Weekend preview | BBC Radio 1 Dance: Ibiza

About BBC Radio 1 Dance: Ibiza

Since the summer of 1995, BBC Radio 1 has touched down annually on the Spanish party island of Ibiza. Conceived by veteran broadcaster Pete Tong, the legendary weekender has become an institution which shows no signs of slowing down as it reaches its 30th anniversary milestone.

Taking place in peak summer, with school, college and university holidays well underway, the island is already firing on all cylinders, the temperature is at its hottest and the dancefloors at their craziest. Just like every summer, the weekend spans multiple locations.

Here's what is going down across the entire extended weekend from Friday to Monday.

Schedule

1 August
16:00 - 23:59 | BBC Radio 1 Dance: Ibiza | 528 Ibiza | BUY TICKETS
23:00 - 06:00 | BBC Radio 1 Dance X After Party | Amnesia | BUY TICKETS

2 August
15:00 - 23:00 | ANTS x Radio 1 Dance X | Ushuaïa Ibiza | BUY TICKETS
23:30 - 06:00 | elrow x Radio 1 Dance X | [UNVRS] | BUY TICKETS

3 August
23:30 - 06:00 | Glitterbox x Radio 1 Dance X | Hï Ibiza | BUY TICKETS

4 August
13:00 - 20:00 | BBC Radio 1 Dance X Pool Party | Ibiza Rocks | BUY TICKETS

Friday

BBC Radio 1 Dance: Ibiza | 528 Ibiza | 16:00 - 23:59

From 16:00, BBC Radio 1 commences its esteemed extravaganza at outdoor venue 528 Ibiza in the Benimussa Hills. Marking the start of an incredible weekend ahead, this party is curated solely by Radio 1 itself and will of course be broadcasted live back in the UK and online.

With multiple stages scattered throughout the picturesque site, roster highlights include performances from top DJs Sonny Fodera, Disciples, Chris Lake, Miss Monique, Alok and plenty more.

A free shuttle bus takes partygoers to and from the venue, via the San Antonio bus station - so no need to spend money on a taxi!

If last year is anything to go by, then this hotly-tipped party is one for your calendar. Tickets are very limited, so don't delay if you want to attend the main event.

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BBC Radio 1 Dance X After Party | Amnesia | 23:00 - 06:00

Following the daytime festival, the celebrations continue just down the road as the official BBC Radio 1 Dance X After Party takes over super-club Amnesia. While most of the bill remains under wraps, we do know that Josh Baker is set to go back-to-back with Kettama.

Amnesia is a legendary club on Ibiza for many reasons. Here is your chance to experience it on the hottest weekend of the year. Just take our advice: keep your eye out for those explosions of CO2.

Who knows, there might also be some unannounced appearances...

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Saturday

ANTS x BBC Radio 1 Dance X | Ushuaïa Ibiza | 15:00 - 23:00

On Saturday afternoon from 15:00, Ushuaïa Ibiza's famed all-black ANTS party will be live streamed, as Radio 1 Dance patriarch Pete Tong leads the pack. He will be joined by an incredible line-up of talent including John Summit, Franky Rizardo, Cloonee and Max Styler.

We recommend saving money on entry by considering either of the two early-entry discount options.

Unlike the previous day's parties, this takes place on the opposite side of the island. Ushuaïa is located on the east side of the island in the resort of Playa d'en Bossa.

Taxis can get expensive, so we recommend using the very reliable disco bus service, which departs San Antonio bus station regularly. Single tickets cost €5 each way.

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elrow x BBC Radio 1 Dance X | [UNVRS] | 23:30 - 06:00

Chances are, you already have at least a passing understanding of what elrow is, given its the most visible clubbing brand on the planet. But in case you don't, let us bring you up to speed...

With larger-than-life characters in full cos-play, interactive games, confetti explosions, giant inflatables and its renowned Tech House sound, elrow has easily become one of the most recognisable party brands on the planet. It's massive.

Known for its solid roster of residents and the huge special guests that they reel in to each party. It's no different for this collaboration with Radio 1, as HUGEL, Arielle Free, George Privatti and Matroda all take to the stage.

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Sunday

Glitterbox x BBC Radio 1 Dance X | Hï Ibiza | 23:30 - 06:00

Sunday night will commission the sounds of Disco and authentic House music from 23:30 at Hï Ibiza, as Glitterbox hosts Roger Sanchez, Dan Shake b2b Myd, Dames Brown (live), DJ Minx, Eli Escobar, Floorplan, Gok Wan and Mike Dunn.

There will of course be more magic in the Wild Corner too. For those that don't know, that's the crazy toilet rave! You'll want your phone fully-charged for that one.

Hï Ibiza is DJ Mag's reigning world's number one club after picking up the accolade for the fourth consecutive year. What a great opportunity to see the club in full flow and understand why it is so highly regarded amongst the legions of clubbers who voted for it.

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Monday

BBC Radio 1 Dance X Pool Party | Ibiza Rocks | 13:00 - 20:00

Mondays just hit different on Ibiza - and Radio 1 knows it! What more excuse do you need to extend your weekend?

Close things out in the most spectacular way possible, by heading over to Ibiza Rocks for a day in the sunshine with the BBC Radio 1 Dance X Pool Party. Here you can find Radio 1 Dance DJs as well as Ibiza Rocks residents taking over the "home of the pool party" all day long.

Weetabix-munching viral sensation Fish56Octagon is the headliner, with on-air talents Charlie Hedges and Connor Coates joining the action.

MAP | MORE INFO | BUY TICKETS

What you can expect

BBC Radio 1's annual pilgrimage is a rite of passage for Radio 1's young listener base. For many of them, this will be their first experience of Ibiza - and what an introduction. There's a reason why this is the busiest weekend of the summer.

If you're visiting for the first time, be prepared to fall in love with the island.

Of course, you're not strictly limited to only hitting the parties happening within the weekend programme, there's plenty more going on aside. For a comprehensive overview of everything going on and those all important tickets, please visit our world famous party calendar.

Useful quick links

• party calendar
• disco bus info
• Ibiza Virgins' guides

WORDS | by Lissy Lübeck and Stephen Hunt