The second event of The O2’s Welcome Back Shows is announced today with Ministry of Sound Classical set to play The O2 arena on Saturday 13 November 2021. The event which is the largest yet in the Classical shows history will be the 30^th anniversary celebration of the world’s most iconic dance brand.

Ministry of Sound Classical will feature the 50-piece London Concert Orchestra and special guest DJs including legendary DJ Paul Oakenfold, who played the opening night of the South London club in 1991 and has been a mainstay at Ministry of Sound ever since.

The event joins The Welcome Back Series alongside UK comedian Mo Gilligan + Friends whose ‘The Black British Takeover’ is already confirmed for 8 December 2021. Starting in August, the series will feature a diverse line up of headline artists and performers showcasing the very best of British and International acts.

Steve Sayer, VP and General Manager of The O2 said: “This will absolutely be a night to remember at The O2. To have the pioneers of dance music with the legendary Paul Oakenfold and the London Concert Orchestra perform as part of our Welcome Back Series will be a really special night and a huge occasion. Ministry of Sound is the home of dance music and set the benchmark for other venues. We’re delighted The O2 arena will play host to a big part of their 30^th birthday celebrations. The past year has been tough for everyone connected with music including the fans, DJ’s, artists and all the crew but this will be the ultimate celebration and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back for three decades of dance in one night.”

Ministry of Sound Chairman Lohan Presencer commented: “Ministry of Sound have always been pioneers in London and dance music throughout our three decades. The phenomenal success of the newly launched Ministry of Sound Classical is continued proof of that. We’re delighted to be bringing the dance back to the capital following the pandemic and to be taking over The O2 arena for this very special occasion.” 

Gareth Griffiths, Head of Sponsorship O2 added: “Seeing the return of The O2 arena to full capacity is going to be very special. Our Welcome Back Shows are a sign that brighter times are coming. We’re delighted to be welcoming Ministry of Sound Classical and Paul Oakenfold to The O2. The legendary south London club, a legendary south London DJ celebrating 30 years of dance music at a legendary south London venue. Does it get any better than that? We really can’t wait.”

Working in partnership with O2 to launch and deliver The Welcome Back Shows, fans using the Priority app will have exclusive access to buy tickets for each show 48 hours before anyone else, allowing them to secure their place at one of the hottest gigs in London. Presale tickets are available from 10am on 26 May.

More full capacity shows are to be announced in the coming weeks

Since its launch in 2007, The O2 has become one of the most successful, and recognisable music and entertainment venues in the world. It has played host to unforgettable live experiences for over 70 million fans of music, sport, entertainment, and award shows. The arena itself was converted into an NHS training facility at the start of the pandemic, and has since been used for closed events like the ATP Tennis Finals, and Pete Tong that have been streamed or broadcast around the world. The BRIT Awards 2021 in May was the first event to go ahead with a limited capacity audience as part of the government’s Event Research Programme.

The O2 is just 15-minutes from central London and easily accessible by tube, road or Uber Boat by Thames Clippers and has plenty of car parking space available.