An LGBTQ-Inclusive House Music Series Coming to Cardiff

If you live in the UK or planning a trip to Wales, specifically Cardiff, then make sure you not only check out our Queer Cardiff Travel Guide (courtesy of VisitBritain), but queer travelers should also consider visiting in March to catch a new LGBTQ-inclusive progressive house music series.

Welsh DJ and producer Aubrey Fry is set to transform Cardiff’s District nightclub into a progressive house haven this Spring with the launch of CONNECTEDwith. The day party series will kick off on March 2, 2024, featuring internationally renowned headliners Guy J and Jody Wisternoff.

Wisternoff, who made waves in the 90s rave scene as half of the electronic duo Way Out West, continues to contribute to the genre with ongoing releases on the esteemed house label Anjunadeep. Tel Aviv’s Guy J, known for headlining global gigs and releasing music on Bedrock, will share the stage as a double headliner. Guy J also champions seasoned artists like Funk D’Void and Kevin Yost on his own label, Lost & Found. 

Expressing his vision for CONNECTEDwith, Aubrey Fry said, “We want to build a stronghold within Cardiff’s music scene to bring back that amazing underground vibe that we all love so much. I’m very aware that a lot of people who like this sound are an older demographic, so I’ve decided to tap into that with a series of day parties, creating a really exciting opportunity for people to get back into the music. Looking beyond March, I’m committed to bringing all the amazing international talent that has supported my own music over the years.” 

For Fry, the event marks a full-circle return to Cardiff, where his lifelong passion for electronica was ignited almost 30 years ago. He credits the city, particularly the iconic Hippo Club, with sparking his interest after hearing house pioneer Sasha play. Fry’s musical journey was further fueled when he received a John Digweed CD from Catapult, Cardiff’s now-defunct independent vinyl store. “It changed my life,” he said, leading him to buy his first set of decks and dive headfirst into the world of electronic music. 

After a hiatus from the music scene due to work and family commitments, Fry reignited his passion during the pandemic lockdowns. Crafting house tracks in his home studio, his work caught the attention of John Digweed, who released Fry’s music on Bedrock. 

CONNECTEDwith will transform District’s three floors from 3 pm to 10:30 pm, featuring an inclusive lineup that reflects the diversity of the LGBTQ community and the electronic music scene. DJs ACiDTRAX, Brian Gravel, Jody Barr, Mia Aurora, and Super Progressive, along with Fry and Cardiff stalwart Jimpy, complete the lineup. 

Aubrey Fry emphasizes the LGBTQ-inclusive nature of CONNECTEDwith, stating, “CONNECTEDwith is an inclusive events collective based in Wales. We aim to bring the best artists in electronic music to our events. We want CONNECTEDwith events to embrace the diverse raver body and artist body that the UK has. Everyone is welcome; we want CONNECTEDwith events to be a safe space for all to be who they want to be, a collective experience allowing everyone involved to express themselves and feel Connected.”

Tickets priced at £20 are available online at Skiddle.com, where attendees can also join a Rep program and earn £2 for every ticket sold. To take advantage of the Rep offer for the event, click here to register.