Labyrinth on the Thames has made history in its debut year, becoming the biggest outdoor dance music series ever staged in Greenwich. Organisers have confirmed that the inaugural event sold 57,000 tickets across six sold-out dates at the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Royal Naval College.
The series, which took place over the first two weekends in August, featured a world-class lineup of electronic talent. Highlights included two sold-out nights headlined by Black Coffee, the first DJ to ever do so at the venue, alongside Empire of the Sun’s first London performance in six years, a five-hour set from Solomun, and an Anjunadeep Open Air showcase.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Nick Castleman, co-founder of Labyrinth Events, commented on the team’s ambitions. He said: “The feedback from the artists, industry and fans has been beyond our wildest dreams and we’re all so excited to see how we can develop this concept year on year to create a summer gem for London.”
Read the official press release in full below:
Labyrinth on the Thames has made history in it’s debut year, selling 57,000 tickets across six sold-out dates to become the biggest outdoor dance music series ever staged in Greenwich, celebrating homegrown talent, and bringing world-class performances to a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The first-ever Labyrinth on the Thames has drawn to a close with resounding success, welcoming 57,000 attendees across six sold-out dates (31 July, 1, 2, 8, 9, 10 August) and making history as the biggest outdoor dance music series ever staged at one of London’s most beautiful and iconic landmarks in Greenwich.
With a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the dance floor, the series brought together some of the world’s most celebrated dance music talent. Highlights included Black Coffee, the first DJ ever to headline the venue across two sold-out nights, Empire of the Sun’s first London show in 6 years, a 5 hour Solomun set, FISHER, and Anjunadeep Open Air, with production by High Scream, the visionary events team behind globally recognised spectacles such as the Paris 2024 Closing Ceremony.
Over six spectacular dates, the historic riverside setting of the Old Royal Naval College was transformed into a world-class stage for live music, all while maintaining a strong commitment to community, heritage, and cultural engagement. The series featured 31 artists, delivering 45 hours of performances ranging from international headliners to local talent.
As part of its pledge to give back, the event raised funds for Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice through on-site charity activations, supporting essential services for those with terminal illnesses and their families. The programme also included two full-time internships in partnership with the University of Greenwich, offering local students valuable hands-on experience in delivering large-scale events.
Homegrown talent was also in the spotlight, with Trinity Laban’s summer school performing on the main stage on Friday 1 August. Visitors were encouraged to explore Greenwich’s vibrant cultural scene from the Queen’s House and its famous Tulip Staircase, to the panoramic views at the Royal Observatory.
Nick Castleman, co-founder of Labyrinth Events, said: “Our first contact with Old Royal Naval College was in April 2023, so it’s almost been a 2.5 year project to see these events come to life. We’re all ecstatic with how the series has panned out. We made a conscious decision to go all in on production and infrastructure this summer, to ensure this was a world class production and operation fit for this historic venue. The feedback from the artists, industry and fans has been beyond our wildest dreams and we’re all so excited to see how we can develop this concept year on year to create a summer gem for London. A huge thank you to the Old Royal Naval College for their trust and all of their team’s hard work in bringing this off. It takes hundreds of people to make these shows happen, who work day in, day out and we’re grateful to all of you.”
Kate Miners, Director of Public Engagement & Commercial, Old Royal Naval College, added: “After 600 years at the Old Royal Naval College, we’re proud to say, we’re still making history! Labyrinth On The Thames was one of those remarkable cultural milestones that remind us why we do what we do. To see over 50,000 people, many visiting for the first time, not only immersed in the music and experience, but also connecting with the heritage, dancing against the backdrop of this iconic UNESCO World Heritage site, was truly inspiring. Our vision is to preserve heritage in a way that keeps it alive, relevant, and vibrant for everyone. Partnering with Labyrinth Events was a bold step, and one that paid off. We’re thrilled to have taken this journey together, and we’re only just getting started.”
The event’s digital reach mirrored the buzz on the ground, with millions engaging in the experience and thousands of new followers joining the Labyrinth and Old Royal Naval College community online.
Labyrinth Events extends its thanks to the venue, artists, its partners, the local community, and the audiences who made this inaugural edition an overwhelming success.
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