Thousands of disco fans gathered at The National Bowl in Milton Keynes on Saturday, August 8, for the debut of Electric Paradise, a one-day festival showcasing 45 acts from the dance, soul, and club scenes across six stages.
A Star-Studded Lineup
The event opened with DJ sets on every stage, including former Channel 4 presenter Gok Wan. Sister Sledge then launched the live music with hits like "He's the Greatest Dancer" and "We Are Family." Kool and the Gang followed with "Celebration," and Candi Staton performed "Young Hearts, Run Free." UB40 took the main stage, with the crowd enjoying plenty of white, rosé, and Red, Red Wine.
Club Classics and 80s Legends
At the Glitterbox platform, DJs made Buckinghamshire feel like Ibiza as clubbers danced in the sunshine. Fat Tony, who played at Brooklyn Beckham's wedding, warmed up the crowd with 90s and 2000s dance classics, including Arman Van Helden's "You Don't Know Me," "Barbra Streisand," and "Bonkers" with Dizzee Rascal.
80s legends Cameo had thousands doing the electric slide to "Candy" and singing along to "Word Up!" on the Big Love Stage. The Earth, Wind and Fire Experience, a 13-piece band led by six-time Grammy-winning guitarist Al McKay, performed hits like "Boogie Wonderland," "Let's Groove," and "September." Shalamar kept the energy high with "I Can Make You Feel Good" and "A Night To Remember."
Grace Jones Closes in Style
The main event was Grace Jones, who closed the festival in spectacular fashion. The 78-year-old superstar strutted through the crowd, changing sequined outfits between songs, bantering with the audience, and even flashing a peek of her bum. She performed hits like "Love is the Drug," "My Jamaican Guy," and "The Key," before slowing down for a rendition of "Amazing Grace." As a finale, she straddled a security guard's shoulders while singing "Pull Up to the Bumper," and ended with an encore of hula hooping to "Slave to the Rhythm."
Future Plans
Electric Paradise will return in 2027, with tickets going on sale Friday.
