Clubbers: The July Weekender at Goleen Eco Resort is set to be a scorcher 

If the line-up and location is right the weather shouldn’t matter, but as we bask in the most beautiful and prolonged period of good weather is it too much to hope that it continues into what is sure to be a fantastic weekend event in West Cork? As I write there is the spectre of thunder showers hovering on the horizon. Regardless of what may happen, the July Weekender at the Goleen Eco Resort is set to be a scorcher.

The wild rugged landscape and majestic coastal setting provide a picturesque backdrop to the luxury glamping centre on the Mizen Peninsula location.

After last year’s party it’s no surprise that this year’s event sold out in May. One of the reasons for that is organisers Shane Johnson and Colm Motherway’s desire to limit audience numbers by creating what they describe as a small but perfectly formed gathering to allow the audience both the time and space to savour the sounds, sights and sensations.

On top of the superb amenities and idyllic location, attendees will be treated to a line-up of top Cork DJ and musical talent, as well as a special guest in the shape of Bristol bass warrior Queen Bee. The alias of Roz Melina Skordilis, Queen Bee is one-third of the Bristol Hi-Fi Soundsystem, alongside Massive Attack’s Daddy G and Mr Benn. Apart from that, and being a touring DJ for Massive Attack, the Queen’s roots go back to the late 1980s and her involvement in pirate radio on stations like Emergency Radio and Respec Fm as well as being part of the warehouse party scene. While showing her longstanding love of reggae, dub and dancehall, her sets reflect a broad love of bass heavy sounds from hip-hop, Afrobeat, funk and drum ‘n’ bass. It’s a mix with which she has rocked many a festival with her vinyl sets from Reggaeland, Shambala, We Out Here, WOMAD and Glastonbury, where she has been a resident DJ on the Jazz World Stage for over a decade.

Describing the lineup as hand-picked and delivering a deep dive into electronic music, it features DJs who not only have several decades of experience behind them but are also renowned for their versatility.

Having presided over Sweat and Go Deep for almost 40 years alongside Greg Dowling, Shane Johnson needs little introduction. Emerging from Sir Henry’s Back Bar and known for his Black on Red radio show, Stevie G will be spinning his mix of hip-hop and r ‘n’ b. Best known as a member of the city’s highly respected Sunday Times crew, a club night famed for its deep knowledge and eclecticism, Colm K will no doubt be leaning into house and disco territory.

Holding it down for straight-up hip-hop skills on the 1s and 2s will be JusMe. It’s also great to see one of the newer Cork DJ collectives involved, EndUp DJs. It’s heartening to see a new generation show respect to the deeper style of house music.

The lineup is completed by two live performers. As an MC and producer, JarJarJr’s laidback jazz influenced hip-hop has evolved steadily over the past decade, culminating in his tender 2024 album Catch the Dusk. Bantum, too, has been happy to explore different grooves. Nominated for a Choice Music Award for 2016’s Move, his self-titled 2024 album saw him venture onto the dancefloor with a sound that blended house, funk, disco and electronica.

Good sounds. Good food. Good people. One to remember.