The annual IMS Dalt Vila brings together White Isle holidaymakers, Ibiza locals and music aficionados for one massive open-air party. Also signalling the start of the season, summer kicks off with this unique fiesta. Bring it on!
After three days of discussion and debate at the International Music Summit, the electronic dance music organisation puts on one of the greatest parties of the summer, bringing top-tier DJing talent to what is arguably Ibiza's most iconic destination: the middle of the postcard.
This year's edition will see this ultimate party descend on Dalt Vila once again. Legendary dance music names will take to the rampart stage dropping beats as the sun goes down and into the night. Still not convinced you should go? Here are the reason's why you definitely should.
Partying in a Castle
Declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1999, Dalt Vila is a monument to Ibiza's ancient heritage. When the sun sets, the scene turns magical. With views overlooking the port and Mediterranean, it does not get much better than this once-a-year venue.
Start your evening at the port where you will find many bars and restaurants to dine and drink before dancing inside the postcard. At this point of the year, the weather is already great for pre-partying from place to place.
As you make the journey to the top of the battlements along the ancient cobbled streets, be ready for that feeling of anticipation to rise. The magnificent setting and the IMS stage in the middle of it all once a year is quite the sight to behold.
Day turns into night and the castle walls light up with spinning lasers and spotlights. On top of all of this, the DJs playing on this prestigious stage are some of the best in the world.
Premium DJ talent
What would a party be without music? Year after year IMS seems to be able to top the previous edition. 2019 is no different with a delectable roster of DJing talent taking to the Dalt Vila stage, enough to satisfy any discerning raver.
Following a winning back-to-back set formula, acts pair up for double efficiency. A prime example is the marital and musical harmony of Adam Beyer and Ida Engberg. The Drumcode power couple will certainly have some banging techno tracks up their sleeves.
Within the techno spectrum, Joseph Capriati will step up to play alongside co-founder of IMS and radio DJ legend, Pete Tong. Also on the roster are equally legendary figures and island favourites Luciano and David Morales.
IMS always looks to diversify its line-ups with new and interesting talent. Palestinian underground major player Sama is known for her dynamic sonic range. She will be joined by MOOD Records imprint leader, Nicole Moudaber, known to destroy dance floors around the world.
Seeing homegrown White Isle DJ talent adds to the wicked experience. Manu Gonzalez going b2b Anna Tur will keep the pace in true Ibizan fashion. Jumping onto the decks for a session is Scottish sample mistress SOPHIE joined by French creative musician Agoria.
Taking on the only solo set of the event is Charlotte De Witte. This young superstar has seen a fast ascent to fame in the past couple of years, known best for her uncompromising and no-nonsense blend of banging techno.
All these brilliant artists are set to the annual gathering of electronic music fans, industry figures and clubbing enthusiasts for the grand finale of the summit.
Musical synergy at the summit
Marking the end of the International Music Summit, IMS Dalt Vila is an important date in Ibiza's season calendar on more than one level. This globally recognised event takes places at the Hard Rock Hotel between Wednesday 22 and Friday 24 May.
Over the course of three days, key industry figures discuss and debate important subjects affecting the modern electronic music industry. Keynote speakers from all corners of the culture step on stage to kick off dialogues, each one an expert in his or her field.
The delegates talk about issues such as mental health, business insights, future industry predictions and some give advice seminars. IMS collaborates with female network organisation shesaid.so to curate every talk held.
Overall, this meeting of music intellectuals and influencers serves as a platform for progression, education and inspiration in the electronic music industry.
For those who decide to attend the conference and buy a delegate badge the trip to IMS Dalt Vila is included in the price. So if you fancy expanding your knowledge on top of partying in an iconic place you can find out more about this here
Summer season is here
Whilst the IMS Dalt Vila event is only one evening out of the season, the time in which it occurs is especially exciting. The opening weeks of the summer are jammed packed with Ibiza clubland events with parties happening on every single night.
If you happen to be visiting the week of IMS, you can pretty much find that most clubs will be open for business. Starting on Sunday 19 May, the open air wonderland of The Zoo Project start from 17:00 so you can fit in a daytime dance floor session early on.
The tribe of Circoloco return to DC10 on Monday 20th, an opening which is hotly anticipated each year and usually contains a mega underground line-up. Tuesday 21st you can sink a bottle of champagne at one of the most popular poolside clubbing destinations as Kisstory opens at O Beach.
Things do not slow down midweek as on Wednesday 22nd, Terminal 4 presents Tronic kicks off their season in Eden, Techno heads will certainly approve of this new residency. On Thursday 23 May, HEART Ibiza has its official club opening, an absolutely fabulous event.
Friday 24 May, the day of IMS Dalt Vila and shining end of the week, the party continues. If you should want to carry the party on after, electronic tastemaker Dixon opens his Transmoderna residency at Pacha that evening as well. Alternatively over at Amnesia, the club teams up with tech House giants, Do Not Sleep for the second week of Amnesia presents.
You might want to save your energy for Saturday 25th however as down in Playa d'en Bossa things will be sizzling. Cocoon will celebrate its 20-year anniversary on the White Isle with an exclusive one-off party at Ushuaïa. When the clock strikes midnight, stroll over the road to Hï Ibiza to watch South African DJing craftsman Black Coffee open his summer residency.
If the multiple parties are not your thing, Ibiza has a huge list of things to do and see. After all, there's a lot you can fit into a week.
Ibiza bucket list material
The White Isle has enough material for a long bucket list of essential holiday activities and destinations to be ticked off, but IMS Dalt Vila lands on the White Isle at one of the most beautiful moments of the year.
As one of the most popular island vacation spots in the world, the island offers heaps for visitors to experience, suiting any traveller's interest or age.
IMS Dalt Vila only happens once a season so should be near the top of the list bucket list. To top it all off, you could try out more this paradise isle has to offer.
Venturing out into the sunny Ibizan countryside, you can stop by some of Ibiza's landmarks such as the majestic Es Vedrá or the abandoned Festival Club. Equally famous are beaches such as popular Playa d'en Bossa or the hippy cove of Cala Benirrás.
Make sure to explore the island as much as you can, perhaps by Vespa scooter or quad bike. If you happen to be on the water then you can speed along on Jet skis or take it slower by taking up some paddle boarding.
For dining out, possibilities are endless. From high-class eateries to secret local diners, the island has plenty of options for eating and drinking.
IMS Dalt Vila in Ibiza at this wonderful time of year - need we say more?
