Drumsheds 2023 Season Review

Broadwick Live proves big is beautiful with DRUMSHEDS opening AW23 season.

DRUMSHEDS has always been a statement of intent from Broadwick Live, the team behind London’s most innovative spaces. From its inception, it has been a bold, big and beautiful project that was going to change the face of London culture as we knew it. As the first season closes it’s clear Broadwick Live has been successful in its mission to bring a new offering to London, hosting a trailblazing opening season of 14 shows that have pushed the boundaries of guest experience; fusing art, technology, music and production. A 608,000sq ft space, with a 15,000 capacity week in, week out, was a brave undertaking, but DRUMSHEDS has exceeded expectations and shouted loudly and proudly about what they are – especially with its bold creative campaign ‘BIG IS BEAUTIFUL’ featuring female bodybuilder Michelle Wilson, created by Broadwick Live Design team  in collaboration with Stink Films, directed by Eoin Glasiter. As we close out the first shows, we look back on some highlights and make a nod towards the next SS24 shows.

The monumental multi-room warehouse space hosted a solid selection of shows, each crafted to offer a different experience for music fans across the spectrum. Worried About Henry blasted its way across X, Y, and Z presenting a heavy array of selectors from the bass realm with headliners Andy C and Sub Focus, which also saw a special appearance from Dizzee Rascal, JME, D Double E during Turno’s set.

TICKETS ON SALE FOR SS24 ON SALE HERE.

Later in the season, Jamie Jones made his long-awaited return to London with his Paradise party. Pulling in tech/house royalty from around the world, as well as local talent, the sold-out showcase saw the likes of Marco Carola, Hot Since 82, a special b2b from Seb Zito & Archie Hamilton as well as the head honcho himself grace the space. 

Piano People championed the sounds of amapiano, bringing a 10-hour South African groove marathon to Meridian Water. The indoor winter festival was the biggest Amapiano gathering in the UK, boasting a golden lineup billed with the best names from this trailblazing movement. Major League DJz, special guest DJ Maphorisa and Charisse C all brought their flavours to a crowd that exuded unmatchable energy on the dance floor. 

Another highlight was the very first False Idols, masterminded by the team behind Little Gay Brother, Percolate and Broadwick Live. Sugababes, Shygirl, Job Jobse b2b Saoirse, Jamz Supernova, Josh Caffé, Jodie Harsh, Paranoid London, Grace Sands and more were all vital parts of this first outing of False Idols. The new party promised to evolve the club landscape and yes, it delivered in style, uniting party people, dancers, performers, live acts and scene stalwarts including, HRH Princess Julia who delivered a message to the crowd in queer language Polari – Putting its queer stamp on DRUMSHEDS, False Idols was divine chaos all day long.

Long-running acclaimed institution The Hydra, made its DRUMSHEDS debut curated by long-term affiliates BICEP. The metal industrial space provided the home for a late-night session of bass, dubstep, grime, jungle and techno from leading names including Kessler, Jay Carder, Special Request, SHERELLE, Daphni and the Belfast duo themselves. Bringing the show to a wild show-stopping finish, the two brought a fresh arsenal of music to their set paired with the remarkable works, lights and lasers of audio visual-collective CHROMA. 

Ending the season on a high was the much-hyped Más Tiempo presented by Skepta and Jammer, with a sold our takeover returning back to their roots in North London. The powerhouse duo schooled the crowd in house history alongside some of the most cherished talent in the game. Special guest Green Velvet pushed his unique house and techno infusion with his synonymous vocals in the X room as well as international legend Loco Dice. UK Bass and House extraordinaire DJ EZ also graced the space shutting down the Y room with his high-energy selects and edits.

Setting the tone and bringing the missing piece of the puzzle to the North of London, DRUMSHEDS has announced a major calendar of events for its second season and promises to push the bar to new heights for 2024. Kicking things off with a bass bang, Chase and Status are in the building for a live show.

 Drumcode brings their biggest show to date in the UK, with label and party founder Adam Beyer including Kölsch and an audio-visual spectacle from Rebūke. Worried About Henry is back and celebrating 10 years of bass with Wilkinson, Shy FX and special guest Netsky. Craig David’s TS5 touches down in London for an indoor festival with Jax Jones and more.

Radio 1 Dance will see trance hero’s Above and Beyond supported by tastemakers such as DJ Seinfeld. Amelie Lens brings her techno paradise EXHALE with a weighty array of names such as VTSS. 

Bonobo will be presenting his curation, Outliner for the beast that is The Hydra with a special b2b from Kerri Chandler and DJ Tennis. James Hype and MEDUZA bring ‘OUR HOUSE’ to the warehouse for a day of contemporary house and tech. 

Devised by Broadwick Live the team behind Printworks, Field Day, Beams and more leading music brands, DRUMSHEDS has made its mighty stand proving yet again their capabilities in culture. Broadwick is dedicated to driving real impact through compelling live experiences in unique spaces that are home to communities and cultures. With the second season announced, DRUMSHEDS is here to stay and returning with yet another brigade of names and opportunities for memories to be made.