As Club Guesthouse gears up to kick off fabric London's 25th-anniversary world tour, we believe it’s a perfect time to delve into the essence of fabric. A flag-bearer of the electronic music scene, fabric has seen over 1300 weekends of parties into the small hours of the morning over the past 25 years. It has survived in a stifling climate for clubs where few others could - and this, to us, speaks volumes.

Here are 25 aspects that make fabric not just a club, but a cultural phenomenon:

1. Historical venue: fabric's home in a Victorian-era meat storage facility adds a unique industrial charm that's become iconic in London's club scene.
2. Vision: The founders, Keith Reilly and Cameron Leslie, aimed to create an exceptional club experience that combined five-star hospitality with the spirit of old-school rave anarchy, offering an alternative to mainstream club culture.
3. Reach: The club has welcomed an estimated 10 million visitors. 
4. Sound system innovation: Renowned for its bodysonic dancefloor, fabric's sound system allows clubbers to feel the bass through their feet.
5. Global celebration: The 25th-anniversary world tour showcases fabric's influence, bringing its signature vibe to Europe, South America, and the U.S​​​​. Titans like Craig Richards, Ricardo Villalobos, Rhadoo, Seth Troxler, and Margaret Dygas, among others, who have found a home at fabric, will be part of the club's year-long celebration. 
6. fabric mix series: A testament to its eclectic music policy, fabric mix series has featured a wide array of artists, capturing the club's diverse sound.
7. Resident DJs: Legends like Craig Richards and Terry Francis have been pivotal, shaping the club's musical direction over the years. Since 1999, the first decade of fabric live, saw these two playing almost every weekend and to date they are still firm staples of the club playing regularly.
8. Full-spectrum: fabric’s lineups and series of mixes document the evolution of electronic music, from minimal techno to dubstep and disco, and from drum’n’bass and breakbeat to all shades of house – deep, tech, ghetto, bassline and beyond. 
9. LGBTQI+ inclusivity: Hosting events like DTPM for over 10 years, running the in-house Love Child with Josh Caffe, and collaborating on events with promoters such as Little Gay Brother, He.She.They & many more, fabric champions LGBTQI+ culture and inclusivity.
10. Cutting-edge lineups: fabric consistently books a mix of established legends and emerging talents, keeping its programming fresh and forward-thinking. It’s a rite of passage not just for clubbers but also, crucially, up-and-coming DJs. Berlin techno stalwart Ellen Allien said “If you make it to Fabric you can be sure you’re a good DJ.”
11. fabric records: The club's label has released a vast array of influential albums, singles, and compilations that capture its sonic essence.
12. Sustainability efforts: Conscious of its environmental impact, fabric has implemented measures to reduce waste and promote sustainability within the nightlife scene.
13. Artistic freedom: Artists often mention the creative freedom they experience when playing at fabric, allowing for unique and memorable sets.
14. Community focus: Beyond the music, fabric fosters a sense of community among its crowd, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
15. Technological advancements: Always at the forefront, fabric integrates the latest technology in lighting and sound to enhance the clubbing experience.
16. Educational workshops: fabric occasionally hosts workshops and talks, contributing to the education of the next generation of artists and music industry professionals.
17. Safety initiatives: Post-2016 reopening, fabric has been a leader in club safety and harm reduction practices, setting a standard for nightlife venues.
18. Cultural impact: fabric's influence extends beyond the club, impacting fashion, art, and London's cultural identity as a whole.
19. Record-breaking events: Hosting marathon DJ sets and unique performances, fabric has been the site of numerous record-breaking and historic music events.
20. Architectural design: The club's layout, with its multiple rooms and meandering corridors, creates an exploratory experience for attendees.
21. Philanthropic efforts: fabric engages in various charitable initiatives, using its platform to give back to the community and support causes.
22. Resilience: Overcoming challenges like the 2016 closure, fabric's resilience is a testament to its enduring appeal and importance to the nightlife industry.
23. Acclaimed mix compilations: The "fabric" and "FABRICLIVE" compilation series have been pivotal in defining the sound of electronic music over the years. These helped key artists get more exposure, supporting quality.
24. Innovative artist showcases: fabric regularly hosts album launch parties, special artist residencies, and unique live performances, offering a platform for creative showcases.
25. Legacy and influence: fabric's lasting impact on electronic music, club culture, and the arts is immeasurable, inspiring countless artists, promoters, and venues worldwide.

Thank you, fabric, for embodying resilience and vision, and for leaving a lasting impact on music culture.

On February 17, fabric’s team flies to Bucharest for our weekend together featuring Craig Richards, Rhadoo, Harry McCanna & Zya. Grab tickets here. 

*Photograph: Kirsty O'Connor/PA