Here on the party island of Ibiza, two things are a given:
1. you are never short of options
2. the chances of missing your scheduled flight home are increased tenfold
Me being me and lacking willpower, I succumbed to the classic holiday-turned-season scenario. I have the insane summer party line-ups to blame for my decision.
After missing the last three seasons, the FOMO well and truly got the better of me. I decided to strap my dancing shoes back on and do it all over again. Just "one more time", I tell myself with bated breath… Here are my standouts from this season's party calendar.
Charlotte de Witte | Joseph Capriati presents Metamorfosi | Amnesia | 28 July
Fusing Techno and Tech House sounds, Joseph Capritai presents Metamorfosi takes place at lionised super-club Amnesia. Returning for his second season at the club, the genre-blending guru invites Techno's leading names to the iconic Terraza and Main Room.
Sven Väth, Indira Paganotto and Frank Storm garnished the party's launch this past Friday, each recognised as Techno royalty across the island if not the globe. The second date is equally as decorated, with Charlotte de Witte returning to the club for the first time since summer 2019.
For me, this one is a certified must.
Marco Carola & Solomun | Pacha's 50th Anniversary Party | Destino & Pacha | 2 August
In honour of Pacha's 50th anniversary, it seems only right that the club pulls out all the stops to celebrate. With a Solomun-Carola back-to-back it seems the powers that be have done exactly that.
For the first time ever, the stellar selectors will partner to deliver a set that ravers like you and I could only previously dream of. Blending Melodic Techno with bass-heavy House, this party promises to perforate eardrums (but in the best way).
You better believe I'll be there, front and centre. Don't forget, this one starts in the early evening at sister venue, Destino, so we get two helpings of Solomun and Carola together.
Oden & Fatzo | Defected | Eden | 11 August
Since giving the post-pandemic 2021 season a miss, each and every Ibiza veteran deserves the opportunity to see Oden & Fatzo blast Lauren in the island’s home of house music - Eden. What better night to do so than Defected?
Here the trio will join island mainstay Darius Syrossian and DJ Paulette for what I believe could be one of San Antonio's distinctive dates this season. Almost makes me want to put on a boiler suit. Let's sing it together: "'Cause I can't stay forever, 'cause I can't stay foreveeeeeeeeer."
DJ Heartstring | Ben Helmsley pool party | Ibiza Rocks | 17 September
Having lived the last five winters of my life in the 'Toon and therefore considering myself somewhat of an honorary Geordie, I felt compelled to mention a party that I - and, I'm sure, the rest of Newcastle - are ridiculously excited for.
After a year of success, island newcomer Ben Helmsley brings an eight-week residency to the poolside at Ibiza Rocks. At the seventh party, my current number-one DJs of the moment DJ Heartstring join his side. If you don't know, get to know.
Offering Hardstyle, Trance and old-school euphoric goodness, this one will certainly push the boundaries of what is considered the musical norm of the Balearics. Tug at your heartstring, this probably won't!
Tale Of Us present Afterlife closing party | Ushuaïa & Hï Ibiza | 5 October
Without doubt, the final place in my summer bucket list is taken by the Afterlife closing party, or should I say, parties. Gracing not one but two venues for their final show, Tale Of Us plan to storm Playa d'en Bossa with an army packing some very heavy artillery.
Adriatique, Kobosil and Anetha are just a few of the artists partaking in this epic Ushuaïa-Hï Ibiza crossover, seeing us through from day to night.
From 17:00 through to 23:00 ravers can enjoy the signature Progressive Techno sounds of Afterlife under the sun at open-air Ushuaia.
Afterwards, the party continues a mere 100 metres across the street at Ushuaïa's sister venue Hï Ibiza from 23:00. Here, partygoers can opt for heavier, Berlin Tech vibes in the Club Room or continue riding the melodic wave with Tale of Us and friends in The Theatre.
You've probably seen videos of the famed Afterlife production by now. If not, give it a search on social media - that sells itself. See you there!
Need any further recommendations? Lissy, Jo, Hayley and Steve's picks are also online now.
Head to our party calendar for full line-ups and tickets, as well as a week-by-week schedule of all clubs across the island.
