Bloc was a prominent nightclub and electronic music event series based in the United Kingdom, known widely for its avant-garde programming and influential role in the evolution of the UK’s clubbing landscape. Founded by Alex Benson and George Hull, Bloc originated as a weekend-long festival in 2006 in Minehead, Somerset, before establishing itself as a legendary event in the European electronic music calendar. The original festival was rooted in a DIY ethos, curating lineups that melded cutting-edge techno, house, bass, and experimental sounds, gaining a reputation for both musical innovation and its immersive, community-driven atmosphere.

Bloc’s reputation grew steadily in its formative years, drawing artists and revellers from across the globe, and fostering a loyal following attracted by its no-compromise vision for club culture. After several successful years hosting annual festivals at Butlins holiday resorts, Bloc attempted an ambitious move in 2012 to a new location at London’s Pleasure Gardens in Docklands. Unfortunately, their 2012 event was marred by overcrowding and organizational challenges, ultimately resulting in the festival’s abrupt shutdown partway through the event.

Despite the setback, the Bloc brand bounced back. In 2013, Bloc opened a permanent nightclub called Bloc London in a former warehouse at Autumn Street Studios in Hackney Wick, East London. The shift from an annual festival to a year-round venue allowed Bloc to continue shaping the UK’s clubbing landscape, offering an intimate yet uncompromising space for electronic music fans.

The nightclub quickly earned acclaim for its outstanding sound system, warehouse aesthetic, and commitment to booking both iconic and emerging artists. Bloc’s programming reflected its forward-thinking roots, often featuring marathon all-night club events and label showcases. Its cultural significance lay in the way it bridged the energy of the UK rave scene with the international underground, fostering an environment where global stars and local talent shared the stage on equal footing.

Despite achieving iconic status, Bloc London announced in 2016 that it would close and focus on other projects, marking the end of an era in UK clubland. Notable artists who have performed at Bloc include Aphex Twin, Jeff Mills, Carl Craig, Four Tet, Richie Hawtin, Nina Kraviz, Ben Klock, Levon Vincent, Marcel Dettmann, Surgeon, Robert Hood, The Black Dog, Modeselektor, Bicep, Floating Points, Blawan, Objekt, Jon Hopkins, DJ Stingray, Lone, Shackleton, and headline showcases from cutting-edge labels such as Ostgut Ton, Numbers, Hessle Audio, and Hyperdub. Many celebrated UK acts, such as Joy Orbison, Pearson Sound, Ben UFO, and Untold, were regulars, as were respected local crews and rising London DJs who found a home for their innovative sounds on Bloc’s revered dancefloors.