Clubs / Bristol Beacon
Underground rave ‘by and for young people’ spotlights female talent
A hidden-in-plain-sight subterranean venue that is over 100 years old is set to host an electronic music night organised by and for young people.
The vaulted brick walls beneath Bristol Beacon make up an intimate and atmospheric cavern space known as the Weston Stage that houses a dedicated recording studio as well as hosting events.
Students of City of Bristol College have chosen the space, aka the cellars, as the location for their first DJ night that is designed to be a “safe and vibrant” introduction to rave culture for young people .
Cryptic Beats launches on May 15 with a lineup of all-female underground electronic talent.
“We wanted to create something exciting and different, an event where people our age can try something new, feel safe, and just enjoy the music,” the organisers, enrolled on the college’s festival production course, said.
The night features high-energy d’n’b DJ Fluro who has appeared at Boomtown and Glastonbury festivals, and was on the bill with Sub Focus at the Prospect Building last year.
D’n’b and junglist Nikki T, who has a quarter-decade of DJ experience, will bring her signature old-school roots and modern rolling sounds.
And Spicy Prawn, who was part of the No More All Male Lineups bank holiday rave, has promised an “electrifying” blend of bold, heavy mixes and dynamic vocals.
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It is the first live event the students, aged 16-19, have organised and marks a major milestone in their studies as well as offering a unique youth-led take on clubnights that is intent on promoting diversity in music and empowering young creatives.
“This is a place where you can come alone and meet new people and experience different communities,” they said. “You will experience a once in a life time opportunity to socialise with people your age.”
Nikki T DJs at Fight Klub’s ‘healthy raving’ sessions that combine boxing and fitness with immersive d’n’b in a club-like atmosphere – photo: Nikki T
It comes ahead of Fusion Fest, the youth music takeover at Bristol Beacon over July 4-5 that has been put together by the venue’s Youth Advisory Committee and includes concerts, workshops, crafts sessions and an afterparty.
Cryptic Beats takes place at Bristol Beacon’s Weston Cellar from 6-10pm on Friday, May 15. For more information and tickets visit headfirstbristol.co.uk/whats-on/bristol-beacon/fri-15-may-cryptic-beats-16-drum-and-bass-event–153650#e153650
Main image: Jessie Myers / Soul Media UK
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