After regretfully not being able to attend the enormous Calvin Harris opening party at Ushuaïa Ibiza, we counted down the days until date number two and headed to the impressive open-air venue on Friday 9 August to soak up all the action.
Of course, going to see an award-winning megastar perform, our expectations were high. But, little did I know that the party would be a worthy winner of my favourite clubbing moment of the 2019 season so far. Here's why this party is nothing short of incredible.As a devoted clubber with a manifestation of love for the Ibiza clubbing scene, there is a great number of events I thoroughly enjoy and intend to experience with enthusiasm. There are also a handful of events which may not always be my cup of tea, but attend with an open mind and appreciation of other peoples preferences. On Friday, the Calvin Harris party made for the easiest indulgent of clubbing I have ever experienced.
Enthusiastic clubbers arrived from all corners of the island and Jamie River and underground tastemaker Monki warmed up the crowd nicely. Making an exciting debut to Ushuaïa Ibiza, Sonny Fodera was up next.
We danced to a few samples from his latest album Rise. Tracks included 'Into You' and 'The Moment'. Lead vocal tunes with pop sensibilities and EDM flavoured snare rolls and drops had everyone's hands in the air.
A speedy 10-minute changeover gave us enough time to recharge before EDM maestro Calvin Harris headlined the event. All eyes were on the stage. Ushuaïa Ibiza rattled with screams and cheers as he conveniently opened the event with 'This Is What You Came For'.
Playing a rotating selection of chart-topping bangers, we were reminded of just how many hugely popular records Calvin Harris has produced. There aren't many DJ's who can perform an entire hour-and-a-half set filled with all of their own chart-topping hits, albeit a couple. It was like a 'Flashback' into the past as the nostalgic song selection complied of many hits from his long-standing career in dance music.
With explosive confetti cannons, festival-style production, fireworks and more, the breath-taking venue makes for an idyllic location for a performer worthy of superstar status. As a Calvin fan, the playlist was all that we had hoped for and more. Highlights from the evening included 'Summer', 'One Kiss', 'Feel So Close' and his remix of Florence and the Machine's 'Spectrum (Say My Name)'.
Coloured laser beams slashed through the crowd and illuminated the venue. Despite being extremely busy, everybody was in high spirits and it didn't stop us from finding space to dance. The euphoric atmosphere and care-free vibe lifted us off the ground throughout the party as we jumped to every beat.
Tech-heavy beats including Solardo's 'XTC' refreshed the playlist and had everyone raving. We want more!
During 'We Found Love' featuring Rihanna, a sea of mobile phones were in the air to capture the moment. As Calvin Harris dipped the music, the audience sang in unison the lyrics to one of the star's most prolific and memorable songs.
After returning to the White Isle last summer and smashing a short but sweet three-date residency at Pacha, we were under no illusion that the open-air party would become one of the hottest tickets of the season. The Night League have smashed it once again as this night was yet another sell-out phenomenon.
Calvin Harris, We'll be coming back for you next week.
With a double-dosage of Calvin Harris at Pacha on Tuesday's, you have two opportunities to catch the star in action throughout the week.
Click here for more info and tickets to Calvin Harris at Ushuaïa Ibiza every Friday until 6 September.
Words: Holly Woulfe
