Pukka Up launched their first boat party ten years ago, when the boat party was not the norm in Ibiza, they seen a potential to throw a great party on the Med. Now, a decade later, they have 6 boats a night going out twice a week, host a room at Carl Cox Revolution Recruits in Space and have just opened their own bar/diner/casino/cinema concept in San Antonio. Essentialibiza caught up with Mark Pukka Up to get the scoop on this incredible journey…
2012 is a big year for Pukka Up with the launch of Pukka Up Ibiza, bar/ diner, how did the opportunity come about?
The opportunity came about through the close relationship we have had with the guys from Plastik over the last 10 years. It’s always been a natural relationship between Plastik and Pukka Up, and with Dermot from Plastik being one of our resident DJs it only strengthens the partnership. We are really happy to now have our own venue and 2012 has been a really exciting year for Pukka Up.
What can we expect from your latest venture?
Our plan for the bar was to give customers a more interactive experience when they visit. We’ve done this through the different aspects of the venue that we’ve introduced, which include the Pukka Up diner, casino and cinema. We aren’t underestimating the fact that it’s a new bar in its first year, and even though we have peoples trust as a party, we now need to gain their trust as a bar. It’s the same brand but a new concept, and we couldn’t be happier with the start that we made.
This move onto dry land isn’t going to spell the end for your adventures at sea we hope?
Of course not. We’ve made our name as the number 1 boat party and the central focus of the brand is exactly that. However, after 10 years of establishing ourselves offshore, it’s a natural progression with the growth of the brand to bring things inland as well. The exciting thing about having our own venue on dry land means customers can join in on the Pukka Up party whenever they like and not only on the days the boat party runs, making the brand even more accessible.
Pukka Up seems to grow year on year, is this important to the brand?
It’s really important for the brand because our fan base keep growing and the demand for Pukka Up products is constantly rising. We have a large ambition with the brand and a great team behind us! We have many good years ahead of us and we cant wait show people what we have in store, exciting times ahead.
You’ve put on extra boats this year to cope with the demand for tickets, that musty give you great satisfaction?
It really does. From our original concept of the first Ibiza boat party, we can now put out 6 boats a night with ease, whilst still ensuring the high quality experience that the brand is known for. No other boat party can sell out as many boats as we do and that’s something that we’re really proud of, also great to support the clubs this year with amazing after party’s for our customers to enjoy.
The boat party has become the must have party during the holiday, what do you think has led to the massive increase in popularity?
We always believed there was a market for a party at sea! Ibiza has the sun, music lovers and of course the boats! It was an idea that worked and people loved the experience and the reputation of the party has grown. Being the first has helped a lot. Boat parties in the UK are known but aren’t the norm so its something people are keen to experience in the party capital of the world in the sun!
What is it about Pukka Up boat party that sets it apart from the rest?
A Pukka Up boat party vibe is like no other, as we bring the atmosphere of the main room of a super club onto the top deck of a boat. With our concepts, brand ideas and giveaways, we are constantly striving to improve and think of new ideas!
What happens to Pukka Up when the season finishes, where can we find you in the winter?
Pretty much everywhere, we host events all over, 160 per year. We hold parties all over the UK, but we also run events globally all year round, from Miami to Amsterdam and to Sydney just to name a few. Working on finding new music and producers for Pukka Up records and putting together more albums. Next year is the big number 10! 10 years of Pukka Up so we have something great up our sleeve but my lips are sealed.
What are your ambitions for the brand?
The market is changing so quickly so we need keep adapting and evolving all the time, We all love what we do at Pukka Up and just want the brand to be loved and to put on great parties. We’ve got a plan a big plan, can’t say too much but we are just getting started riding on this wave!
You have the day off in Ibiza, with nothing to worry or think about, how do you spend it?
I like to chill and sleep, we only get 1 full day off so I love going Amante or Cala Conte for the day chilling with my friends and girlfriend. It needs to be done otherwise I think they would disown me, especially my girlfriend, I catch up with family on the phone and try to relax. I love it, nothing beats a little sunshine and a swim!
Images and video courtesy of Marc De Groot