News / Rave
Alfresco Disco celebrate 20 years with day-rave at mystery location
It’s the fourth in their Rave of the Decade series and it’s set to be the biggest party they’ve ever thrown.
Alfresco Disco are taking over a new city centre mystery location for their day rave on July 19.
The secret spot has never been used before and is big enough to host crowds of 3,500+ in its warehouse and outdoor areas.
All the crew has revealed is that it is “an incredible 200-year-old disused factory next to a beautiful river in the centre of Bristol.”
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As always taking their inspiration from the free party days of the 90s, they promise “a strong nod to the era that inspired the original AD parties” for their second 20th birthday outing with DJs spinning house, old school hardcore, garage, techno and ‘ravey stuff’ as well as multiple stages, fairground rides and dancing in lorry trailers.
“The site is incredible, perfect for a British day party as it has a multitude of both open air and undercover spaces that are waiting for you to explore,” said Alfresco Disco’s Tom Hodgson.
“We are incredibly excited to have access to a site that we’ve had our eye on for years. it’s the dream city centre space and we cannot wait to open the gates to you.”
Bristol’s Afresco Disco are known for taking over unusaul and disused spaces to create some of the city’s most ambitious and memorable music events – photo: Alfresco Disco
Save Our Scene, the campaign for grassroots music that threw a Stokes Croft rave last year with Mercury Prize nominee Nia Archives playing live by the arches and, later, to a huge crowd at the Underground venue below the Galleries, will be bringing their SOS fire engine to join the party at what they’re calling the “industrial playground”.
The truck is decked out with d&b audiotechnik sound system and stages. It was launched after the autumn budget’s “disregard for our fragile sector” as what SOS call their own emergency response vehicle.
“We’re super excited to be bringing the fire truck down to Bristol for this one,” said George Fleming of SOS. “Alfresco are one of the OG crews when it comes to pop up parties and have helped shape the scene in Bristol and beyond.
“They’ve been instrumental in discovering and creating established venues in Bristol and we look forward to seeing what happens with this new city centre space.”
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The crews have partnered with the site’s nearest grassroots venue – another secret, to be revealed after the show – which will receive a portion of the ticket revenue.
“In a climate where small independent venues are grappling with rising costs and adverse economic conditions the team behind the event are making clear they are keen to support the venues that incubate the next generation of musicians and DJ’s,” organisers said.
The initiative has been backed by the Music Venues Trust, which has been campaigning for years for the UK government to implement a ticket levy scheme on largescale events.
After the budget, the Trust stated: “Over 350 grassroots music venues are now placed at immediate risk of closure, representing the potential loss of more than 12,000 jobs, over £250 million in economic activity and the loss of over 75,000 live music events.”
Tickets for the big party on July 19 are on sale now
“While UK arena and stadium event organisers move leisurely towards adopting a blanket ticket levy to support grassroots music venues, it’s left to extraordinary local operators to seize the day and show how it’s done,” said the Trust’s Jay Taylor.
“Music Venue Trust applauds the Alfresco Disco team and their commitment to supporting the next generation of musicians and DJs and the grassroots music venues they evolve in.”
Alfresco Disco’s Rave of the Decade 4 takes place in Bristol on July 19. Find tickets at www.skiddle.com/e/41002858
All images: Alfresco Disco
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