Hello London,

I’m Afaan - newly onboard as Lab.Club’s first science experiment, aka Club Culture Specialist. I’m a DJ, promoter, and accidental writer, which basically means I’m nearly half-deaf and have far too many opinions about nightlife. My favourite club? FOLD, hands down. Fight me. I’m drawn to the raw, experimental end of bass and techno, but truthfully, I’d dance to fart noises if they were coming through a Funktion-One system (Kidding. Mostly.)

The rave scene is picking up steam, but before throwing yourself headfirst, I’d suggest easing in with a bit of counter-cultural socialising. If you’re north like me, there’s Solar Punk Social - a community-led hangout based on sustainability practices. If you’re south, Sauna Social Club in Peckham is serving ambient music, steam, and the calm vibes you need before the storm.

Friday presents the near-impossible choice between absolute legends of their lanes. Lil’ Louis holds it down for house music at The Jazz Café. Coki brings dubstep weight to Venue M.O.T. And Dillinja, via the Metalheadz residency at Night Tales, reminds everyone where jungle and drum & bass really come from. And that’s just scratching the surface.

On Saturday, daytime ravers can catch Detroit icon Omar-S at Phonox. Those craving something dark and cerebral should head to Ormside Projects for Kangding Ray’s (a personal favourite) futuristic techno. Minimal heads are covered too, with Romanian export Cap at The Lion & The Lamb.

There’s also no shortage of free parties, open decks, and community-driven events across the city - proof that not everything worth dancing to needs a £30 ticket. And if you’ve still got energy left, Sunday offers something a little different: politics meets party with Zach Polanski on the decks at the Green Party PARTY at Heaven. Activism, but make it sweaty.

Rave Regards,
Afaan

Warm-Up Activities

Sauna Social Club @ Peckham

  • Solar Punk Social Tottenham - A midweek Solarpunk hang blending music, textiles, open mics, and DIY culture.

  • Sauna Social Club Peckham - Sauna, ice baths, and deep-listening DJ sessions. Unwind your way.

  • SHIFT.MIXER RSVP for a monthly gathering of DJs, Producers, Labels and industry heads in a London pub.

  • Green Party PARTY Heaven London - Politics meets the dancefloor: fundraising, organising, and serious bangers.

Free Events & Open Decks

Festivals + Concert Sign Ups

  • Run Away Festival Bank Holiday dance fest (23–24 May 2026). Sign up for early access.

  • Moby Live 2026 Get first access to news and tickets for Moby’s London summer 2026 performance.

  • Amelie Lens Early ticket access to one of techno's leading forces

  • Sara Landry Hard techno & transcendent experiences. Sign up for early ticket access.

London Raves This Week

Lil Louis @ The Jazz Café

Thursday
Friday
Saturday

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