The Space opening fiesta has been a landmark of the Ibiza season for as long as we can remember; the unofficial opening for years, it also sets the benchmark for the rest of the season. It delivers a marathon to satisfy the appetite of thousands of clubbers who have been starved throughout the winter, assembling a monster line-up, assembling the flight arena in the car park, adding a festival element to the proceeding. Essentialibiza challenged Michelle Clancy to tackle the marathon and report back…
For many, the Space opening party symbolises the start of another club season in Ibiza. It’s one of the top parties of the summer. As I walk across the car park to the bustling entrance I can feel the butterflies in my stomach. The line-up is fitting of the occasion with some of the finest DJ’s the world has to offer turning out for this marathon 24 hour party. The demand is so great for this party that the club is turned yet-more-super by the extension of a massive car-park-turned-terrace at the rear of the building where an extra bar, toilets and (most importantly) massive festival style stage facilitates the DJ booth. This really is an event of gigantic proportions even by Ibiza standards.
A glance at one of the many set list flyers tells me I’ve arrived just in time for Orbital on the outdoor stage. Orbital are new to me. Their unique sound gets the crowd going crazy – particularly when they drop in a classic 80’s vocal track completely out of the blue. I’ve never seen anyone working so hard in a DJ box as they seem to have a button, switch or control for every noise that comes blasting out the speakers. I feel like I’m watching a masterclass as I flick my eyes between their DJing craftsmanship in the booth and the impressive screens behind them. A couple of vodka red-bulls and an awesome set from Dubfire later it’s time for the main event.
It feels like everyone has been waiting for Carl Cox to appear as the outdoor terrace gets noticeably more condensed. Needless to say the place goes wild as the big man gets to work, playing some suitably banging techno. I’ve seen Carl Cox at his Revolution night in previous years but there is something special about this set. As midnight approaches I decide to get a head start and move indoors to the main room. As much as I loved Carl Cox it feels good getting inside as it’s not so tight and it’s easier to move around and find a spot to dance. The sound system is amazing and Sasha is making to most of it. His music is perfect for the surroundings – dark and hard techno. Soon the room fills up to capacity and I decide to explore the rest of the club.
I’m determined to get a good spot for 2manyDJs who begin at 3am so, after another near death experience fighting for attention at the bar, I take up position near the back of the dancefloor. I am only human and this was day four of the opening parties and my feet are now killing me as I wonder how much more I have to give. But I can honestly say that when 2manyDJs appeared, looking as swanky as ever and bursting with energy it feels like day one again. I leave space at 5am, feeling absolutely shattered but delighted that I’ve seen and enjoyed such a big Ibiza occasion. I’ve only managed 10 of a possible 24 hours in Space and as I head back along the main drag in Playa d’en Bossa I feel tempted to go back and stand outside Space at noon to shake the hands of those that lasted the distance; and who knows, maybe wave them off in a taxi as they head straight to DC10. At this time in Ibiza – the party goes on and on!