Pete Tong brings Ibiza Classics to Scarborough this Friday

Huge crowds are expected to pack Scarborough Open Air Theatre on Friday night as Ibiza Classics returns, with standing tickets sold out for the seafront show.

The night will see DJ and broadcaster Pete Tong back on the Scarborough stage with The Essential Orchestra, reworking iconic Ibiza anthems into a full live orchestral production.

Pete Tong brings Ibiza Classics to Scarborough this Friday (Image: Supplied). (Image: Supplied)

His last visit in 2023 was hailed as a “sensational” sell-out, and promoters are promising another high-energy start to the weekend as big beats meet sea breezes and summer skies.

From the sun-soaked shores of Ibiza to some of the world’s biggest stages, Tong’s Ibiza Classics project has helped redefine how dance music can be experienced live. Over a career spanning more than three decades, Tong has been a leading champion of dance music, pushing boundaries, breaking new acts and taking club culture to mainstream audiences.

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His contribution was recognised in 2021 with the prestigious Music Industry Trusts Award, honouring his impact on both music and broadcasting.

With the venue exposed to the elements, organisers are reminding concert-goers that comfort will be weather dependent and advising people to dress for all conditions.

Skunk Anansie rock Scarborough Open Air Theatre on Saturday (June 20) (Image: CUFFE & TAYLOR) (Image: CUFFE & TAYLOR)

Earlier this year, he marked the 10th anniversary of Ibiza Classics with four sold-out nights at the Royal Albert Hall alongside The Essential Orchestra and such greats as Becky Hill – who is performing after the races at York Racecourse this Saturday, June 27 – Barbara Tucker, Damian Lazarus, David Morales, Paul Oakenfold, and Seth Troxler.

The show follows the success of a series of concerts that have already been staged this summer at Scarborough Open Air Theatre, kicking off with Rick Astley and including Madness, The Kooks, Anastacia, and nineties rock bands Garbage and Skunk Anansie.

Last summer’s run, including Will Smith – pictured on stage at Scarborough Open Air Theatre – helped deliver a big boost to the local economy. (Image: Cuffe & Taylor)

Sales figures for this summer’s TK Maxx presents Scarborough Open Air Theatre series has beaten the previous record by 35,000 tickets – more than 150,000 tickets had been sold by March this year.

More than one million tickets have been sold for shows at the North Yorkshire Council-owned venue since it was refurbished and re-opened to the public in 2010.

Last summer’s run of 18 shows boosted the local economy by £8.8m with headliners including Will Smith, Gary Barlow and The Smashing Pumpkins.