Manumission unveils the story of its highly anticipated return to Ibiza

The long-awaited return of Manumission to Ibiza

At the heart of Le Weekend Manumission: A twelve-hour, five-stage festival-format show that will bring the summer of '98 to 528 Ibiza.

Manumission unveils what awaits the public at 528 Ibiza on Saturday, September 26th, reviving the legendary Ibizan summer of 1998 as the centerpiece of Le Weekend MANUMISSION.

For the first time in the history of 528 Ibiza, all its stages will be connected through a single immersive story, transforming the venue's indoor and outdoor spaces into an interconnected dream universe. From open-air shows to theatrical offerings at nightfall, the show will unfold throughout 528 Ibiza.

Inspired by Claire Manumission's bestselling memoir, The Motel: High Times in 90s Ibiza, the production brings together stories, characters, and settings that evoke the spirit of one of the island's most celebrated and transgressive eras.

"And I think that's what we were looking for back then, in the 90s: to mix this kind of impactful performance with art and beauty. To remind them that they are alive. Anything can happen at any moment, especially at Manumission. Yee-haw!"

— The Motel

The recreation of the infamous Manumission Motel

At the center stands a three-story recreation of the infamous Manumission Motel: an authentic "acid-drenched dollhouse" that will serve as the stage for a vibrant production directed by Jodie Blemmings. The British choreographer, a regular collaborator of Sir Matthew Bourne, will fill the scarlet stage with some of London's best dancers, including Paris Fitzpatrick, accompanied by drag queens and acrobatic performers who will bring the Motel's most extravagant stories to life. Fierce characters, surreal encounters, and choreographed chaos will extend beyond the stage to invade the audience on the outdoor terrace.

Beyond that, a multitude of dance floors will guide attendees throughout the night and into the early hours of the morning, each with its own atmosphere, soundtrack, and cast. The freedom, humor, and excess of Manumission will be present at all times.

True to the spirit of Manumission ’98, the DJs are part of a much larger show, where music, theater, performers, and the audience build the experience together. David Morales and Carl Craig will be among the DJs for this extraordinary event, although the full line-up remains an absolute secret. The no-camera policy also returns, with strict rules regarding the use of mobile phones.

Mike and Claire Manumission explain:

"Creating Manumission for and with the new generation is a lucid dream come true. We have a living dollhouse with characters playing roles drawn from our memoirs. The Disc Jockey Supremes fall into the clutches of the Pink Pussies, while Debbie Harry captivates the audience and the infamous sex performer Otter is brought onto the stage by a world champion pole dancer. A Cuban circus master directs the aerial and floor acrobatics, while drag queens from Barcelona play the 90s supermodels Claudia Snipper, Yasmin Le Bon Bon, Naomi Cowbell, and the deliciously decadent Cake Moss, in a recreation of the now-legendary Manumission party during Paris Fashion Week. Our new-generation Manumission Girls, dressed and inspired by the 90s, take on the role of directing the photo campaign we present here. Under our meticulous creative direction, the event has been co-created by some of Manumission's most talented collaborators, who were truly there during that hot summer of '98. From the book, the myths, and the 'murders', all the mystery of Manumission and the Motel will soon be revealed, and we simply cannot wait any longer."

— Mike and Claire Manumission

BY DAY

THE MANUMISSION MOTEL — 528 PARK STAGE

The Motel is the theatrical heart of the event. Designed in collaboration with the creative team behind Glastonbury's Shangri-La and Boomtown Festival, the recreation of its facade and interior rooms becomes the stage for the strange, sexy, and unpredictable world portrayed in Claire's memoir.

Some of London's best dancers will bring the Motel's inhabitants to life alongside drag queens from Barcelona and a cast of top-tier performers. Setting the pace for the action, a soundtrack created by one of Manumission's historical collaborators will seamlessly fuse Big Beat and Balearic. In an inaugural tribute, Jaime, son of Alfredo Fiorito, will connect the celebration with one of the most influential musical figures of Ibiza and Manumission. Finally, a mysterious headliner will add a new element of surprise to this groundbreaking artistic proposal.

HELLFIRE IN THE HONG KONG HOT TUB — 528 GARDEN STAGE

One of the famous themes from Murder at the Manumission Motel is resurrected on a stage inspired by a bathhouse, amidst bubbles, blue lights, and provocative performances under hot water showers.

Leading the way will be El Tigre, accompanied by the Manumission Girls, go-go boys, and ji-ji drag queens, in a celebration of the 1998 Year of the Tiger. The unmistakable Detroit techno of Carl Craig will provide the soundtrack, accompanied by a mysterious cast of DJs from the UK and Berlin.

BEDROOM BONDAGE À LA JAPONAISE — 528 FOREST STAGE

Hidden among the trees, the Ibizan collective XTRA will take control of the Forest with their mission to "Make Ibiza Queer Again."

Here, Manumission's roots in the Manchester gay underground scene meet a new generation of queer DJs, artists, and clubbers who are shaping today's Ibiza. The freedom and self-expression that defined the original parties find a new energy to dance in a space of their own.

BY NIGHT

As darkness falls, the Theater and the Club open their doors and the show takes on a different tone.

LE THEATRE PINK PUSSY — 528 TEATRO

Le Theatre Pink Pussy returns, transformed into a surreal New York strip club: impossible heels, bodies on the bars, and performances unfolding around the dance floor.

David Morales will offer a six-hour musical journey that will connect the underground spirit of New York's Paradise Garage with the Manumission Ibiza of '98, accompanied by his own provocative performances, evoking the essence of one of Manumission's most infamous creations.

ROGER MORE’S DARK ROOM — 528 CLUB

Inside the Club, Roger More’s Dark Room will bring an intimate and playful atmosphere to the naughtiest hours of Manumission.

Curated by Nick Sheehy of Pikes Ibiza, it will be a nocturnal universe with a personality of its own, featuring selectors linked to Berghain and Trade, passing through the Meatpacking District of Jackie 60 and original figures from the Motel.

Le Weekend MANUMISSION: FULL PROGRAM

The spectacular event at 528 Ibiza will be the heart of Le Weekend MANUMISSION, which will be held from September 25th to 27th.

On Friday the 25th, Pikes Ibiza will host an exclusive lounge with a book reading by Claire Manumission, in addition to a CARRY ON COWBOY on Sunday the 26th. Different pop-ups at Ibiza Rocks Bar —the former Bar M and one of Manumission's most beloved beach enclaves during that era— will complete the weekend.

Attendees are expected to arrive dressed in 90s style, with a mask for after dark and an open mind.

TICKET INFORMATION

Demand has been extraordinary, with the first tier of tickets selling out in a matter of minutes. The final tiers of tickets are now going on sale. Additionally, a limited number of special tickets at €49 have been made available, exclusively for Ibiza residents and workers. There will be no VIP. Everyone will be part of the party.

Saturday, September 26th, 2026 | 528 Ibiza | 17:00–05:00