The countdown is officially on, and Glenelg Beach is gearing up to transform into the ultimate dancefloor when Electric Island hits next weekend.
Co-headlined by global dance icons Duke Dumont and Hayden James, Adelaide’s Glenelg Beach will play host to Electric Island on Saturday 12 April, bringing the beach party vibes of Ibiza and Bali to South Australia’s coast.
With the sun, sea and stacks of good vibes on offer, this one-day festival is bringing serious heat to the coast and Aussie favourite Hayden James is all in.
We caught up with the multi-platinum producer while he was prepping for a gig in Sydney, ahead of his Australian tour through Perth, Melbourne, and finally sunny Adelaide, and let’s just say, he’s as pumped as we are.
“There’s nothing like a show on the beach,” Hayden told us. “I’ve heard nothing but fabulous things about Glenelg, as a venue for a festival; I’m really looking forward to it.”
“Playing under the sky, seeing the crowd dancing on the sand as the sun sets over the ocean—it’s going to be magic.”
Known for his signature mix of smooth house beats and sun-drenched grooves, Hayden’s music just feels right in an outdoor setting.
Three weeks ago, Hayden was one of 36 incredible artists playing the CRSSD Fest electronic music event in San Diego, California.
“It was amazing,” said Hayden. “Who doesn’t love the beach with swaying palm trees, drink in hand, feet in the sand and the pulse of house music across the waves?”
See Hayden James on the decks: Watch video here of Hayden James’s set at CRSSD Fest 2025.
“I spent many years in California and that west coast vibe is the best, and Electric Island at Glenelg will deliver that same energy in a one-day party,” said Hayden.
“I’ve spent most of the early part of 2025 in the studio producing new music and when I do I most often picture my tracks being played on the beach or at a massive outdoor venue where I can see the faces of the crowd and it’s always beautiful playing at sundown.”
Electric Island marks Hayden’s return to South Australia, this time armed with more massive dancefloor hits and an APRA Award for his track ‘Better Together’, he wrote with his wife of 11 years.
“This time I’m not only bringing fresh material from my 2024 album We Could Be Love, I’ve got some brand new tracks I’ve been road-testing – and I can’t I wait to play them first to an Australian audience. The energy at Aussie shows is always next level.”
Having only visited Adelaide a handful of times, Hayden admits he’s on a personal mission to find the world’s best pizza, to joining the throngs of Adelaide’s fitness fanatics for an early beach run and says he’s stoked to be staying in Glenelg with a front-row view of the stage setup and the first festival-goers rolling in.
“I’ve got a good musician mate who lives in South Australia, so it’ll be awesome to see him. I hope to explore the coastline a bit too, even though we won’t be in Adelaide long.”
A small visit with a big musical impact… “My set is just before the hypnotic Duke Dumont, in the early evening as twilight sets in and the sunlight glints off the bay,’ added Hayden.
Electric Island is a rare chance to catch both Hayden James and Duke Dumont live on Aussie shores. They’ll be joined by deep-house queen Nora En Pure, UK duo Eli & Fur, progressive favourites Trilucid, and local legend DJ Souli—serving up non-stop tunes in a setting just as impressive as the sound.
“Fellow bill artist Nora & Pure, who’ve sold out Madison Square Garden, are one off my favourite acts right now. It takes years to pull together a line-up this good. If I wasn’t playing I’d be buying a ticket for sure, 100%!”
Promoter Damian Gelle says he’s thrilled to bring the latest T1000 offshoot to Adelaide, adding that while it’s their first festival in the city, the team’s pedigree is epic going back to a humble backyard party in London in 2001 – so this crew know their stuff!
“We know Adelaide is renowned for leaving ticket-buying to the last minute, but this inaugural event is not one to miss. This is your chance to catch an international-level lineup on one of Australia’s most iconic beaches,” said Damien.
“Our Cottesloe Electric Island was everything we knew it would be and with Glenelg’s proximity to the city and so many visitors to Adelaide for the AFL Gather Round, Adelaide is going to be one massive party.”
“We are expecting 8,000 people. The hype is real – imagine, picture perfect ocean setting and impeccable sound and that’s going to be Electric Island,” added Damien.
Adelaide has always had a soft spot for festivals, and we love our suburban beaches just as much. So when they come together, it’s a perfect match of two of our favourite things.
There’s something unforgettable about the scent of saltwater mingled with sunscreen, the thump of basslines, and barefoot dancing that ignites any festival. Book now!
SPOTIFY PLAYLIST: listen here
WHEN: Saturday 12 April 2025
TIME: 2pm – 10pm
WHERE: Glenelg Beach
TICKETS:
- GA final release ($145.50): Access to all the festival’s music, food, and fun.
- VIP ($258.00): Skip the queues with express entry and enjoy premium facilities like exclusive toilets, a private bar and viewing platform – so you don’t miss all the action!
BUY TICKETS HERE | Glam Adelaide readers get an exclusive discount!
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