History was well and truly made last Friday when the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its grandeur and regal charm, transformed into a cathedral of sound for an unforgettable night of electronic music. Against the dramatic backdrop of London’s maritime history, legendary DJ Solomun delivered a five-hour, uninterrupted masterclass in melodic house and techno, proving once again why he remains one of the most captivating figures in dance music.
The setting alone was breathtaking with pastel skies melting into golden hour as planes descended through a cloudless evening, the Thames glinting just beyond the crowd. The stage, reminiscent of Glastonbury’s iconic Levels, sat in perfect contrast to the architecture’s Baroque symmetry, futuristic sounds bouncing off centuries-old stone. The crowd, a mix of old-school ravers and impeccably dressed newcomers, brought their A-game, creating an atmosphere that was both electric and elegant.
Between bursts of dancing, revellers found refuge in a designated seating area, ideal for people-watching as the sun dipped behind the buildings. The VIP bar, housed in the awe-inspiring Painted Hall, was a world unto itself: 3,700 square metres of intricately painted Baroque ceilings and walls, offering a majestic pause from the high-energy pulse outside.
As darkness fell, a full moon rose over the Thames while red and green lasers lit up the night, cutting between the spires and domes. It felt more like a festival than central London. Ahead of the event, I caught up with Nick Castleman and Michael Dicks, founders of Labyrinth, the independent promoters behind the show.
What inspired the choice of venue for the event?
The Old Royal Naval College is one of London’s most iconic and visually stunning locations steeped in history and set on the banks of the Thames. As independent promoters, we’re constantly looking to push boundaries and reimagine how and where people experience music. This venue allows us to create something truly one-of-a-kind: a world-class electronic music event set against the grandeur of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For us, it’s about merging culture and community with cutting-edge production, and this venue offered the perfect canvas to do just that.
What can attendees expect from Solomun’s set and performance?
Solomun isn’t just a DJ, he’s a master storyteller. His sets are immersive journeys, often spanning genres and emotional tempos, and his ability to read and move a crowd is second to none. Fans can expect a five-hour deep dive into his expansive record collection, filled with signature melodic house, techno, and moments of pure euphoria. With Labyrinth’s high-spec production and the energy of the open-air riverside setting, this is shaping up to be a landmark night in the London summer calendar.
Can you share any insights into the creative process behind organising such a large-scale event?
Curating Labyrinth on the Thames has been about more than booking talent, it’s about storytelling through space and sound. From navigating the historic site to designing a production build that complements rather than competes with the architecture, every detail has been intentional. We work closely with local authorities, suppliers, and creatives to ensure the experience is seamless and respectful of the location, while still delivering the magic Labyrinth is known for. It’s a true collaboration between music, heritage, and innovation.
How important do you feel live music events like this are for the community and cultural scene in London?
London is one of the most culturally rich cities in the world in terms of its history and creative output. Through these events we get to champion both – the iconic Old Royal Naval College, which is a historic UK feature and some of the most creative contemporary artists of our time. This is an honour that we don’t take lightly. This year we partnered with the local music & dance school at Old Royal Naval College – Trinity Laban, whose summer students used our main stage for their end of school performance. We hope that our events can connect deeper with the community in years to come and play a part in inspiring London’s next generation of artists.
Words by Ama Samra
Photography Ross Davidson
