Art of Dark celebrate their 15th birthday in true extended fashion acorss 4th and 5th July. The London party starters and record label have been at the beating heart of the capital’s underground since 2011.
Headed up by Colin Chiddle, the devoted selector, curator and mind behind the spirited gatherings, Art of Dark has deservedly built a reputation for long, memorable and music-first parties. What started as a small rave for friends has grown to become one of the most influential events in the underground.
Their aesthetic is very much defined within the deep digging vinyl world with strong ties with the likes of Binh, Onur Ozer, Nicolas Lutz and the darker end of house, techno and the delightful inbetweens. Last year, they celebrated 14 years with a similar extended session with Nicolas Lutz, Juaan and Louie G. To celebrate 2026’s significant 15-year milestone, the crew goes full power for 21 hours.
First up in their spiritual home and arguably London’s best sounding club, FOLD. Perlon artist, deepest of diggers and AOD regular Binh heads up the main room. His ever-surprising sets are filled with emotion and intrigue. He’s joined by the rising live act and prolific producer, Reptant. The Australian artist has become a central tastemaker of the modern take on dark, gritty and tripped-out house-meets-techno territory.
With several sought-after records released on the likes of Kalahari Oyster Cult, Animalia and many more, it’s safe to say his tracks are in the bags of most diggers in this scene. Local selector Tommy Pickles returns to the main room, bringing his deep bag of tricks for a spin on the immense rig inside FOLD. Stefania and Sub System resident Richard Gregory finish up the main room with some trance-tinged flavours.
Out the back in the Steam Room, a fierce back-to-back project between Lukas Wigflex and Colin Chiddle aka Chid-Flex will take the reins next to DMC back to back with Shadow Science.
In true birthday fashion, the party doesn’t stop after 11 hours in FOLD. From 10 am, proceedings head over to the open-air Colour Factory where Art of Dark favourite Onur Ozer brings his wizardry. His London after-hours sets have become somewhat of a ‘never-miss’ situation for those in the know. Saro and Muster Men are joined by an unannounced guest at the after-hours, which will run until 8 pm.
After 15 years of running parties, over 20 vinyl releases and strong bonds across Europe, it’s fair to say Art of Dark’s connection to club culture is significant. Strap in for another memorable session from one of London’s most devoted crews.
Buy tickets for 15 years of Art of Dark here.
More info on Art of Dark
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