Legendary DJ draws old-school ravers to packed Torquay Arena

Hundreds of old-school Torbay ravers flocked to Torquay’s Arena venue to hear dance DJ Judge Jules.

The crowd, which included a seven-foot punk with a green Mohican, danced and partied as the international DJ bounced onto the stage wearing a T-shirt bearing the legend ‘More Self Love’.

Judge Jules (real name Julius O’Riordan) is best known for his long-running early-evening Radio 1 show on Saturday nights. He is the biggest name to appear in the Bay since Fatboy Slim headlined the summer’s Electric Bay Festival, for which the Arena hosted the after-party.

Venue manager Hollie Campbell said, "We haven't even been open a year yet, and to have Judge Jules play our venue we couldn't be more ecstatic. It means a lot to us that we support our local music community while also bringing in big names. All our support acts tonight are from the area."

She added that the Arena is keen to champion local musicians, citing events like Hardcore Sundays for local metal and alternative bands, and the upcoming Best of the Bay showcase in January.

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The venue has also been working with South Devon College and recently welcomed Torquay Academy sixth form students for a tour and Q&A session.

Campbell said similar events to Judge Jules’ night include Martin Kemp’s Back to the 80s, Trevor Nelson’s Soul Nation, and Vernon Kay’s Dance Sounds of the 90s.

For information on future gigs at The Arena, visit www.arenatorquay.com.