London’s Venue M.O.T granted licence to host open-air parties

London nightclub Venue M.O.T has been granted permission to host open-air parties in its adjoining courtyard space for the very first time.

The 250-capacity venue, which sits on Surrey Canal Road in Bermondsey, southeast London, has revealed to Mixmag that it will now run a series of outdoor events with an increased capacity.

"We're really excited to say we've been granted access to use the corner of the yard for open-air yard parties this summer, with the space going up to 500 capacity,” Venue M.O.T tells Mixmag.

“It's a really exciting avenue to explore with some interesting curation and programming through summer, especially when summer is especially tricky for indoor clubs on top of this present climate!"

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The new format will debut on Saturday, May 2, with the first outdoor party held from day-to-night in both the yard and unit spaces, marking the first of its new “outdoor summer party series”.

In the outdoor space, Batu, Jossy Mitsu, Jon K, Mellowdramatics and a live set from Mad Professor will go ahead throughout the day.

Meanwhile, footwork-focused party 160 Unity will take over the indoor space with sets from DJ Earl, DJ Swisha, DJ Flight, Simo Cell, K Means, Big Dope P, Seb, Kelli Forman and a special guest from Chicago.

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Record labels Club Romantico and Nyege Nyege will also join the takeover, hosting the likes of Dj Babatr, Florentino and Manuka Honey throughout the event.

Following the inaugural outdoor party on May 2, Venue M.O.T has confirmed a run of names set to appear this summer, including Leon Vynehall, DJ Paypal, Josh Caffé, Angel D'Lite, Introspekt, Josey Rebelle, Papa Nugs, Jubilee, Zach Fox and many more.

Check out the full line-up for the first outdoor M.O.T event below.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag’s Associate Digital Editor, follow her on X