For Jordan Tilstone, a 27-year-old social media manager from Biddulph, Staffordshire, one email changed everything. Outside of his day job, Tilstone has been a DJ since he was 16, steadily building his reputation in the trance music scene. His dedication paid off when he received an invitation to perform at Creamfields, one of the UK’s biggest dance music festivals.
A Surreal Moment
Tilstone recalled the moment he saw the subject line “Jordan Tilstone X Creamfields.” He froze at work, trying to stay composed while colleagues asked him about camera angles. “It was surreal, I just had to hold it in all day and as soon as I got into my car I just screamed,” he told the BBC. Creamfields, held annually in Halton, Cheshire, attracts around 80,000 fans. This year’s lineup features global stars including Calvin Harris, Martin Garrix, Becky Hill, Carl Cox, and Armand van Helden. Seeing his name alongside those icons brought Tilstone to tears.
Years of Dedication
Tilstone said the past 18 months have been transformative, with his monthly listeners tripling since the start of the year. “When you’ve put 11 years into it and sacrificed more than anyone could fathom, it’s a magical feeling,” he said. His genre is trance, a style of electronic dance music that emerged in the early 1990s. While house, techno, and drum and bass dominate the UK scene, Tilstone believes trance is making a comeback thanks to a new generation of DJs. “There’s a massive young crop of DJs… we’re bringing it back around,” he explained.
Local Roots and Innovation
Tilstone’s connection to Stoke-on-Trent sets him apart. Last year, he hosted the first-ever rave at Gladstone Pottery Museum, blending the city’s heritage with his music. He plans more events at cultural sites across the region, incorporating heavier drums and mechanical sounds inspired by the potteries. By leaning into his hometown’s identity, Tilstone has created a unique brand that resonates with fans. His approach reflects a growing trend of DJs using local culture to shape their sound and stage presence.
Creamfields 2026
The festival will run from August 27 to 30, marking its 20th anniversary. For Tilstone, performing at Creamfields is not just a career milestone — it’s the culmination of years of passion, persistence, and community pride.
