Pier Jam comes to Hastings next month

‘Pier Jam Set to Conquer Hastings – The UK’s most exciting series of day-time electronic music events heads to Hastings Pier’ ran the headline on the press release. An intriguing prospect that moved HOT’s Elderly-and-Out-of-Touch Correspondent, Toby Sargent, to find out what it all means.

This is a sort of disco, I thought, as I glanced down the itinerary for Saturday 24 September on our pier. The presence of a number of DJs on the list told me that. It brought back memories of Saturday Night Fever and white suits in the mid 70s, and evenings before even that when bubble-permed disc jockeys with satin shirts unbuttoned to the midriff would open with Brown Sugar and close with Hi Ho Silver Lining.

Rather different

This, though, is rather different, thank goodness. These days the DJ is an infinitely more creative figure, using mixing technology and imagination to create an experience that bears no resemblance to the procession of floor-fillers and smoochy ballads of its equivalent half a century ago.

The Pier Jam experience began in Blackpool on that town’s famous North Pier last year and proved to be hugely successful. Combining sunshine, sea and outstanding sets from some of the world’s best artists in this field, it’s now leaving its spiritual home in the north west to come down to us.

A one-off event

The Hastings show is a one-off event, starting at 14.00 on Saturday 24 September and running until 23.00. Featuring Area 10 with MK, Hannah Wants, Camelphat,
KC Lights and more, there will be two outdoor stages where, as the PR describes it, ‘2,500 party people will be able to soak up the sunshine, sea air and some of the best DJ talent around.’

At this point, in fact, I’d better hand over to the organisers completely:

‘This exclusive event . . is set to be the start of an annual summer series, features none other than Pier Jam firm favourite, MK; the DJ / Producer responsible for creating some of the defining sounds and biggest tracks of early house, smashing the UK charts with his remixes of Storm Queen’s Look Right Through and Wankelmut’s My Head Is A Jungle and is now influencing a new generation with his unique, stripped back style.

‘Joining MK, we welcome Pacha music awards’ 2015 Best Bass DJ & BMA’s 2015 Best DJ; Hannah Wants. A child of the garage generation, Hannah Wants has validated herself as a world renowned DJ with some serious credentials. Armed with an innate desire and passion to practise the art of DJing from a young age, Hannah Wants has acquired an individual hard-hitting style and true competence behind the decks as well as a global army of supporters that will see her name remain at the forefront of the electronic music scene.

Not Pete Tong

Mysterious DJ duo Camelphat round up the line up alongside KC Lights who has been gaining huge support from the likes of Annie Mac, Danny Howard and Pete Tong for his current track Temptation.

Got that? Me, I sort of drifted off at the word ‘Wankelmut’ but then it’s not aimed at me. But it is reassuring, I think, to note that the organisers do run a tight ship. There’s a dress code, for example, and a ban on bringing in items including food, alcohol, flares (that’s the firework thing, not the fashionable trousers of my youth), and selfie-sticks (hurrah!). Everyone will be searched coming in and medical facilities will be available, with trained medics to help if the party proves to be too much for anyone.

Most importantly to note, however, is that it is for over-18s only, and checks will be made.

Director of Pier Jam, James Cohen, says:

‘We are really excited to bring Pier Jam to Hastings for a one-off event this Summer. Following the recent development of Hastings Pier along with its size and location, it is an ideal venue to host our first event outside of Blackpool, which is set to be the start of an annual series of events as we look to expand Pier Jam across the UK.’

So if you fancy a unique day-time party vibe, tickets are on sale now with Early Bird tickets starting from just £15, available online.

 

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