An Emergency Care Assistant from the Isle of Wight is set to launch a not-for-profit event aimed at giving aspiring DJs their first taste of performing in front of a crowd, with the debut session taking place at The Castle Inn, Newport on Saturday 28th February.
Paul Barrett – also known as DJ Moomin – has created ‘Fruitylicious’, an initiative designed to support DJs who may be struggling with confidence or unsure how to move from livestreams and bedroom sets into real-world venues.
The first Fruitylicious event will run from 12:00-17:00 in the function room at The Castle Inn. It is described as an “open deck” day, where new DJs can try out a live set in a supportive, inclusive space, while also building confidence and material for showreels.
Paul, who works with the ambulance service, said he was inspired to act after seeing how the modern DJ scene has become increasingly focused on image and social media presence, often at the expense of genuine talent and mental wellbeing.
Paul Barrett, DJ Moomin, has said:
“I would love nothing more than for the good people of the Isle of Wight to get behind this and support those who may need that helping hand.
“The pressures of social media and the need to look ‘perfect’ have created a huge problem in the DJ scene. Life has become more about likes and comments – it is a very dark world.”
Fruitylicious was set up in 2025 with the aim of creating a pathway for those who have the talent, but lack the confidence or platform, to take the next step into club environments.
Thanks have been extended to The Castle Inn for offering their support and providing the venue.
More Fruitylicious events are planned for later in the year.
