What Was The Love To Be Festival That Took Over The Stray?

Imagine your local park. Now, imagine it transformed into the biggest party you’ve ever seen, with music so good it makes the ground shake. That’s pretty much what happened in Harrogate on Saturday, 6th September 2025, when the legendary house music brand Love to be… came to town. The second annual festival was a completely sold out event, pulling in a massive crowd of 6,000 people who descended on The Stray for what’s being called the biggest party in the club brand’s entire 30 year history. This wasn’t just any old get-together; it was a full-blown festival experience that proved the love for a good party is stronger than ever.

More than just a music festival

When people say ‘party paradise’, what do they actually mean? Well, for the Love to be… festival, it meant turning a well-known park into a world of its own. For 11 straight hours, The Stray wasn't just a patch of grass; it was the heart of the UK’s dance music scene. The entire event was a feast for the senses. Alongside the incredible music pumping from three different stages, there was a whole universe of entertainment to explore. Think about it. One minute you could be grabbing a bite from the fantastic food village, the next you’re having a laugh on a fairground ride. Dancers in amazing costumes moved through the crowds, while stilt walkers towered above everyone, and fire breathers lit up the evening sky. It was a proper spectacle, designed to give dance music lovers an unforgettable day filled with euphoric music and non-stop fun. The whole thing was one massive piece of immersive entertainment.

And for those who wanted a bit of extra sparkle, the VIP and Ultra VIP areas were the places to be. It was all about adding a touch of luxury to the festival experience. These ticket holders got access to fancy facilities, special pamper stations (perfect for a mid-party refresh!), and top-tier service that made the whole day feel extra special. It was the perfect way to enjoy the party in style.

The legends behind the decks

A party is only as good as its music, and Love to be… brought out the absolute titans of house music. These weren’t just any DJs; these were the names that have shaped the sound of dance music for generations. The line-up was packed with icons, including the one and only Armand Van Helden, the super-talented Shapeshifters, the powerful voice of Ultra Nate, and one of the founding fathers of house, Marshall Jefferson. Each DJ delivered what co-founder Marc Dennis called an "unforgettable masterclass," keeping the energy sky-high from the moment the gates opened until the very last track played. The loyal festival family, as the organisers call their fans, brought an incredible atmosphere, filling every dance floor with pure positive vibes. For any fan of the genre, seeing this line-up in a place like Harrogate was a dream come true. The love for the music was clear to see on every single face in the crowd. People of all ages just love to dance to these classic tunes.

• Armand Van Helden
• Shapeshifters
• Ultra Nate
• Marshall Jefferson

What made this the biggest party ever?

So, what made this particular event so special? After a completely sold out debut in 2024 with 4,000 people, the organisers knew they had something special. This year, they upped the capacity to 6,000, making it the biggest party the Love to be… brand has ever thrown. And it paid off. The event was another sell-out, showing just how much people were craving a brilliant day out. What really stood out was the mix of people. It was a true celebration across generations, with older fans who might have been there in the 90s dancing alongside younger crowds discovering the scene for the first time. It created a unique and brilliant atmosphere.

Love to be…. co-founder, Marc Dennis, summed it up perfectly:

“It was amazing to see generations coming together to create a day that exceeded all of our expectations. From start to finish, every DJ across every stage delivered an unforgettable masterclass, while our loyal festival family brought energy and atmosphere in abundance. We set out to go bigger than last year, and all the months of hard work paid off when we saw thousands of people having the time of their lives. This was without doubt one of the greatest parties the Love to be… brand has ever hosted in our 30-year history and we’re already excited for what next year will bring.”

A club brand with a serious heritage

For those who might not know, Love to be… isn’t a new name on the block. This club brand has a seriously impressive heritage. It first exploded onto the UK club scene back in 1994 at Sheffield's famous Music Factory. For over 30 years, it has been a cornerstone of house music, hosting massive events all around the world. The list of DJs who have played under the Love to be… banner reads like a who's who of dance music royalty: Masters At Work, Roger Sanchez, Frankie Knuckles, and Pete Tong, just to name a few. It’s a brand that has earned its stripes, winning loads of awards and being known as the North’s original superclub. This rich 30 year history is what makes their events so authentic. They know how to throw a proper party because they’ve been doing it for decades, building a global community of fans along the way. This festival in Harrogate was a celebration of that legacy. News of the event's success, highlighted in communications from people like Paula Toole on the event's team, confirms its legendary status.

Already looking ahead to 2026

The glitter might have barely settled on The Stray, but plans are already in motion for the next big event. The team behind the festival isn't resting on its laurels. The Love to be… Festival will be returning to Harrogate on Saturday, 6th September 2026. For all the dance music lovers who were there, and for those who missed out on the sold out party, this is fantastic news. It’s a chance to experience the euphoric music, the amazing entertainment, and the incredible atmosphere all over again. If this year’s biggest party is anything to go by, next year’s festival is set to be another unmissable day on the calendar. Anyone keen to get ahead of the crowd can sign up for pre-sale tickets now. The love for this party continues, and it looks like Harrogate is its new favourite home.