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.
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!
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