Pixelate, a rave celebrating 2000s internet culture, is touring the UK with sell-out events. At a recent London show, clubbers in cat ears and cosplay danced to high-octane remixes of memes like Crazy Frog and Nyan Cat. The event, held under Vauxhall railway arches, featured huge screens flashing internet ephemera from Club Penguin to Salad Fingers.
Founder DJ Compulsive Leia, 22, started Pixelate in December 2024 after being inspired by a Sonic the Hedgehog-themed rave. She invested her savings into a first party at Hackney Wick's Yard, expecting a one-off, but 100 attendees demanded more. The rave has since expanded to Manchester and Glasgow, with over 1,000 people at the London event.
Pixelate is part of a growing trend of hyper-specific themed raves, including Shrek Rave, Lord of the Rings raves, and Pokémon-themed EDM festivals. Mixmag editor Patrick Hinton notes that online culture has softened musical tribalism, allowing people to embrace niche interests without irony. The cost-of-living crisis and declining nightlife have also pushed clubbers toward immersive, nostalgic experiences.
