Stick It On's 25th Anniversary Celebration

STICK IT ON CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH JAZZIE B

Brighton’s original “DJ democracy” returns for landmark celebration on Sunday 30th August

Brighton, 2001 — Stick It On, the club night that gave the dancefloor back to the people, celebrates its 25th anniversary this summer with a landmark event featuring very special guest Jazzie B, founder of the iconic Soul II Soul collective.

Founded in Brighton in early 2001 by Rob Drysdale and Karim Bouzidi, Stick It On was born from a simple but revolutionary idea: get at bunch of non-DJs, each playing their favourite records for 15 minutes, with the running order drawn from a hat. No mixing. No professional status required. No egos.

The concept struck a nerve at a time when club culture was dominated by superstar DJs and overpriced, over-hyped nights. Word spread quickly. Mixmag ran a feature (“At Stick It On, everyone’s a DJ”). DJ Mag celebrated it as one of the UK’s underground nights rocking it against the tide. The Face covered it. Time Out London named it a Critics’ Choice. Fat Boy Slim himself interviewed the founders for The Big Issue, under the headline: “Let Us Play.”

The night expanded from its Brighton home at the Hanbury Arms to London venues including the Medicine Bar in Shoreditch, the Redstar in Camberwell, Oxford, Bristol, Manchester and Glasgow and beyond — with special events at the Notting Hill Carnival, the Big Chill festival, Bestival and bank holiday all-dayers that attracted guest appearances from Norman Jay MBE, The Cuban Brothers, Chaz & Dave, DJ Derek among others.

Now, 25 years on, it’s something worth celebrating about. It therefore give us great pleasure to announce Jazzie B — whose Soul II Soul sound defined a generation, whose ‘Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)’ remains one of the most important British records ever made, and who has always championed the idea that music belongs to everyone — will join the celebrations with a special DJ set guest appearance.

More artists and acts are planned so watch out for updates over the next few weeks.

The 25th Anniversary event takes place on Sunday 30th August 2026 at The King & Queen Pub Brighton. Tiered advance tickets are on sale now, with on-the-door tickets priced at £30.

Everyone attending the event is welcome to submit a DJ and enter the draw to be one of the DJs on the night. No experience necessary. Mixing actively discouraged. What Choons would your choose?

Event details: Date: Sunday 30th August 2026 Venue: The King & Queen Pub, Brighton Doors: 12pm – 12am. Tickets: Early bird (sold out) / tiered advance from £20 | £30 on the door Info & tickets:

Press enquiries: rob@stickiton.org.uk / 07931 565 361