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If you want to mark summer’s end by dancing the last of its sorry ass into the ground, Finsbury Park is the place to be this weekend. It’s hosting two consecutive one-day festivals, Ceremony, on Saturday, and United on the Sunday, both of which will be cramming untold levels of beats and bass down the throats of hordes of Ray-Ban-sporting dancefloor junkies, in the very best way possible. Here’s the vibe in five, bruv.
Retro revivalism
Both festivals take dance nostalgia to glorious new levels – in a good way. Armand Van Helden busts out a classic ’90s set at Ceremony, while United is an unashamed sweaty hug of classic bang-age: Fabio and Grooverider, Oxide And Neutrino, Ragga Twins, Lisa Lashes, Brandon Block, Pied Pier, Baby D – it’s like Y2K never happened.
Get lost in the jungle
Frankly, there’s not enough jungle rinsed through London these days – unless you go to United, that is: Kenny Ken, Nicky Blackmarket, Mickey Finn, Uncle Dugs, Jumpin Jack Frost and many more will be reinstating the rinsing.
Founders keepers
Both events are hosted – fully or partially – by Found, a promotion team that’s basically owned a big chunk of London nightlife this summer with a ton of great club nights, one-off parties and innovative festivals. These guys are pros.
US v UK
A ton of US DJ kingpins old and new will be spinning their wares at Ceremony, including DJ Sneak, Todd Terry and The Martinez Brothers. Not to be outdone, various grime dons will be repping the current sound of the UK on the Tropical stage, including mighty man of the moment Skepta, Preditah, Novelist and Plastician.
No, this is England 90
If Shane Meadows didn’t already have a soundtrack for the imminent 1990-set update of his edgy yoof drama ‘This Is England’, United would provide the inspiration. Various ’90s dance heroes will be getting the crowd misty-eyed and ready to rave, including 808 State, Graeme Park, Marshall Jefferson and Robert Owens. Grab those sunnies one last time and get on one, mate.
Read more about Ceremony and United. Both events are at Finsbury Park.