Get Ready to Rave at Printworks London: The Ultimate Guide for Partygoers

If you’re itching for a wild night in London, Printworks is probably already at the top of your list. Forget stuffy clubs—this is an industrial-era printing factory turned gigantic party spot. You won’t find disco balls and velvet ropes here. Instead, it’s dark, gritty, and packed with raw energy. Imagine huge crowds moving to the best house, techno, and drum and bass. It’s the kind of place where you can truly get lost in the music and forget about the world outside.

The hype isn’t just talk. Printworks is legendary for its epic sound and insane lighting. Some visitors say you feel the bass in your bones before you ever catch your favorite DJ on stage. There’s even a story about someone traveling from Spain just for a 12-hour rave, then catching the red-eye home—just because the venue’s that good. Want to make sure your night goes off without a hitch? Stick around—I’m breaking down how Printworks works, what events to look for, and how you can get your tickets in time.

• Key Info You Need to Know
• What Makes Printworks London Special
• Types of Events and Music at Printworks
• How to Get There and Book Tickets
• Tips for Enjoying Your Night

Key Info You Need to Know

Heading to Printworks London for the first time? There’s a lot to keep in mind so you don’t end up lost or out of pocket. Here are the essentials—no fluff, just facts.

• Location: Printworks is in Rotherhithe, southeast London. The address—Surrey Quays Road, SE16 7PJ. It’s inside a massive old print factory, so the vibe is super unique.
• Transport: Canada Water (Jubilee Line, Overground) is the closest tube station—just a 10-minute walk. Trains and buses run late, but if you're aiming for the closing set, book a cab or check night bus schedules.
• Age Limit: Events are strictly 18+—bring legit photo ID, or you’re not getting in, no matter how old you look.
• Capacity: This place fits up to 6,000 people, so expect a crowd. Entry and cloakroom lines can get long—arrive early or be patient.
• Security: Searches are thorough. No outside drinks, no vapes, and definitely no sketchy stuff—they’re not messing around.
• Dress Code: No formal rules, but comfort is king. You’ll be on your feet, in a warehouse. Leave heels at home.
• Facilities: Lockers and cloakrooms are available, but spaces fill up. Bring a little cash—tap cards work, but cash is sometimes quicker for the cloakroom.

Events sell out fast. Last season, top rave events at Printworks London saw tickets snapped up in less than 48 hours. Don’t wait around if you want in.

Quick tip: Check the Printworks tickets page a few weeks before your favorite DJ plays. Sign up for event alerts; resales sometimes drop last minute. This way, you won’t have to pay crazy markups from dodgy ticket sites.

What Makes Printworks London Special

Printworks London stands out because it’s not your typical club. The venue used to be an actual printing press, and they kept the original industrial feel. Walking in, you’ll see huge metal beams, exposed pipes, and even leftover machinery from its old days. It feels like partying inside a piece of history, which you don’t get anywhere else in the city.

The main room, called the Press Halls, is massive—so you don’t feel boxed in even when the place is packed. The layout was designed for crowds, plus the acoustics are unreal. Sound techs say it’s one of the best places to actually hear and feel electronic music in London. You won’t just hear the beats; you’ll literally feel the bass hit your chest. That’s not by accident—the venue has custom sound systems built for big crowds and loud performances.

But what really draws people in is the insane lighting. You’re not just getting a bunch of flashing lights overhead. The lighting rigs and lasers stretch the entire length of the main hall, synced perfectly to every drop and breakdown. At some raves, you’ll see colors wash over hundreds of people, then change in a split second with the music. DJs from around the world talk about how Printworks London lets them play with visuals more than almost any other London nightlife spot.

Events at Printworks London are run like music festivals, not club nights. Think big-name electronic acts—Skepta, Bicep, Peggy Gou, and even surprise artists turning up. Each show has a dedicated crowd who come specifically for that style, whether it's techno, house, drum and bass, or a special live set. The crowd is a mix: you’ll find hard-core ravers, music nerds, and anyone who’s there for the experience, not just a night out.

• Big-name DJs and live shows every season
• Massive industrial space—Press Halls fits thousands
• Top-tier sound and crazy lighting rigs
• It’s one of the most unique venues in the UK
• Events sell out fast (sometimes within hours when Printworks tickets drop)

To put it in numbers, Printworks has hosted more than 500 events and seen over half a million visitors since opening in 2017. Even if you’ve been to clubs all over Europe, this place really is in a league of its own. If you’re after a true rave event, nothing else in Printworks London’s category even comes close.

Types of Events and Music at Printworks

The magic of Printworks London is in the mix of events and the sheer variety of tunes you’ll hear blasting through its huge halls. You’re not locked into one kind of night here—Printworks has built a rep for hosting everything from thumping techno marathons to more laid-back daytime DJ sets. Whether you’re deep into house, drum and bass, or more experimental electronic stuff, there’s literally something for every kind of raver.

One of the things that keeps people coming back? The themed ‘Printworks Presents’ sessions. These are all-day parties packed with back-to-back headliners, surprise guests, and next-level lighting. Past line-ups have included world-famous names like Peggy Gou, Bicep, Amelie Lens, and Andy C—if you know house or DnB, those names ring a bell. You’ll also spot label showcases, like the epic Hospitality (drum & bass), Defected (house), or curated techno nights from artists like Charlotte de Witte.

If you’re more of a daytime raver, check out the day parties that run from early afternoon into the evening. These have a slightly more chilled vibe, but don’t underestimate the energy. No matter the time, the crowd knows how to go hard. Printworks even mixes it up with live shows now and then, bringing in electronic bands, indie groups, or special one-off gigs. At times they host culture-focused weekends, like AVA London, where you get talks, workshops, and networking on top of the usual banging music.

Here’s the typical music breakdown you’ll find at Printworks:

• Techno and House: The backbone of the venue, with big international DJs and legendary label nights.
• Drum and Bass: Iconic Hospitality and Rampage events pull massive crowds.
• Electronic and Experimental: Stuff for the synth and bass lovers, plus showcase gigs.
• Live Acts and Crossovers: Occasional concerts from big names in electronic and indie scenes.

Curious which events draw the biggest crowds? Printworks routinely sells out for season openers and closing parties, sometimes within hours. If you want those, jump on tickets as soon as they drop. It’s also worth checking out their website or socials for last-minute events—sometimes there are surprise line-ups or hidden afterparties announced close to the weekend.

So, whether you’re craving day-long techno or just want to dip your toes in with a laid-back show, Printworks has a night with your name on it. Always check the line-up ahead of time, as the music style can totally change depending on the night.

How to Get There and Book Tickets

Getting to Printworks London might sound daunting, but it’s pretty simple once you know the way. The venue sits at Surrey Quays Road, just southeast of central London, inside the old Harmsworth Quays printing factory. Most partygoers use public transport because parking is basically a nightmare.

Here’s what you need to know about getting there:

• London Overground: Jump off at Surrey Quays station. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk. If you’re loaded down with gear (festival hats, anyone?), this is your best bet.
• Tube: Canada Water station (Jubilee Line) is a popular option. You’ll still need to walk about 10 minutes. Same deal—follow the crowds, you can’t miss it.
• Bus: Dozens of daytime and night buses stop nearby. Routes 1, 47, 188, 199, and 381 are the most popular options. Saves you money if you’re coming from different parts of London.
• Taxi/Uber: Use the drop-off point set by the venue—they won’t let cabs through if you haven’t got a legit booking or a real need.

Trying to park? Think again. There isn’t any public parking at the venue, except maybe a tiny pay-and-display that’s almost always full and closes early.

Now, about Printworks tickets: You need to grab them ahead of time online. Don’t turn up hoping for tickets at the door—sold-out nights are normal here. The official Printworks website (search "Printworks London tickets") sells them directly, usually through the DICE app. Stick with legit sellers, or you’ll risk getting scammed. Third-party resale can get pricey fast—sometimes over double face value for really big events.

Here’s a step-by-step on booking tickets:

1. Check the official Printworks events calendar on their website.
2. Pick your Printworks London event and tap the “Buy Tickets” link.
3. Sign up for DICE (or your preferred official platform). You usually need to create an account.
4. Buy your ticket—standard, group, and sometimes VIP options. Don’t drag your feet: early bird deals sell out quickly, and weekends go the fastest.
5. Your tickets will be digital, so no printing—just bring your phone fully charged.

If you’re eyeing a hot lineup or big-name DJ, get your Printworks London tickets the moment they go live. For reference, here’s what pricing tends to look like for major events:

Most Printworks events are 18+ only. Don’t forget your photo ID—they’re strict at the door. If you’re coming with a group, buy together if possible. Digital tickets can be transferred within DICE, but there are limits and sometimes extra fees.

One final tip: sign up for the venue’s mailing list. You’ll get early warnings about ticket drops, lineup announcements, and those rare secret shows. Nobody likes FOMO at Printworks.

Tips for Enjoying Your Night

If you want an epic time at Printworks London, there are a few tricks you won’t want to miss. The place really is massive, so knowing your way around and planning just a little can make a huge difference.

• Arrive Early: Doors usually open at noon or mid-afternoon for day parties, and lines get long fast. Getting there right when doors open often means less waiting and more time inside.
• Dress Smart (and Comfy): There’s no official dress code at Printworks London, but layers will save you. It can get warm on the dance floor but chilly outside, especially at night.
• Keep Your Tickets Handy: Most entry is by e-ticket. Screenshot yours before you go—WiFi’s spotty at the entrance.
• Hydrate: The energy is wild, and it’s easy to forget. Water points are dotted around—use them. A refillable water bottle is allowed but must be empty on arrival.
• Explore the Food Vendors: There are usually a few on-site, serving everything from vegan burgers to chips. Take a food break to keep energy up—nobody raves well on an empty stomach.
• Secure Your Stuff: Printworks has lockers you can rent for your coat and valuables. It beats lugging things around or risking something getting lost in a crowd of thousands.
• Plan Your Route Home: Check last train/bus times. Ubers surge after big events, so have an alternative route or split your ride with friends.
• Buddy System: Stay with your group, especially when exploring the main halls and side rooms. It’s easy to lose track of each other in the packed crowd.

Here’s a quick look at average on-site prices, so you’re not caught off guard at the bar:

Most importantly, make the most of the crowd—Printworks London is famous for its friendly, buzzing atmosphere. Whether you’re flying solo or with mates, you’ll probably end up meeting someone new by the bar or in the middle of a drum and bass drop. Just be respectful, look out for each other, and enjoy every wild minute.