Saturday, August 3rd, was a night to remember as Kettering’s Aura was transformed into an Ibiza dance haven by the local legends Reece Speechley and Rhys Alford, founders of Dance Till Dawn. This dynamic duo, along with fellow local DJ Mikey Whitney, brought the beats and vibes of the White Island straight to our doorstep, all while raising money for the incredible Cransley Hospice Trust.
We caught up with Reece Speechley, one-half of the brains behind Dance Till Dawn, to get the lowdown on the epic Ibiza Anthems event and what it means for our local scene.
Rhys & Reece | All photography by Andy Brown at Prime Focus Photography
Bringing Ibiza to Kettering
Reece shared the inspiration behind the event: “Ibiza is THE destination for house music, which Dance Till Dawn is solely based upon!” The idea was simple but powerful – recreate the electric atmosphere of Ibiza’s legendary parties right here in Kettering.
When asked about the night’s highlights, Reece didn’t hesitate: “For me, it was about bringing so many familiar faces together and sharing a great night for a great cause!” And what a night it was – the crowd was buzzing from start to finish, with smiles all around and positive vibes filling the room. Even while collecting donations, the energy was infectious, and the generosity of the attendees shone through.
Supporting Kettering’s Nightlife and Local Talent
The Dance Till Dawn duo are passionate about revitalising Kettering’s nightlife. “Nightlife around Kettering is fading massively, without a doubt, so we’re trying our best to bring a great positive vibe back into the town. Aura did so well to make it a safe space for people to enjoy themselves,” he said. It’s clear that events like Dance Till Dawn are more than just a good time – they’re a lifeline for our local nightlife.
Local DJs and musicians also benefit hugely from these events. “We give anyone with a passion for music a platform to showcase their talents, taking them from their bedrooms to a live audience!” Reece explained. Dance Till Dawn is all about supporting local talent and giving them the opportunity to shine.
Giving Back to the Community
One of the standout aspects of the Ibiza Anthems night was its charitable focus. “The feedback we’ve had from the event has been amazing, especially since we chose to donate to Cransley Hospice. It’s a cause close to many people’s hearts in the local area and with the help of everyone we raised £1000,” Reece shared. The team chose Cransley Hospice because of a personal connection – they recently lost a close friend to cancer, who was cared for by the hospice. “We cannot thank the staff there enough; they are true heroes,” Reece added.
Memorable Moments
The night was full of unforgettable moments, but one that stood out for Reece was the confetti cannon at midnight. “Looking around the venue while we did this, the whole place was filled with laughter and cheer. It made everything even more worthwhile,” he reminisced. It was a perfect representation of the joy and community spirit that Dance Till Dawn embodies.
Challenges and Collaborations
Organising these events isn’t without its challenges. Reece mentioned the importance of safety and venue capacity, ensuring everyone has a great time in a secure environment. Despite these hurdles, the Dance Till Dawn team continues to push forward, collaborating with like-minded local events like Midnight Mass and Reverb to keep the scene alive and kicking.
In a nutshell, the Ibiza Anthems night was a huge success, blending top-notch music, community spirit, and charitable giving into one unforgettable package. Thanks to Reece, Rhys, Mikey, and the whole Aura crew, Kettering’s nightlife has a bright and vibrant future ahead. Keep an eye out for their next event – you won’t want to miss it!
To find out more about Dance Till Dawn and their upcoming events head over to INSTAGRAM
Want to support Cransley Hospice? Click HERE to find out how you can get involved.
Photography credit to Andy Brown at Prime Focus Photography
