What was the first live event that really had an impact on you ? The Homelands festival , in May 2001 , at the Matterley Bowl in Winchester . Watching dozens of incredible artists like Orbital , Carl Cox and Laurent Garnier play in front of thousands of people was a sight to behold and inspired me to want to work further in the industry .

When did you realise you wanted a career in events ? I went to university in Bournemouth to study marketing . This is where I started to meet like-minded people with a love of electronic music . Here I recognised that my passion for marketing and deep love of music could be combined by coordinating events . This is where I started my journey as a promoter and I have not looked back since . How did you get involved in Club Class Music Management and how formative was the experience ? While studying my degree I was

taken under the wing of Cliff Lay , a house music promoter from Bournemouth . I spent a couple of years trying to soak up as much information as possible as to how the industry works and what it takes to put on successful events . It ’ s from these events that I met a young DJ called Nic Fanciulli . Nic was instrumental in securing me a position at Club Class , where he held his residency . I worked as an understudy to his management team of Sergio Bienati and Greg Firth . I learnt a tremendous amount from them all and we achieved some truly great things during this time , most memorably helping to bring Radio 1 ’ s Big Weekend to Maidstone in 2008 . It was a great apprenticeship .

What were the highlights of your time at Lock ‘ N ’ Load ? After leaving Club Class in 2009 I went on to enjoy eight great years at Lock N Load . Our biggest achievement was watching our summer festival South West Four go on to reach great heights and become a key fixture in London ’ s clubbing calendar .

What ’ s your current priority at LWE ? My focus is still very much on London , pushing the electronic

scene in the city forwards and working hard to bring through the next generation that embrace our culture and its roots . Our next major project for the city is the opening of The Beams , a 4,000-capacity warehouse space located in the Royal Docks . It ’ s one of the most impressive venues I have ever stepped foot in and we can ’ t wait to open its doors later this year . In addition , we are working hard on developing our festival portfolio further in 2023 and bringing Junction 2 back to Boston Manor Park for the first time in four years . This summer also marked our first ever festival abroad , ION Festival in Albania .

Who has influenced you most in your career ? My time at Lock N Load spent working alongside Danny Newman was a phenomenal experience . His unrelenting passion and drive for our industry was a sight to behold and he taught me how hard work truly does pay off .

What is your perfect relaxing scenario ? A Sunday summer evening enjoying friends ’ company over a few drinks after a successful weekend of shows . Bliss .

50