Printworks London: Dance Till Dawn at Legendary Raves

Trying to pick a place for an epic night out in London? Don’t sleep on Printworks. This isn’t your average club—it’s an old newspaper printing factory turned into a rave paradise, and people come from all over just to see it. The first thing that hits you when you step inside is the size. Imagine soaring ceilings, concrete floors, and enough lights and lasers to start your own sunrise.

DJs here aren’t just pressing play—they’re legends. From underground techno to big-house anthems, the lineups are wild and the energy is off the charts. You’ll be dancing with thousands, but somehow it still feels personal, thanks to that gritty, industrial vibe. If you value proper sound, good security, and wild light shows you can actually feel in your chest, you’ll want to stick around—this spot was built for serious party people.

• What Makes Printworks London Raves Unmissable
• Types of Rave Nights at Printworks
• Booking & Prices: Getting Your Spot on the Dancefloor
• Safety and Hacks for Surviving All Night

What Makes Printworks London Raves Unmissable

There’s no other place in the city quite like Printworks London if you’re after the real rave experience. The venue itself used to be Western Europe’s largest printing press, and it still looks the part—with huge steel columns, industrial walkways, and a raw, open space that holds up to 6,000 people. If you enjoy dancing in a crowd that actually feels electric, this place never disappoints.

Let’s be real—the sound and lighting here are next level. Massive Funktion-One speakers pump out beats you don’t just hear, you feel. And the light shows? Massive wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling LED screens sync with every drop, every build, so it’s pretty much impossible not to get swept up in it.

• Lineups pack a punch: You’re not getting small club DJs. Big names like Peggy Gou, Bicep, and Four Tet have all played here. They book real talent from across the globe, and you can count on a surprise banger every time.
• Unique space: The main press hall runs 100 meters long, giving you room to actually dance and explore—no awkward cramming by the bar. The old printing machines are still there, giving the place character you won’t find anywhere else.
• Diverse crowd: You’ll see everything from dance music obsessives to first-timers looking to get stuck in. There’s no attitude, just people here for the sound and vibe.
• Serious organization: Queueing’s smooth, staff are on it, and cloakrooms actually work (which is rare in London). Bars and food stands are dotted around, so you’re sorted for a water or a snack if you need a dance-floor break.

One cool stat: at its peak, Printworks would run up to three events in a weekend, often selling out all 6,000 tickets each night within minutes. If you want to guarantee your spot, you have to move fast—regulars know to set alarms for ticket drops.

So, if you want to understand why everyone talks about London raves, Printworks is the place to see it firsthand. It’s not just hype. Once you’ve been, it’s hard to find another spot that gives you the same rush.

Types of Rave Nights at Printworks

If there’s one thing Printworks London nails, it’s variety. You’ll find some killer options here, so no night feels like the last—even if you turn up every month.

First up: the marathon parties. Think all-day, all-night events where you can wander in at lunchtime and still be raving as the sky lightens outside. These usually happen on weekends and pull in big-name electronic dance music and techno DJs. The energy builds with every set, and people love the freedom to dip in and out if they need a break.

There are also label showcases, where famous record labels like Drumcode, Defected, or Anjunadeep take over and bring their whole crew. These nights are a goldmine if you’re on the hunt for new sounds or want to catch an exclusive B2B set you won’t see anywhere else.

Don’t ignore the themed raves, especially if you’re new to the scene or just want to try something different. Printworks has hosted everything from 90s rave throwbacks to immersive experiences with wild visuals and costumes. Halloween and New Year’s events usually sell out fast—the buzz is real for a reason.

If you’re more into chilled vibes, check out their day parties. You still get top-tier DJs but with a bit more breathing room and earlier start times, so you’re not dragging yourself home at sunrise. These are great if you have work the next day or just want a less hardcore party that’s still super fun.

Most London raves can’t touch this mix of options. Whether you want a full-on late-night mission or a party that lets you catch the last Tube home, Printworks covers all the bases. Just check their listings since events drop throughout the year, and the best nights sell out fast—sometimes within minutes of release.

Booking & Prices: Getting Your Spot on the Dancefloor

Grabbing tickets for a Printworks London rave can feel like a race, especially when top DJs are on the lineup. These events sell out fast, often within days—sometimes hours—after tickets drop. Official sales always run through the Printworks website and platforms like Dice and Resident Advisor. It's smart to sign up on their mailing list or follow their socials, so you’ll hear the second tickets go live.

There are usually a few types of tickets to pick from:

• Early Bird: Cheapest option, but goes lightning fast. Typical price: £25-£28.
• General Admission: Standard entry, usually £32-£40 depending on the night and the headliners.
• Final Release/Late: Last batch, can hit £45+ when demand is high.
• VIP: Skips the regular queues, plus access to chill-out areas and extra bars. VIP usually lands around £60-£75 per ticket.

Extra costs? It’s cashless inside, so bring your card. Lockers can be rented for around £5-£7 (handy for stashing your coat or bag). Drinks are on the pricey side for London—think £6 for a beer, £9+ for a spirit and mixer.

Watch out for resellers. Scalpers do lurk, and Printworks doesn’t honour resale tickets not bought through their official partners, so you risk losing your investment. If an event sells out, sometimes there’s an official resale window closer to the date, but these are limited.

As for booking tips: log on before the ticket drop, have your payment ready, and don’t hesitate—those last-second delays can mean missing out. If you’re planning to go as a group, try to snap up tickets together to avoid FOMO if one mate gets left behind.

Most raves kick off in the afternoon and run until 11pm or midnight. For the legendary all-night events, expect bigger crowds and higher prices. Whatever you choose, getting your spot sorted early is the only way you’ll make it onto the London raves main floor.

Safety and Hacks for Surviving All Night

If you’re gearing up for a Printworks London rave, the party’s only fun if you get home safe. This place is huge, so a little prep goes a long way. Here’s how to hang tough and keep the good vibes rolling, start to finish.

• Plan Your Transport: Printworks isn’t right in the middle of the city. Surrey Quays Overground and Canada Water tube are the closest stops—budget at least 15-20 minutes to walk and queue. Pre-book a taxi or know your night buses, especially if you want to bail before sunrise.
• Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Dancing for hours is a workout. There are free water stations inside but they can get crowded after midnight. Bring a refillable bottle if allowed, or buy a drink with your first trip to the bar so you don’t end up parched in the middle of the crowd.
• Dress for the Heat: The main hall can get steamy—layers are key. Lockers are available but they sell out fast, so book in advance if you want to stash a hoodie or valuables. Big raves are not the place for heavy bags, open-toe shoes, or delicate outfits.
• Stick with Your Crew: It’s easy to lose people in the crowd. Pick a meeting point before things get busy. WhatsApp locations can glitch inside, so sometimes old-school plans (“meet by the left bar at 2AM”) work best.
• Respect the Vibe and Security: Security at Printworks London is solid—they’re checking for banned items and keeping things safe. Follow instructions, be respectful, and don’t risk getting kicked out over petty stuff. Don’t take drinks from strangers, and keep your phone zipped away in tight crowds.

If you’re curious, here’s what seasoned ravers recommend most:

Most importantly, know your limits. The London rave scene is about enjoying yourself, not pushing it too far. Save the wild stories for the dancefloor, not the journey home.