Plenty of us love a night out, but if you’re after something a little more elevated and unique than a casual boogie on your go-to dance-floor, listen up.
Cast your minds back to early last year and you might remember reporting on a massive party happening at a rustic Italian farmhouse in Puglia. Detour Discotheque is a literal travelling disco, which has also hosted showstopper nights at the top of mountains in Switzerland, remote islands in Scotland and in Iceland’s Westfjords region (which we actually attended ourselves).
Now, Detour Discotheque is heading back to Italy for its fifth installment (dubbed La Dolce Vita Disco: Part II) to host a glittering night in a former convent, nestled in the centre of Matera, Basilicata.
Matera is the Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue for 2026, and is known for the Sassi di Matera, a complex of alleys, houses and churches which have been carved into the limestone ravines.
However, Detour Discotheque’s 2026 venue isn’t any old convent – Fondazione Le Monacelle is a Unesco World Heritage Site (designated as such in 1993), hidden within Sassi di Matera. It dates back to the sixteenth century and is a labyrinthine complex peppered with winding passageways, hidden cloisters and dramatic crumbling frescoes.
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However, the site will take on a new life when Detour Discotheque lands, though it’s not all dance, dance, dance. On the programme are cooking classes, discussions on the culture of disco and its origins as well as guided explorations of the history of Matera and, of course, pool sessions. At night is when the party starts, with everything from mirror balls to a lavish Saturday feast.
Names on the line-up so far includes London-based Sunni D, Italian broadcaster and DJ Claudia C, and disco-funk up-and-comer Kashmere.
‘After the experience in Puglia in 2025, returning to southern Italy made complete sense – Matera is astonishingly beautiful, but also a creatively progressive place.’ says founder (and former staffer) Jonny Ensall. ‘We’ve been welcomed by so many people, including the mayor Antonio Nicoletti. Its history, setting and cultural ambition make it the perfect backdrop.’
This year’s party is taking place from September 11-13, and tickets start from £195 for the weekend. Buy yours from the official website.
🪩 Oh, and have a read of ’s collection of the 26 best new things to do in the world in 2026.
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