On Saturday 11th April, Dubrek Studios became the beating heart of Derby’s underground as Day and Night brought together rap,…
By K Futur LOCALDerby’s house music scene was in full flight as Bunker founders Ashley Fearn and Guy Shipley delivered a marathon day-to-night session that proved exactly why Bunker events have become essential fixtures in the city’s nightlife calendar. Running from 5pm through to 4am, this was more than just a club night-it was a full-scale celebration of house music culture, vinyl roots, and community energy across two of Sadler Gate’s most iconic venues.
Vinyl Roots Set the Tone at Mr Shaw’s House
The surprise addition of a vinyl-only pre-party at Mr Shaw’s House set the tone perfectly. Just across the way from the main event, the intimate venue became a warm-up sanctuary for those in the know. The atmosphere was laid-back but buzzing with anticipation-a proper heads’ session where the music did the talking.
Ashley Fearn, Guy Shipley and Jordan Diston took to the decks alongside a rotating cast of selectors, spinning house music the old-school way-strictly vinyl. There’s something undeniably special about that crackle, that hands-on mixing, that tangible connection between DJ and record. It brought a nostalgic edge to the evening, grounding the event in the roots of house while setting up the energy for what was to come.
With pints flowing, spirits poured, and conversations bouncing between tracks, the crowd eased into the night. This wasn’t just a pre-drinks spot-it was a statement. A reminder that before the lasers and late-night chaos, house music lives in its rawest form on wax.
Main Event Ignites at The Blue Note
As the evening pushed forward, the energy shifted across to The Blue Note, where the main event exploded into life. With both the main room and terrace in full swing, Bunker once again showcased its ability to curate multi-space experiences that keep the party alive from every angle.
Inside, the main room was relentless. A stacked line-up including Padraig Killion, Alicea Buttgen and Raines kept the floor moving, each bringing their own flavour to the decks. The sound system thumped with rolling basslines and crisp percussion, locking dancers into that hypnotic house rhythm that carries you through the early hours.
A standout moment came from AR38, delivering a back-to-back set packed with energy and precision. Feeding off each other and the crowd, they dropped track after track of pure heat-the kind of set that doesn’t let up, building pressure and releasing it in waves. It was a proper crowd moment, hands in the air, bodies locked into the groove.
Guy Shipley also took control in the main room, keeping the vibe consistent and the tempo right where it needed to be. His set embodied what Bunker nights are all about-connection, flow, and an understanding of exactly what the dancefloor needs.
Terrace Energy: Open Air, Non-Stop Vibes
Step outside, and it was a completely different but equally electric story. Hosted by Funkyard, the terrace was rammed-a sea of people dancing under the night sky, with the silhouette of Derby Cathedral looming in the background.
With its own bar and raised stage, the terrace became a destination in itself. The lineup-Hemmo, Fulkee Cutti, Levi and Nokane-delivered a stream of funky house grooves that kept the outside crowd locked in from start to finish.
There’s something about an outdoor space that hits differently. The open air, the lights, the skyline-it all adds to the experience. And on this night, the terrace didn’t dip for a second. Whether you were inside or out, the music followed you, pulling you deeper into the rhythm.
A Derby House Music Statement
What Ashley Fearn and Guy Shipley have built with Bunker isn’t just another club night-it’s a movement within Derby’s nightlife. A carefully curated experience that blends underground credibility with accessible energy, bringing together seasoned heads, vinyl purists, and new-gen ravers under one roof (or two, in this case).
From the chilled vinyl selections at Mr Shaw’s House to the full-throttle chaos at The Blue Note, this was a seamless journey through house music culture. Every detail — the lineup, the spaces, the flow of the night-was dialled in.
And the result? A non-stop party that delivered from start to finish.
Don’t Miss the Next Bunker Event
If this night proved anything, it’s that Bunker events are essential for anyone tapped into the UK house music scene-especially here in Derby. The consistency, the quality, and the atmosphere speak for themselves.
If you weren’t there, you missed out. If you were, you already know.
Make sure you’re at the next one.
