This September, Ministry of Sound is leaving behind its famous South London dancefloor and heading straight into student living rooms across the UK. Teaming up with pop-up disruptors Lab54 and cult fashion label Von Dutch, the club is launching a first-of-its-kind Fresher’s House Party Tour – swapping strobe lights for kitchen counters and garden decks.
The idea is simple: bring three decades of club culture directly to the new generation of ravers. Bristol, Manchester, Liverpool, Nottingham, Leeds and Newcastle will all host one-night-only takeovers, with Ministry artists including New Era, Skepsis and Disruptor already confirmed. More names are set to drop in the coming weeks.
Lab54, who went viral earlier this year for their ‘Ministry break-in’ stunt that turned a bathroom into a rave, are masterminding the tour. Known for throwing parties anywhere but clubs, their underground spirit feels perfectly aligned with Ministry’s DIY roots.
Adding to the chaos is Von Dutch, the noughties label that’s making a comeback with its music-led sub-brand, Von Dutch Loves. Fresh from collaborations with Vintage Culture and a showcase at Barcelona’s Brunch Electronik Festival, the brand is using the house party series to cement its place in today’s scene.
For Ministry of Sound, the move is about more than just a tour. It’s a reminder of how dance music has always thrived outside traditional spaces – from illegal warehouses to sweaty student flats. And as fresher’s week kicks off, there’s no better place to channel that raw, formative energy.
Fresher’s House Party Tour Dates
13 Sept – Bristol (New Era)
18 Sept – Liverpool (TBA)
19 Sept – Manchester (TBA)
25 Sept – Nottingham (Ely Oaks)
26 Sept – Leeds (Skepsis & Disruptor)
03 Oct – Newcastle (TBA)
Follow Ministry of Sound and Lab54 for tickets and updates.
