THERE are few moments in London’s summer calendar that feel truly transportive. On Friday August 1, Labyrinth delivered one of them. As part of their On the Thames series, the independent promoter, curator, and production company that was founded in 2017 staged an unforgettable night in the heart of Greenwich, headlined by South African house luminary, Black Coffee.
Labyrinth On the Thames stage. Photograph: Sin Hart
Labyrinth On the Thames stage. Photograph: Sin Hart
Set within the historic grounds of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Royal Naval College – its baroque grandeur in perfect contrast to the crisp modernism of the event design – the evening unfolded beneath an opalescent sunset, with the Thames shimmering beside the dancefloor. Labyrinth has always been deft at balancing spectacle and intimacy, and here, they struck gold.
The atmosphere was elevated further for those with VIP access, which included entry to the iconic Painted Hall. Often referred to as “Britain’s Sistine Chapel,” the Hall provided a haven of premium food and drink options to sustain the evening and also included access to a unique vantage point above the main stage and river, which offered panoramic views and an almost surreal juxtaposition of classical art and contemporary sound.
The Painted Hall by Sin Hart
The night’s programming was meticulous. Meera opened with a textured, melodic set that welcomed guests into the space, followed by a richly rhythmic performance by Henrik Schwarz that moved fluidly between analogue warmth and digital complexity. Carlita’s genre-blurring style brought a sense of adventure, setting the stage for the main act with precision and flair.
Then came Black Coffee. Commanding and charismatic behind the decks, his performance was both expansive and focused, layering deep house grooves with emotional undercurrents that seemed to resonate through the floor and sky alike. Yet it was the final five minutes that sealed the night’s status as mythic. As the crowd swelled with collective euphoria, Black Coffee masterfully dropped a sequence of singalong anthems – Gypsy Woman by Crystal Waters eliciting cheers of recognition – interspersed with the iconic drop of Music Sounds Better with You. He looped it with intent, using repetition not as gimmick but as ceremony, each reintroduction a reset, a revival. It was pure theatre, and utterly joyful.
Black Coffee On The Thames by Sin Hart
Labyrinth’s On the Thames series is far from over. With more curated events set along London’s most storied river, this summer looks to continue redefining how electronic music is experienced in the capital. If Black Coffee on the Thames is any indication, these aren’t just parties – they’re cultural moments.
by Lily Rimmer
Tickets are available to purchase here.
Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, London, SE10 9NN