Against the stunning backdrop of Greenwich’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, something extraordinary happened this summer. Labyrinth on the Thames didn’t just launch—it exploded onto London’s cultural scene, becoming the largest outdoor dance music series ever staged at one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
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The numbers tell an incredible story: 57,000 music lovers flocked to six completely sold-out dates between July 31st and August 10th, transforming the historic Old Royal Naval College into a pulsating dance floor unlike anything London had seen before. This wasn’t just another festival—it was a cultural phenomenon that proved dance music and heritage could create something truly magical together.
The artist roster read like a who’s who of electronic music royalty. Black Coffee made history as the first DJ ever to headline the venue across two sold-out nights, while Empire of the Sun delivered their first London performance in six years to an ecstatic crowd. Solomun captivated audiences with an epic five-hour set, FISHER brought his signature energy, and Anjunadeep Open Air showcased the deeper side of electronic music. Behind the scenes, production powerhouse High Scream—the visionary team behind spectacles like the Paris 2024 Closing Ceremony—ensured every beat, light, and visual element was perfectly orchestrated for this unique setting.
What set Labyrinth apart was its commitment to giving back and celebrating local culture. The series featured 31 artists delivering 45 hours of performances, but it wasn’t all about international headliners. Trinity Laban’s summer school students took center stage on August 1st, showcasing homegrown talent alongside global superstars. The event’s heart showed through its charitable efforts, raising crucial funds for Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice, while two University of Greenwich students gained invaluable experience through full-time internships, learning the ropes of large-scale event production firsthand.
“Our first contact with Old Royal Naval College was in April 2023, so it’s almost been a 2.5 year project to see these events come to life,” revealed Nick Castleman, co-founder of Labyrinth Events. The dedication paid off spectacularly. “We made a conscious decision to go all in on production and infrastructure this summer, to ensure this was a world class production and operation fit for this historic venue.” The gamble worked. Artist, industry, and fan feedback exceeded all expectations, setting the stage for what promises to become a defining summer tradition for London.
Kate Miners, Director of Public Engagement & Commercial at the Old Royal Naval College, captured the magic perfectly: “After 600 years at the Old Royal Naval College, we’re proud to say, we’re still making history!” Watching over 50,000 people—many first-time visitors—dance against the backdrop of centuries-old architecture while connecting with the site’s rich heritage proved that bold cultural partnerships can create something unprecedented. “Our vision is to preserve heritage in a way that keeps it alive, relevant, and vibrant for everyone,” Miners noted.
The impact extended far beyond those six unforgettable nights. Attendees were encouraged to explore Greenwich’s cultural treasures, from the Queen’s House and its famous Tulip Staircase to the panoramic views at the Royal Observatory. The digital buzz matched the on-ground energy, with millions engaging online and thousands joining the growing Labyrinth and Old Royal Naval College communities.
As the inaugural Labyrinth on the Thames draws to a close, one thing is clear: this isn’t the end of the story—it’s just the beginning. What started as an ambitious vision to blend world-class dance music with London’s most beautiful historic setting has evolved into a template for how cultural events can honor the past while creating the future. With overwhelming success in year one and endless possibilities ahead, Labyrinth on the Thames has established itself as more than just a music series. It’s become a celebration of what happens when vision, heritage, and incredible music converge on the banks of the Thames.
