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On Fire 🔥

by Editorial Team 2 April 2025
Ivybridge and Rural Police reported that officers responded to notifications of an ongoing rave at Cadover Bridge around 07:00 BST.
by Editorial Team 21 March 2025
Alkie, one half of the Symbiosis duo, has created an inaugural mix that highlights his favourite house sounds. This episode showcases a variety of tracks that have resonated with him over time. Listeners can expect to traverse the house music spectrum throughout the mix. Alkie is a noteworthy addition to the house music landscape.
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Sonar Events 2025

The Club Nights Taking Over Plymouth’s Scene.

Sonar Events is spearheading the growth of the South West's nightlife scene into 2025 by offering an extensive schedule of high-quality events.


From The Terrace - now a fully weatherproof venue - to The Treasury in Plymouth, Sonar is bringing world-class DJs, unforgettable nights, and a true house music experience to the region.


I had the pleasure of catching up with Andy Bacon, the founder of Sonar Events, to dive deeper into what makes Sonar so special, its journey so far, and what we can look forward to this year.

A Look at the 2025 Lineup

Sonar has put together an unmissable schedule with eight events across The Terrace and The Treasury. Expect big sounds, incredible vibes, and the energy Sonar has become known for.

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The Terrace – 2025 Dates & Lineup

20/04 (Bank Holiday): DJs Andy Bacon, Hayley Blue, Reece Johnson, Jack Stevens, and

special guest Lady C.

25/05 (Bank Holiday, Second Birthday): DJs Andy Bacon, Hayley Blue, Reece Johnson,

Jack Stevens, and special guest Maslow Unknown.

28/06: DJs Andy Bacon, Reece Johnson, Jack Stevens, and special guest Pedro from

Lisbon.

19/07: DJs Andy Bacon, Reece Johnson, Jack Stevens, and special guest Sierra Alpha

Mike.

30/08: DJs Andy Bacon, Reece Johnson, Jack Stevens, and special guest Bufs.

The Treasury – 2025 Dates & Lineup

04/05 (Bank Holiday): DJs Andy Bacon, Reece Johnson, Jack Stevens, and house legend

Rob Tissera (UK/Ibiza).

13/09 (Closing Party): DJs Andy Bacon, Reece Johnson, Jack Stevens, Pedro from Lisbon,

and Ibiza legend Brandon Block.

Sonar's impressive lineup demonstrates their ongoing commitment to elevating the standards in the South West's club scene.

But how did it all begin?

"Sonar kicked off at The Terrace in May 2022. At the time, I was still working a job, but I wasn’t promoting when I got the call from The Terrace’s owners asking if I’d be interested in running events. I seized the opportunity enthusiastically."


"The idea of Sonar really started back in 1995 when I spent a season in Ibiza with The Terrace’s owner, Sean. The island was a massive inspiration for us both; Sean went on to open a café on the Plymouth coastline, and I started my journey as a DJ. When the opportunity came up, it all happened fast."


"I needed to build a team of resident DJs who could make an impact. Reece Johnson immediately came to mind due to his exceptional talent and charisma. Jamie Coakley, an experienced promoter and DJ, came on board next. We also put out a call for a female DJ, and that's when we discovered Hayley Blue. She's been a dynamic addition to the team ever since. Jack Stevens completed the team by bringing his fresh energy and incredible knowledge of house music."


"We also work closely with Jake Prowse from Blue Thunder and his team, who handle sound and production for our events. Their expertise ensures every event sounds and feels top-tier."


"Sonar isn’t just an events brand - it’s a family. Everyone plays a part in making this what it is."

Sonar’s Biggest Highlights

With Sonar now established as one of the most exciting club brands in the South West, I asked Andy about some of his biggest moments so far.


"There have been so many, but a few stand out:

● Clockwork Orange closing our first season at The Terrace - that night was something else.

● Fat Tony headlining our closing party - we sold out long before the event date, and it was absolutely unreal.

● Collaborations with iconic local promoters Cultural Vibes.

● I had the privilege of booking legends I grew up admiring, such as John Kelly and Jon Pleased Wimmin.

● Clockwork Orange returning for a second event - Andy Manston and Danny Gould

were massive influences on me in my Ibiza days, so to have them back was special. Honestly, I could go on. I still can’t believe what we’ve built in such a short time"

What’s Next for Sonar in 2025?

With 2025’s schedule already fully booked, Sonar is taking things up another level. "This year, I’m really excited to work more closely with local DJs. We’ve invited a number of them to support us at The Terrace. There’s a huge amount of talent in the South West, and I think Sonar is at a point where we don’t always need a big-name headliner to draw a crowd - our followers are incredible, and we appreciate every single one of them."


"The biggest game-changer this year is that The Terrace is now fully weatherproof. Weather has always been a challenge, but now we don’t have to worry about it—this makes planning so much easier and will take our events to the next level."


The Sonar Experience

When I asked Andy to sum up Sonar in three words, he didn’t hesitate:

Energetic | Immersive | Uplifting


What sets Sonar apart?

"It’s more than just a club night—it’s an experience. We focus on five key things."

1. Curated Atmosphere: From sound to lighting, every detail is considered.

2. Top-Tier DJs & Talent: A mix of established and fresh artists keeps things exciting.

3. Passionate Community: Sonar attracts real house music lovers.

4. Unforgettable Energy: The vibe is always electric.

5. Seamless Production: Every event is professional but still feels underground.

Our events aren’t just another night out—they’re a destination for true house music lovers."

Final Thoughts & Dream Bookings

Looking ahead, Andy sees challenges for the UK’s nightlife scene, with club closures and financial pressures making things tough for promoters. But he’s focused on keeping the Sonar momentum going, working with local talent, and delivering nights that feel special. And his dream booking? Masters at Work - "Personally, I believe they’re the GOAT of house music."


With Sonar’s 2025 season locked in, it’s time to mark your calendars, grab your tickets, and get ready for some unforgettable nights.


Stay tuned to Little South for more updates, and I’ll see you on the dance floor!

The little south logo is on a blue background.

Written by

Ben Holtam • 2 April 2025
by Editorial Team 2 April 2025
Ivybridge and Rural Police reported that officers responded to notifications of an ongoing rave at Cadover Bridge around 07:00 BST.
by Editorial Team 21 March 2025
Alkie, one half of the Symbiosis duo, has created an inaugural mix that highlights his favourite house sounds. This episode showcases a variety of tracks that have resonated with him over time. Listeners can expect to traverse the house music spectrum throughout the mix. Alkie is a noteworthy addition to the house music landscape.
by Editorial Team 7 March 2025
We are pleased to introduce a new artist who specialises in the intersection of high tempo tech house and techno music. Mazarus has been developing her DJing skills over the past three years, during which time she has performed at numerous events and shared lineups with established artists across the South West of England. This podcast mix showcases her current punchy tech house sound which we love!
by Editorial Team 22 February 2025
Tim French, a DJ and producer from Plymouth, steps back into our podcast spotlight, known for his Progressive House, Breaks, Melodic, and Techno sound. He has previously held residencies at notable venues in the South West, including the Dance Academy and The Warehouse in Plymouth. Tim is recognised for his progressive and melodic music styles, which he showcases at venues throughout the region. This podcast mix features his signature sounds, including tracks commonly heard in his Cosmic Sounds DJ sets.
by Editorial Team 18 February 2025
We explore the thoughts of artists and music sharing. In today's digital age, discovering new music has become more accessible than ever due to online platforms like Spotify, SoundCloud, and download services such as Beatport. While traditional methods of exploring music, such as visiting record shops, have diminished in popularity, the process of musical exploration remains significant and enriching, especially when one encounters a standout track. For performing artists, the quest for fresh music is a continuous endeavor, often regarded as equally important as the performance itself. This raises an interesting question: is it appropriate for artists to keep the details of their music sources confidential? This topic invites further discussion from some of the South West DJs and producers on the nature of music discovery in the modern landscape.
Hey folks! Ben Holtam here—aka DJ BenG—your go-to guy for all things beats, basslines, and good vibe
by Ben Holtam 10 February 2025
Hey folks! Ben Holtam here—aka DJ BenG—your go-to guy for all things beats, basslines, and good vibes in the South West. As we gear up for another epic summer, I’ve rounded up the must-hit music festivals of 2025 across Cornwall, Devon, and beyond. Whether you're an avid raver, a wellness enthusiast, or a family seeking entertainment, the South West's festival scene caters to your needs. Let’s dive in!
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