A seismic shift is rippling through the electronic music world. Terminal V, Edinburgh’s celebrated techno and house festival, has announced its final event in April, bringing an era to a close.
Since its explosive debut in 2017, Terminal V rapidly ascended to become a cornerstone of the UK’s electronic music scene, drawing over 250,000 devoted fans to the Royal Highland Centre. It wasn’t just a festival; it was an immersive experience, a pilgrimage for those seeking sonic liberation.
Over the years, the festival’s stages pulsed with the energy of leading artists – Anetha, Ben Hemsley, Luciid, Tommy Holohan, and DJ Gigola, among many others – each performance etching itself into the memories of attendees. The air throbbed with a collective energy, a shared passion for the driving rhythms and hypnotic melodies.
The decision to conclude the Edinburgh chapter wasn’t taken lightly. Festival organizers cite escalating operational costs and increasingly complex logistical challenges as the driving forces behind this difficult choice. Maintaining the festival’s uncompromising standards proved unsustainable in the current climate.
However, this isn’t an ending, but a transformation. While the Edinburgh location will host its last event in April 2026, whispers suggest a search is underway for a new, yet-to-be-revealed home for the festival. The spirit of Terminal V will live on, evolving and adapting.
Looking beyond the final Edinburgh event, plans are already taking shape for a global tour in the coming year, a decade-long celebration of Terminal V’s impact on the electronic music landscape. This tour promises to extend the festival’s reach, bringing its unique energy to audiences worldwide.
“This is a significant moment for us,” reflects Derek Martin, co-founder of Terminal V. “Edinburgh has been our home since the beginning, and some of our biggest moments have happened here. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built.”
Simon McGrath, the other co-founder, echoes this sentiment, adding, “Delivering the level of event we’ve produced is becoming increasingly challenging. We’re not prepared to compromise on quality. This move will allow us to take the festival further and deliver even more ambitious experiences.”
The final Terminal V in Edinburgh will unfold over two days, April 18th and 19th, promising a poignant farewell to a beloved location. A final release of tickets is scheduled for March 3rd, offering one last chance to be part of this historic event.
For thousands, Terminal V wasn’t just about the music; it was about the community, the freedom, and the shared experience of losing oneself in the powerful, immersive soundscapes. The legacy of Terminal V will undoubtedly resonate for years to come.
