Defected Records launch virtual festival series

Defected Records have launched a virtual festival series following the outbreak of COVID-19.

With their live event plans scuppered, the highly respected house music label have rallied to put together the live streamed events, with an aim to 'bring together house music lovers under Defected’s mantra 'In Our House We Are All Equal' and to raise money for the WHO's COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.

The inaugural virtual festival, broadcast for twelve hours from 20th March, featured sets from The Shapeshifters, Darius Syrossian, Low Steppa, Sam Divine, Joey Negro and Defected boss, Simon Dunmore.

You can watch it in full here:

The second virtual festival, broadcast via Defected's channels on 27th March, featured performances from Purple Disco Machine, Mele, Horse Meat Disco, Karizma, Riva Starr and Folamour. You can catch up on all the sets here.

The third instalment of the online event series will take place from 1pm to 9pm on Friday 10th April - see here.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Dunmore said: “Music and clubbing are an escape for many and, with social gatherings being rightfully restricted, we wanted to connect people online in the hope that they appreciate they are not alone.

"The reaction to Defected Virtual Festival has been incredible and we have been inundated with DJs and performers wanting to get involved.

"Our thoughts will remain with everyone affected by the current situation, but believe we have a role to remain positive, and bring people together however we’re able.”

You can watch Skiddle's pick of the best live streamed performances (so far...) here.