Writer: Isabelle De Polla
Photographer: Ross Davidson & Sam Neil
Can a wellness retreat and a world-class house music event exist in the same space? Labyrinth Events at Tofte Manor proves that they absolutely can.
Tofte Manor, with its labyrinths designed for reflection, doesn’t feel like an obvious venue for a headline house DJ. But that’s exactly the point. Labyrinth builds its events around the places themselves, embracing history rather than simply erecting a stage.
The labyrinth itself – one at the centre of the grounds and another hidden beneath a canopy of trees and mirror chimes – isn’t about getting lost like a maze. It’s a single winding path in and out, designed to encourage reflection rather than confusion. That philosophy of slowing down before the music begins ran throughout the day and was at the heart of the message the owner of the estate Suzy wanted to share. Even after almost losing her voice, she spoke passionately about how Labyrinth Events was born at Tofte Manor, with an enthusiasm that never faded.
Massage tents, palm readings and a cacao ceremony were all available in the Soul Corner, giving those who wanted it the chance to completely disconnect before heading back to the music.
The lineup unfolded naturally. Emily Nash opened the Manor Stage before EDIP, Kilimanjaro and AYYBO steadily raised the tempo. Max Styler’s golden-hour set provided the perfect handover into John Summit’s headline performance. Elsewhere, the Labyrinth Stage offered a parallel journey through sets from Crybaby, Jaguar, Rohaan, Pocket and Ellis Moss, delivering a slightly grittier take on house music while maintaining the event’s overall flow.
As the sun began to set, the grounds transformed into an elegant open-air dance floor. Performers wearing elaborate headpieces and period-inspired costumes wandered through the crowd, creating a distinct Saltburn aesthetic — theatrical, luxurious and slightly surreal.
John Summit’s opening was lighter than expected: disco-tinged, uplifting and full of feel-good energy that immediately drew the crowd in. The screams of excitement from fans as familiar tracks dropped made it clear many had been waiting all day for this moment. As dusk deepened, so did the music. The set gradually evolved into heavier grooves and darker basslines, but the transition felt completely natural rather than forced.
What stayed with me wasn’t just the music, but how carefully considered the whole experience felt. Labyrinth isn’t simply about putting DJs in beautiful historic venues. It’s about creating an atmosphere where history, wellness, art and electronic music complement one another.
If you’re curious about dance music, or simply enjoy discovering unique places through unforgettable experiences, Labyrinth is well worth adding to your calendar.
I went for the music. I left talking about the entire experience.