Dundee’s biggest dance party is to take to the streets this year.
Dundee Dance Event (DDE) will celebrate nearly a decade since relaunching by including a full outdoor arena for the first time.
While the annual event has featured some outdoor offerings in the past, organiser Mike McDonald said this year’s outside venue on Park Place will be the first time DDE has had a fully licensed open air bar.
There will also be a stage for performers and food vendors on hand.
The packed weekend will include more than 160 DJs from all over Scotland.
Sunday, the main day for revellers, will see 27 venues hosting a 13-hour dance music marathon.
Mr McDonald estimates 10,000 party goers will attend.
Among the pubs and clubs taking part include 3 Session Street, Afrobeats, Bird and Bear, Braes, Dusa, Kilted Kangaroo, Salty Dog, St Andrew’s Brewing Company, Underground and more.
The closing party will once again take place at Dusa at Dundee University. Last year, the student union club welcomed more than 3,000 people to host the finale across five rooms and an outdoor terrace.
The Northern Soul event will return on the Saturday, hosted by the Dundee Northern Soul Oldies Club.
The Saturday will also include the Diaper Disco party, which launched three years ago. Face painting, soft play and emergency vehicles for youths to dress in uniform will feature.
Mr McDonald is looking forward to another huge weekend for the city’s music lovers.
He said: “There’s something for everyone over the DDE weekend with more people every year descending on the city’s bars and clubs for the main event on the Sunday.
“I’m really looking forward to the first outdoor stage to be held in Park Place car park, hopefully we’ll get some sunshine on the day.
“The Northern Soul event last year had a brilliant turnout and the Diaper Disco was again at capacity.
“The addition of the emergency service vehicles was a hit with kids and adults alike and they’ll be returning this year, which is great.”
DDE takes on May 2 and 3 and is usually scheduled to coincide with the May Day holiday.
But this year’s bank holiday has been moved to Friday May 8. Mr McDonald considered moving the event to match.
He decided to keep it at the first weekend in May as it has become a traditionally busy weekend in Dundee thanks to DDE, and moving it to include a Friday may prove disruptive for pubs.
