As COVID restrictions ease for live music events and partygoers reunite on dance floors and in festival fields across the country, 2021’s been anticipated as the UK’s third ‘summer of love’. This was certainly the case at Delete’s August bank holiday party, headlined by London-based duo Hamish & Toby, their first event in 18 months. Delete were meant to celebrate their 10th birthday last summer, but had to cancel because of the pandemic, so this was a long-overdue celebration for one of Cardiff’s most popular and long-standing house music events. 

The sold-out party took place at Jacob’s Market underneath Delete’s iconic dome. Residents Lee Graves, Marc Parsons, Matt Owen, and Lewis James warmed up for Hamish & Toby. It was surreal to see so many people coming together under one roof after a year and a half of social distancing – a really special moment, and I spoke to lots of people there who felt the same. 

Everyone was so happy to be dancing again, enjoying the music, embracing friends – some for the first time in over a year. The energy of the crowd was incomparable. A collective sense of total joy and relief seemed to be felt by everyone as we finally got back to doing what we love after many long months of uncertainty and isolation.  

The Delete guys put a lot of consideration into making the event a comfortable, safe space for everyone. For people who, like me, needed a break from the crowd every now and then after being out of practice for so long, seated chillout areas were stationed both outside in the courtyard and inside where the afterparty took place. 

In the evening, the party moved downstairs into Jacob’s basement where the crowd remained just as strong. The dancefloor was packed right up until doors closed at 4am. Fifteen hours straight of partying and I’m pretty confident everyone would have carried on longer if they could.   

It’s hard to sum up how much Delete’s August bank holiday party meant to everyone who made it, but, in Hamish & Toby’s words: “Delete Cardiff was something special. One of the best crowds we’ve ever spun for. London could use some of that energy. We won’t soon forget it. Thank you.” Can’t argue with that! 

Jacob’s Market, Cardiff, Sun 29 Aug

words FRANCESCA GARDNER