something he'll love. Days out and spending time together Spending time with your dad or father figure is the most valuable gift you can give them. Consider getting nostalgic with fun toys. The Build Your Own Pinball Kit is easy to build, providing ongoing fun for adults and kids alike for a great value £22.99. Or, build a LEGO kit, with prices ranging from £22.99 you'll find a fun kit to do together whatever your budget. If you've got young children or grandchildren, spend the day with dad at a RaverTots day for a fun, safe, family-friendly festival style event. For older children, check out the Skiddle website for a wide range of days out with your dad. Or, you could treat your dad or father figure to a little bit of luxury with an afternoon tea. Book at Mariage Frères in Covent Garden for a luxury tea experience before picking up some loose leaf tea to take home and continue the memories every time he takes a sip. Got a sports-mad Dad? Whether you're already into sailing, or you want to go to a dynamic new event together, the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix is a huge event (with Pete Tong and Tom Grennan headlining the Après-Sail) that is guaranteed to make memories together that last forever. For the foodie If your dad loves to sneak a sweet treat, why not treat him to some Divine Chocolate from just £9.99 for a gift bundle. Ethical chocolate that tastes delicious? Everyone wins! For something a little unusual but still chocolatey, try the Fatso Home Run Chocolate Bundle instead, a selection made with single-origin Colombian dark chocolate. For those with a hot tooth rather than a sweet one, try a hot sauce set like Chilli No. 5, or for the home chef treat them to luxury Oro Balien Olive Oil. You could even put together a hamper of their favourite things, like PapaLife Peanut Butter, some delicious jams and chutneys, and of course the 1.3kg Ultimate Sausage Roll baked in Malton by The Original Baker for Prestige Hampers. If you're not sure what to put into a hamper for Father's Day, check out Bloom and Wild's Luxe Father's Day hamper filled with yummy treats. If your father figure loves to spend time in the kitchen cooking for the ones he loves, treat him to a delivery from Clonakilty (or cook him a delicious breakfast yourself!). You could also consider a set of new knives like the Stellar James Martin Knife Block. If he prefers outdoor cooking, check out the Jamie Oliver Pizza Oven which can be used indoors and outdoors, or treat him to a BBQ Tool Set from Rex London to help him make delicious barbeque dishes all summer long. Drinks that stand out Try something a little different than a six-pack of their favourite beer or a bottle of Jack Daniels – opt for one of the growing trend of non-alcoholic spirits instead. The Pathfinder is a hemp-based drink that tastes like many traditional alcoholic beverages without the percentage – it's perfect for making summer cocktails with a twist! For the hot drink lover, treat your father figure to some luxury Tambia coffee and throw in some delicious truffles or biscuits to make it a truly enjoyable moment. For those who like to be adventurous with their tea, Bird and Blend have a number of flavours your dad might enjoy, such as ' Whisktea', a malty-tasting rooibos based-tea with vanilla and burnt caramel notes. For those that prefer to make their own barista-level drinks at home, consider an eco- and wallet-friendly Tassimo Finesse coffee pod machine (currently on sale for just £39.99). For the techie dad If your dad likes to wind down with his PS5 or Xbox after a long day at the desk for work, his eyes might need a little helping hand. Gift him the TheraTears Screen Eyes to help reduce eye strain, and consider giving along with a cooling gel eye mask to make sure he looks after his vision and reduces tension headaches. If he needs a bigger screen for his gaming activity, or likes to wind down with a movie on the sofa in the evening after a long day, treat him to a 43' Sharp UHD TiVo Smart TV (currently on sale at £199). Or you can go even bigger with the Dangbei Freedo portable projector, which can give a viewing screen up to a whopping 4.5m (15 feet), perfect for family film nights together. For the father who loves music or is obsessed with audiobooks, try some headphones so he can listen in comfort. For all-day listening, Panasonic's Technics AZ100 deliver a long-lasting battery with comfortable earbuds, while OpenRock X's bone conduction headphones are perfect for active dads who like to listen while they work out. For a budget option that still lasts and looks great, Flying Tiger's earbuds are just £20. Ongoing subscription gifts For the low-tech dad who likes some time to himself, why not get him the gift of a digital subscription? You could choose something you know he already uses, or a new service to get him to try a new hobby. Avid readers would enjoy a gift card to Readly (make sure to sign him up to the free trial to get two free months first!), Kindle Unlimited, or Kobo Plus. Those who prefer audiobooks would enjoy a BookBeat or Audible subscription or gift card, while the music lovers will always appreciate a Spotify gift card. You could also opt for a recurring delivery subscription, such as a local groceries box or Oato subscription, a beer box, or even a meat hamper. If food and drink doesn't quite fit, what about regular deliveries of pants and socks? There are so many subscription services around, have a good search for one you know your dad would love! For sporty dads Whether he is an active person or just likes to wear the kit, Castore has a wide range of fitness and athleisure wear including an entire range for golfing outfits, with items starting from £20 for accessories. For the adventurous, Helly Hanson is always a good bet. Choose from specific adventure gear, merino-base t-shirts, or the perfect everywhere windproof overhead jacket for the typical British summer wherever he is! If he's into wild swimming, surfing, or camping, a Vivida All Weather Changing Robe will keep him warm and dry (and provide modesty for getting changed in public). If he needs a bag for activities like hiking, try the Highlander Ben Nevis 52L backpack. But if he just needs to have somewhere to store his essentials on a quick trip to the gym, try a one-two combo with Gomatic's sling bag and phone wallet, both slimline and convenient. For the dads who like to look sporty wherever they go, opt for a timepiece like the Grant Watch from Fossil or – if your budget can stretch – a smartwatch like an Apple or Galaxy watch to keep track of his fitness every day. Gifts for the home and garden If your dad's a bit of a home bod, get him something that'll make him super comfy and enjoy his favourite space even more. Whether that's a Simba hybrid duvet, or a fun personalised cushion from Etsy, find something that will help him relax in his chill-out space at home. If he can't sleep without a cooling fan, try the silent tower fan from Levoit – or the portable Morphy Richards 6' travel fan if he gets overheated on the go. Candles are always a good bet – and you can rely on Yankee Candle to last a long time and smell great. Bayside Cedar is a refreshing yet masculine scent while Midnight Jasmine is light and summery, proving there's a scent for every kind of dad. For new dads facing their first Father's Day, consider getting something that is useful for the baby as a way to show your appreciation for the hard work a newborn can be. Opt for practical items, like the Avery Wildflower Large Quilted Basket or a cute hooded towel, or a gift card to Blade & Rose for him to pick outfits out for the little one. For the green-fingered father, choose some new gardening tools like a pruning knife for bushes, a folding knife for larger branches, or give him a One4All Home and Garden Favourites gift card to let him choose what he needs. If your dad likes to sit in his garden more than work in it, encourage some birdwatching with the PeckPerk smart bird feeder camera – which automatically identifies the type of bird visiting the feeder.
Daily Mail
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE DJ Pete Tong makes rare comments about his kids as he admits his family have kept him 'grounded' throughout successful career
Pete Tong has opened up on how his family have 'kept him grounded' throughout his successful career. The DJ and Radio 1 star, 64, has become one of the biggest names in dance music over the years, and jets across the world to perform for adoring fans. And despite keeping his family life relatively private, Pete made rare comments about his kids in an exclusive interview with MailOnline this week. Pete shares three children with his ex-wife Deborah. Their marriage broke down in 2003. Pete also has another child and two step-children with his second wife Carolina Acosta, who he married in 2006. He explained how he tried to created a 'more regular environment' for his kids growing up, and admits they are the reason he still has a successful career. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Speaking on how he juggles the fame with his family life, Pete shared: 'It is definitely a challenge, and you learn a lot along the way. It also keeps you really grounded as well with that responsibility and that to go home to, and I would like to think that is a big reason why I'm still doing what I'm doing. 'When I started DJing, I made a decision early on that I would only do the bits I really wanted to do and loved. 'I didn't want to be on radio seven days a week and I didn't want to be gigging seven nights a week. I wanted to pick and choose. 'So I kind of always had a day job when I first started, as DJing wasn't seen to be the be all and end all and the money wasn't the same from when I started to what it is now so that created a more regular environment around my kids.' Speaking about his kids supporting him at sets, he explained: 'When they were young they started coming to things like Café Mambo. And then when they were too young to legally go to clubs is when the demand was highest that they wanted to go. 'When they first could go, they were around quite a bit. They've moved on and have their own lives now and are not necessarily interested in what I'm doing. 'Now I'm like, "do you want to come?" They tend to show up for the orchestra, I don't force them.' Several of Pete's kids have followed in his footsteps, including daughter Becky who is also a DJ. Pete and Jules are celebrating a decade of their Ibiza Classics with a string of shows at London's iconic Royal Albert Hall Meanwhile, his oldest son Joe is a music producer, while his other son Matt also partly works in the music industry. Pete is currently celebrating a decade of his and Jules Buckley's Ibiza Classics with a string of shows at London's iconic Royal Albert Hall. The pair first teamed up in 2015 to perform for BBC Proms, an annual summer series bringing daily classical music to the Royal Albert Hall, but have went on to tour Europe with the orchestra. Each of the four shows will feature unique programming, including appearances from guest vocalists Becky Hill, Jacob Lusk (Gabriels), Jazzy, Clementine Douglas, and Barbara Tucker. Guest DJs Seth Troxler, Damian Lazarus, David Morales, and Paul Oakenfold will also join the show. Speaking about returning to the Royal Albert Hall after ten years, he said: 'It is surreal and inspiring to come into such a historical place doing what we are doing. 'But it isn't a nightclub, so you treat it in a different way. We are all super excited to be back.' And fans will be thrilled to hear that Pete has no plans to stop after ten years: 'There was a time five years ago when we said we would probably end it if we made it to ten, but now we never want to end it!' Pete Tong Ibiza Classics is at the Royal Albert Hall, London, May 29-Jun 1. The broadcaster is also due to bring his acclaimed show to six UK arenas in December 2025. Kicking off in Glasgow on December 4, the upcoming run of shows also includes stop-offs in Nottingham, Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham. The tour will conclude with two gigs at The O2 in London on December 12 and 13.
Daily Mail
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Pete Tong on life as a legendary DJ: How the music star went from playing £100 sets in Kent villages to taking over the Royal Albert Hall
Despite his name being slang for things going wrong, it has all gone right for Pete Tong and his career. The veteran DJ, who over the years has become one of the biggest names in dance music, as well as being the BBC 's longest-serving DJ, started out by playing village halls in Kent and earning just £100 a set. Now, the 64-year-old has once again taken to the iconic stage at the Royal Albert Hall to perform his Ibiza Classics with Jules Buckley and the Essential Orchestra, as it celebrates its tenth anniversary. But life wasn't always big stages and crowds for Pete, as he shares with MailOnline how his first gig was at a school disco, where he performed for free and had to work a 'normal job' on the side. During an exclusive interview, Pete explained: 'The first time I ever played was a school disco, and I got paid nothing because I was learning how to do it. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'Then I rented a village hall. It was quite entrepreneurial looking back, and I stuck posters up around the village and did this party and ended up with £100 on the kitchen table. 'I was around 16-years-old at the time and that was quite a lot of money back then.' While finding his feet in the music industry, Pete worked at Blues & Soul magazine, before landing a day job as an A&R man at London Records. 'My way into raving was being the DJ. I was out a lot, looking back at my old diaries I was playing six or seven times a week, but I wasn't raving I was playing. I obviously did go to clubs occasionally,' he added. Pete grew up in Dartford alongside his father who was a bookie and mother who was a former publican. Despite neither of them being musicians, Pete's love for music started to show at a young age. He shared: I didn't come from a musical family, but my dad did collect a lot of records. It just became a hobby early on in my life, then became a passion and then a life. 'My parents told me I was attracted to music as a baby, banging things, strumming things. I got a toy drum kit and then a real drum kit and went from there.' Recalling the moment he knew he wanted to be a DJ, he said: 'I saw a school DJ and it changed my life. A humble DJ at a school disco and I thought, "that would be fun to do". Pete admits 'staying healthy and relevant' has been the biggest challenge throughout his career. 'I don't lose sleep over it, but certain opportunities come along and you kind of reinvent yourself in ways you never thought,' he says. 'The best example being right now with the orchestra. If you had asked me 20 years ago, "what are you going to do in 10 years, how can you take your career to a whole other level?" I can guarantee I wouldn't have said an orchestra. 'There's lots of different challenges but it is just making the most of the opportunities and being grateful.' Pete said it was also hard juggling his busy schedule with family life, but admits it was his kids who kept him grounded. He shares three children with his ex-wife Deborah. Their marriage broke down in 2003. Pete also has another child and two step-children with his second wife Carolina Acosta, who he married in 2006. The broadcaster explained: 'It is definitely a challenge, and you learn a lot along the way. It also keeps you really grounded, with that responsibility and that to go home to, and I would like to think that is a big reason why I'm still doing what I'm doing. 'When I started DJing, I made a decision early on that I would only do the bits I really wanted to do and loved. I didn't want to be on radio seven days a week and I didn't want to be gigging seven nights a week. 'I wanted to pick and choose, and so I kind of always had a day job when I first started, because DJing wasn't seen to be the be all and end all, and the money wasn't the same from when I started to what it is now so that created a more regular environment around my kids.' Now, Pete and Jules are celebrating a decade of their Ibiza Classics with a string of shows at London's iconic Royal Albert Hall. The pair first teamed up in 2015 to perform for BBC Proms, an annual summer series bringing daily classical music to the Royal Albert Hall, but have went on to tour Europe with the orchestra. Each of the four shows will feature unique programming, including appearances from guest vocalists Becky Hill, Jacob Lusk (Gabriels), Jazzy, Clementine Douglas, and Barbara Tucker. Guest DJs Seth Troxler, Damian Lazarus, David Morales, and Paul Oakenfold will also join the show. Speaking about returning to the Royal Albert Hall after ten years, he said: 'It is surreal and inspiring to come into such a historical place doing what we are doing. 'But it isn't a nightclub, so you treat it in a different way. We are all super excited to be back.' And fans will be thrilled to hear that Pete has no plans to stop after ten years: 'There was a time five years ago when we said we would probably end it if we made it to ten, but now we never want to end it!' Pete Tong Ibiza Classics is at the Royal Albert Hall, London, May 29 - June 1. The broadcaster is also due to bring his acclaimed show to six UK arenas in December 2025. Kicking off in Glasgow on December 4, the upcoming run of shows also includes stop-offs in Nottingham, Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham. The tour, which Pete describes as a 'giant mobile disco', will conclude with two gigs at The O2 in London on December 12 and 13.
