Defected is closing in on the start of its 2026 Ibiza campaign at its new home, Chinois Ibiza. Unbelievably, we are only two and a bit months away from it all kicking off. The overall roster is still under construction, but the line-up for the opening party is out now.
While the glare of the industry intensifies over diversity, Defected has always strived for a level playing field. Unsurprisingly, it again leads the way with a woman-strong line-up booked for Thursday 7 May.
Of course, Defected's First Lady Sam Divine is a shoo-in to be included (have we ever known her to miss a Defected opening party?)
Also confirmed are Sam's potential heiress-in-waiting, Olive F, multi-disciplinarian and fashion icon Eliza Rose (pictured above) and a DJ who has managed to steal the show on every previous occasion we've seen her play, HoneyLuv.
Seriously, we can't speak more highly of HoneyLuv. If past performances are anything to go by, she's worth the price of admission herself.
Last year, Defected's head of events, Steven Braines, spoke of his appointment being a conscious move to improve diversity, and it's great to see it in effect on night number one. That's a nice way to start the countdown to International Women's Day. Well done team Defected.
Still, the line-up isn't finished yet.
Opening night is bolstered even further by finesse veteran selector Dennis Ferrer to add further heavyweight credibility. And if he ends up going back-to-back with HoneyLuv, as we have seen in the past, then, phwoar, we've really got a situation on our hands! Here's hoping.
The bill is complete by Chinois regular and Ibiza native Manu Gonzalez.
First release tickets are now sold out for the opening, but are still available for the remainder of the dates. Fortunately, an early entry pre-midnight ticket option has been added for the same price and anytime entry is only a tiny bit extra at €40.
Remember, you can also add drink packs and save money considerable money against the price of drinks on the night.
Tickets to the opening party and the other 21 dates are on sale and available below.
