Preview: the summer’s best outdoor parties

Let’s face it – summer’s a quiet time in the clubs. The students have all gone back to Surrey, the DJs are in Croatia and Ibiza, and everyone else just wants to have a pint outside. To make matters worse for the party faithful, St Pauls Carnival – traditionally the jewel in Bristol’s summer crown – has been cancelled, which means no soundsystems, no after-parties and a sense of forlorn emptiness where the rum punch and jerk chicken should be.  Happily, there are a few events coming up this month combining outdoor living with music you can dance to.  

First up, the good people at Who Cares throw a party on what would have been Carnival day itself. Known for their sold out midweek sessions at The Crofters Rights, they’re one of the most exciting new promoters in town, and this is the first in a series of outdoor events they have planned for the near future. The party – which takes place from 1pm to 9pm on Saturday, July 4 – is being held outside Lakota and Old Coroner’s Court; entry is free and all donations will go to the Carnival.  Expect sets from residents Jus Now, New York Transit Authority and GotSome, as well as a couple of a high profile guest or two the promoters are refusing to let us talk about. 

Then, on Saturday, July 11, Corona SunSets (see main pic above) returns to Weston after storming the seafront this time last year. The organisers have already announced Clean Bandit, Groove Armada, Rob da Bank, Eton Messy and Claptone for this year’s event, and we’d expect them to add a few more names to that list before the big day. Also on Saturday 11, there’s a daytime party and barbecue at Motion. It’s hosted by drum & bass mega-brand Hospitality and features sets from (among others) London Elektricity, Fred V & Grafix, Steve Lynx, Nu:Tone and Bristol godhead DJ Die.  

Finally, on August 1, The Blast get in on the action. They’ve been among Bristol’s most successful club promoters for years but amazingly this is the first time they’ve taken the party outside. While previous events have featured everything from dancehall to the bassier end of house, this one – a collaboration with Bodynod – is dedicated to all things grimey.  Bristol favourites Joker and Buggsy get together in the headline slot, while supports include Ghetts, Big Narstie, Woz and Chimpo. Also on the bill is Logan Sama, probably the grime scene’s most influential DJ, who is joined on the mic by Roll Deep members Manga and Scratchy.  

Who Cares? Day Party is at Coroners Court on Saturday, July 4. For more information visit fb.com/whocares 

Corona SunSets is at Weston-Super-Mare beach on Saturday, July 11. For more information visit www.coronasunsets.com

Hospitality BBQ is at Motion on Saturday, July 11. For more information visit www.motionbristol.com 

The Blast Summer BBQ is at Motion on Saturday, August 1. For more information visit www.motionbristol.com