The king of big beat proved exactly why he remains one of the world’s most celebrated DJs as Fatboy Slim delivered an electrifying performance at Es Jardí in Calvià, transforming a warm Mallorcan night on Friday July 3 into one giant open-air dancefloor.

From the moment Norman Cook stepped behind the decks, thousands of fans erupted, with the iconic British DJ unleashing hit after hit from a career spanning more than four decades. It was a celebration of dance music at its finest, as Mallorca turned out in force to praise him (as they should.)

A soundtrack of dance music classics

The crowd barely had a moment to catch its breath as Fatboy Slim rolled through an arsenal of timeless anthems. “The Rockafeller Skank” immediately ignited the audience, while favourites including “Praise You”, “Right Here, Right Now” and “Weapon of Choice” prompted thousands of voices to sing every word back to the stage.

True to form, Cook blended his biggest hits with inventive mash-ups and remixes, seamlessly weaving classic tracks into modern dance beats. One standout moment came during a remix incorporating an Elton John classic, accompanied by spectacular visuals that lit up the huge LED screens and perfectly complemented the music.

The production matched the performance throughout, with vibrant graphics, dazzling lighting and immersive visuals adding another dimension to an already unforgettable evening.

An electric atmosphere under the stars

There was a festival buzz from the moment gates opened, but as darkness fell the energy reached another level. Fans of all ages packed the venue, dancing from the opening beats until the final track.

Fatboy Slim has always had a unique ability to unite audiences, and that spirit was on full display. Every iconic drop was greeted with deafening cheers, creating the kind of communal atmosphere that has become synonymous with his live shows.

One of dance music’s greatest showmen

Born Norman Cook in Surrey, England, Fatboy Slim became one of the defining figures of the 1990s big beat movement. His groundbreaking albums, including You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby, helped bring dance music into the mainstream, earning him a Grammy Awards, multiple Brit Awards and worldwide acclaim. Even after more than 40 years behind the decks, he continues to headline major festivals across the globe while reinventing his live performances.

Es Jardí continues to grow

The concert also showcased why Es Jardí has become one of Mallorca’s standout summer music destinations. Set within the former Mallorca Live venue in Calvià, the boutique open-air concert series combines international headline acts with Mediterranean surroundings, food, culture and an increasingly impressive production. This year’s edition introduced a redesigned main stage with new LED screens, alongside expanded cultural and hospitality spaces, making the experience bigger than ever.

If Fatboy Slim’s opening night is anything to go by, Es Jardí’s 2026 season is set to be one of its most memorable yet.

Evacuation numbers were raised to 188 on Monday night from a forest fire near Grazalema, a village in Cadiz province. The start of the blaze began shortly after 1pm at El Alamillo in the Sierra de Grazalema mountain area, near Ronda. Evacuations affected second homes in the Gadiovar area and roughly a dozen hotels plus rural lodges nearby.

Smoke and ash spread quickly to the nearby village of Zahara de la Sierra and appeared visible from Algodonales and from Ronda.

Rapid spread forces road closures

Flames advanced into Las Veguetas and crossed over the main road to Ronda. Closures hit that road and the Grazalema-Zahara link via Ribera del Gaidovar, where more evacuations continued. Slopes and valleys in the park helped the fire move faster than expected.

Extensive resources tackle blaze

Andalucia’s emergency agency activated INFOCA operational ‘situation one’ (the highest alert) over risks to people and property. An advanced command post was opened in Grazalema’s main square, previously used in the dramatic February floods.

Over 150 ground workers as well as 15 aircraft were sent to tackle the fire. Focus was kept on the right flank, advancing to Ribera del Gaidovar with a pending possible southerly wind change that would increase intensity.

Initial evacuation figures break down

Numbers included 60 guests at the Hotel Fuerte in Grazalema, 40 from nearby homes and nine from La Vegueta. Even more residents were forced to leave Ribera del Gaidovar later. Flames had not reached the hotel or houses so far, though rural spots with animals were seriously exposed.

Temporary housing options made available

Staff opened El Olivar pavilion for those displaced. Only one family used it at first while most went to second family homes in the village. Zahara de la Sierra prepared its town hall function room for people affected by road cuts and trapped in the area.

Leaders stress precautionary approach

Vice President Antonio Sanz of the Junta de Andalucia said that this was a second major challenge for Grazalema after the floods. He issued a message calling for calm, and confirming resources focused on saving inhabited areas. Elevated temperatures and the Levante wind kept influencing the fire in the rugged sierra terrain. Officials warned evacuation totals could rise further.

Residents struggling with limited financial means in Nerja are going to get new opportunities to do up their properties through a special council plan. The local government recently approved funding that targets essential home improvements for qualifying households.

Programme details and funding levels

This 10th Municipal Housing Rehabilitation Programme has set aside a total budget of €145,000. Households can receive subsidies covering up to 80 per cent of eligible works costs, reaching a maximum of €12,000 per dwelling. Councillors have designed the scheme specifically to support those facing economic constraints while promoting better living conditions across older properties.

Strict eligibility requirements for applicants

Applicants must meet several key conditions to qualify for assistance. Household income cannot exceed three times the IPREM threshold. This is the Public Indicator of Income for Multiple Effects, meaning a guide to how well-off someone is. Currently, the IPREM is set at about €600 and can be checked at the iprem.com.es official website.

Properties also need to be over ten years old, serve as the main residence, and represent the sole ownership of the applicant. These rules make sure aid reaches those who need it most without allowing multiple claims per family.

Range of eligible home improvement works

Works focus on core aspects that increase safety and comfort inside homes. Structural stability improvements and damp removal feature prominently among supported activities. Accessibility modifications and energy efficiency upgrades also qualify for funding. Renewal of water, electricity, gas, and drainage systems receives coverage, in addition to better lighting, ventilation, window replacements, and interior surface treatments. These interventions are meant to raise overall habitability standards for participants.

Application process and next steps

Submission windows open for 15 natural days following official publication in the Boletín Oficial de la Provincia de Malaga and the national subsidies database. Interested parties should prepare documentation promptly once announcements appear.

This latest round of support continues Nerja’s commitment to affordable housing maintenance. Local families now have a practical pathway to address property needs without bearing full financial burdens. With clear criteria and substantial per-home grants available, the scheme offers real benefits for qualifying households seeking to improve their daily environments.