With an array of well known artists lined up to perform on the poolside stage from 4pm Radio 1’s renowned party had been the hottest topic in Ibiza for the past week. Beginning the evening’s entertainment was Rob Da Bank’s Wig party which saw the likes of SBTRK, DJ Alfredo and Professor Green take the stage.
By the time the live broadcasting began for Radio 1 from 8pm the main dance floor and surrounding areas were all packed with the people who were lucky enough to bag themselves one of the free wristbands. Whispers of some special guests were also in circulation adding to the buzzing atmosphere, and with Example opening the show with his track Changed the way you kiss me getting the party started.
BBC’s Annie Mac hosted the start of the event and did a great job of keeping the diverse crowd of VIPs, tourists and workers in high spirits. With such a plush and unique venue this years party oozed a certain exclusivity and with grand four poster beds laid out around the brightly lit up pool area every guest was bound to feel part of an elite club. From celebrities like Vernon Kay, Coleen Rooney and Tulisa from N-Dubz walking around Ushuaia’s decked areas to the stella line up of infamous artists BBC Radio 1 definitely appeared to have pulled out all the stops as their party returned to Ibiza for another year.
Taking into account that Ibiza is famous for electronic music it was no surprise that Ushuaia saw a range of world class DJ’s perform short but impressive sets. Unlike a typical dance music gig the party was more like a mini festival and also saw various live vocalists accompany the DJ’s sets making the event far more enjoyable as the crowd were able to sing along to their favourite tracks and watch a more exhilarating performance.
The event also saw different genres of music entwine, from the distinctive duo The 2 Bears to a performance by Dub-step’s Skream featuring vocals from Sam Frank which made the crowd go crazy. Smoke machines, lasers, light shows and pool lights which continuously changed colours also added to the wildly unique vibe that was apparent from the start of the party.
Calvin Harris was amongst the DJ’s who gave an uplifting and greatly received performance, smashing out hits such as Flashback and Bounce ft. Kelis. By the end of his set Ushuaia’s paddling pool was heaving with party goers having a great time splashing away to the beat. Soon enough 10 o’clock came and Pete Tong took the mic to host the end part of the show and he made sure he was warmly welcomed by introducing Subliminal sensation Erick Morillo which increased the constant air of excitement some more.
Then the time to announce a special guest had come and with the crowd eagerly awaiting Pete Tong introduced David Guetta which made the whole venue erupt. Playing his newest release Lunar ft. Afrojack for the first time this season was a nice touch and it was at this point that Ushuaia truly went crazy and stepped up another level.
Thinking the show couldn’t surprise and excite the crowd much more DJ Whiz kid James Zabiela and his famous iPad connected with the audience and Azari & III performed one of this summers favourite tune’s Hungry for the power, as well as an unexpected but fantastically welcomed appearance from Tiesto.
Once the final hour had begun the legend that is Carl Cox began his long awaited set which began by going back to back with Pete Tong and in the year of his 10th anniversary as an Ibiza resident at super club Space he didn’t disappoint with the perfect finale. As the crowd reluctantly left this seasons most unique party the doors of Space seemed to pull Ushuaia’s revellers towards it for part two of the BBC Radio 1 weekend.
