In what is the biggest news story to rock Ibiza this year, one of the islands best know and loved techno parties, Cocoon, is rumoured to be departing Amnesia after 18 years at the San Rafael club. Hosted by the legendary, Sven Vath, Cocoon has been a cornerstone of the Ibiza clubbing calendar for the past 18 years. The party is now being tipped for a new residency at Pacha which is currently undergoing a major refurbishment, that will reveal itself this summer.

Cocoon has very much been an influential part of the Ibiza clubbing scene, with many of the islands top DJ’s getting a start at the party, which was born in Frankfurt in 1996 before moving to Ibiza in 1999, taking on the mighty Manumission on Monday nights. In the past few years, numbers at Cocoon have been dwindling and Amnesia’s unsuccessful policy of programming three similar Techno parties in the same week, has taken its toll. It is nevertheless a big surprise that will shock the loyal Papa Sven faithful, even more so that the brand is moving from an industrial alter to a perceived velvet one at Pacha.

With doubts over the future of its star player, Solomun, Pacha will send out a message of real intent if it secures the signature of the respected German DJ and producer. Rumours are also suggesting that its American owners have a few more surprises up their sleeve, with a new concept and musical direction envisaged for the iconic venue. It has already taken the decision to make its sister venue Destino an Adults Only Hotel. If the rumours are true, the move will leave a gaping hole on the Amnesia program, as Cocoon added a certain amount of prestige to the club, which after years of plain sailing, may have to weather some stormy seas ahead.