A seismic shift is rippling through the electronic music world. Edinburgh’s Terminal V, a festival synonymous with pulsating techno and immersive soundscapes, has announced its final event in April, bringing an era to a close.
Since its explosive debut in 2017, Terminal V has become a pilgrimage for over 250,000 fans, drawn to the Royal Highland Centre on the outskirts of Edinburgh. The festival quickly established itself as a beacon for cutting-edge electronic music, a place where the energy was palpable and the bass relentless.
Over the years, the festival’s stages have hosted a constellation of leading artists – Anetha, Ben Hemsley, Luciid, Tommy Holohan, and DJ Gigola, among many others – each contributing to the festival’s legendary atmosphere. These weren’t just performances; they were experiences, moments etched into the memories of those who witnessed them.
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 quality proved unsustainable in the current climate.
However, this isn’t an ending, but a transformation. While the Edinburgh location will host its last Terminal V in April 2026, the team is actively exploring a new home for the festival, a location that will allow them to continue pushing boundaries and delivering unforgettable experiences.
Looking beyond a new location, plans are already underway for a global tour in the coming year, a decade-long celebration of Terminal V’s impact on the electronic music scene. This tour promises to extend the festival’s reach and share its unique energy with audiences worldwide.
“This is a significant moment for us,” reflects Derek Martin, co-founder of Terminal V. “Edinburgh has been 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 take place on April 18th and 19th, offering one last chance to experience the festival’s magic in its original setting. A final release of tickets is scheduled for March 3rd, promising a fervent rush for a piece of history.
For those who have lost themselves within its sonic embrace, Terminal V’s legacy will endure, a testament to the power of electronic music and the unforgettable experiences it creates. The story isn’t over; it’s simply evolving.
