Pete Tong And David Rodigan Headline The UK’s Biggest Soul & Reggae Event
Amazing sunsets, iconic white cliffs and unspoilt golden sands. An incredibly rare soul set from dance music icon Pete Tong, lashings of reggae from one of the scene’s most towering and pioneering figures in David Rodigan, endless funk and rare grooves from Norman Jay and world renowned jazz trumpeter Tom Browne, as well as five different arenas and more than 40 other acts. You can expect all this as well as comfortable accommodation and welcoming atmospheres when the Platinum Soul and Reggae hosts the biggest ever event of its kind at the newly renovated Pontins Camber Sands from July 16th – 19th 2021.
Platinum Weekender has invited some of the most influential DJs and artists in the world to create something truly special. This is a historic event that will go back to where it all started and cover all the key music movements from the 1970s, 80s and the early 1990s balanced with showcasing new, fresh and exciting contemporary sounds.
The setting for this once in a lifetime gathering is special, with a stunning natural backdrop and the gorgeous dunes all ready and waiting. Pontins Camber Sands is one of the largest holiday parks in the UK and has recently undergone a huge refurbishment. The park offers a full spectrum of facilities including a convenience store, multiple restaurants, arcades, gym, swimming pool, four fully licensed music and entertainment halls, Go-Kart track, chill out zones and much more.
The big news is that Pete Tong is to play a landmark soul set for the first time in 30 years. The man is best known for championing new music, which he has done for decades on Radio 1 via his iconic Essential Mix and various other influential shows. But he actually has roots in soul music that go way back. In his earliest years in music he worked as part of the Kent “Soul Mafia” bringing soul weekenders to seaside towns such as Caister-on-Sea and Prestatyn and in 1979 was even an advertising sales assistant for Blues & Soul Magazine. As such this music runs deep in his bones so to hear him play a very personal selection of soul for the first time in three decades will be magic.
Performing on the same night will be the one and only Norman Jay. An icon since the 80s, he has very much shaped the soul, disco, funk, acid jazz and rare groove scene over the years and that is reflected with his MBE status. What he doesn’t know about these sounds isn’t worth knowing so expect a real masterclass. Meanwhile, bringing more world class rhythms will be David Rodigan, the original reggae and dancehall selector and soundclash champion. He is known the world over for his impeccable taste and long radio station presence on the likes of Kiss 100 and BBC Radio 1Xtra. As well as these headliners, there are more than 40 further acts all lined up to keep the good times flowing all weekend long.
The line-up has been carefully curated according to the time of day with a daytime program jam packed full of music, food, socialising and dancing. There will also be special Sunset at Camber Sands sessions that will send shivers down your spine and evening events across five different areas from 10pm – 5am including the MAIN ROOM for big sounds from the pioneers, REGGAE ROOM which is dedicated to Reggae and Lovers Rock with an enhanced sound system, JAZZ FUNK SOUL ROOM for afternoon sessions and late-night gatherings and THE UP-FRONT ROOM for diverse sounds both old and new music. You can also expect special live shows in the outdoor LIVE SESSIONS arena, a more laid-back environment for socialising.
The team behind this stunning festival has been putting on events for the last seven years in places all over the world. This year they head to the USA for the first time as well as hosting the Boogaloo Weekender in October. They have a wealth of experience and know how and always ensure every single detail is taken care of with the utmost care and attention.
Says Director Jamie Costello, “The Platinum Weekender was created as an extension to our successful overseas events that have been experiencing huge growth year on year, mainly because of our cutting edge and diverse music policy. We welcome people from all walks of life and one of our biggest USP’s is our friendly crowd who know their stuff when it comes to music. Everyone is made to feel welcome and feel like part of the family by the time our events finish. Our team is made up of myself and Leemoore Smith, who have been hosting Soul & Reggae events internationally for the past 7 years and Rob Lawrence, who was involved in the very first Caister Soul Weekenders from the late 70’s. The response for our first Platinum Weekender has been unbelievable, as we look to deliver a weekender that will enable people to really let loose after an awful 15 months for everyone both in and outside of the industry”.
As well as the music, the whole site will become an adult playground with a fitness program devised by Troy Dureh from FightKlub, Yoga, Roller Disco, traditional seaside fun and games, Tribe Tug of War, Hopelessly talentless competition, five a side, aqua aerobics, The Pool Party, Bingo, Drunken Doddle Contest, The Platinum All Star Band, National Limbo Championships, Mr & Mrs Platinum and much more.
A Covid Policy is in place which means you can dance safely and your money is protected if the event does not go ahead due to Covid restrictions.
