IPSWICH THINGS TO DO
PICANTE: NIKI J / JOHNNY G / EIGHTY HD / DJ SPUD
The Smokehouse, Ipswich
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Information - PICANTE: NIKI J / JOHNNY G / EIGHTY HD / DJ SPUD
Are you ready to lose yourself on the dancefloor? We have some incredibly exciting news for the Ipswich dance community! Get ready for PICANTE, a high-octane celebration of one of the most energetic genres to ever come out of the UK dance scene: Hardhouse.
Taking over the wonderful and intimate surroundings of The Smokehouse, PICANTE is all about bringing people together. Born from a fusion of house music’s soul and the faster, harder rhythms of techno and rave, Hardhouse is a genre built on community, freedom, and pure joy. Whether you’re a lifelong raver or new to the scene, PICANTE is ready to reignite the torch and light the way for a whole new generation of dance music lovers. Expect thunderous beats, rolling basslines, euphoric synths, and unmatched energy!
Meet the DJ Lineup
To deliver this ultimate rave experience, PICANTE has brought together a fantastic lineup of DJs, each bringing their own unique style and history to the decks:
- Niki J: A true veteran of the Suffolk DJ scene, Niki J has been perfecting his craft since the late 1990s. After a 20-year break, he has made a triumphant return, transitioning his skills from vinyl to digital. Mixing Deep House, Tech House, Hardhouse, and Bounce, Niki was a finalist in the prestigious 2023 TIDY HQ competition and has played alongside massive names like Lisa Pin-up and Andy Farley. He truly believes that “music is therapy”!
- Johnny G: Tearing up the decks since the 90s, Johnny G’s unstoppable energy has rocked countless house parties and even taken him as far as Thailand to showcase his international appeal. His sets are packed with passion and guaranteed to keep you moving.
- Eighty HD: Having been immersed in dance music his entire life, Eighty HD brings a deep love for the bouncy, hard-hitting styles of iconic labels like TIDY and NUKLEUZ. He is a vital part of the PICANTE sound.
- DJ Spud: Proving that age is just a number, DJ Spud is PICANTE’s youngest DJ at just 14 years old! With an undeniable passion for Hardhouse and a preference for Untidy Dubs, he is eager to learn, grow, and deliver an absolute powerhouse of a set.
Event Details & Tickets
This is going to be an intimate, high-energy night, so we highly recommend grabbing your tickets early!
- Date: Saturday 18 July 2026
- Time: 7:30pm – 11:00pm
- Venue: The Smokehouse, Ipswich
- Tickets: £5 + booking fee
- Age Restrictions: 14+ (Those aged 14–17 must be accompanied by an adult)
Accessibility at The Smokehouse
The Smokehouse is an inclusive and welcoming space for everyone. The venue features step-free access, and the bar, main performance room, and accessible toilet are all conveniently located on one level. If you have any specific access requirements or need assistance, please feel free to reach out to the venue team directly before the event so they can help make your night as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Get ready for a night of pure connection, dancing, and spectacular music. See you on the dancefloor!
