World-famous DJs Carl Cox and Norman Jay coming to Whanganui

British DJ Carl Cox performing for a crowd packed to the rafters in Ibiza. Photo/ supplied

Whanganui is mixing it up with two world-famous DJs heading this way over the summer break.

DJ Carl Cox will be playing at Whanganui's Frank Bar and Eatery on Boxing Day, just weeks before fellow-UK artist Norman Jay takes the stage at Castlecliff's Citadel cafe on January 21.

Local music promoter, Bryce Mason, said it was about changing that stigma of Whanganui being a "sleepy town."

"People have actually been in disbelief, so much so that Carl actually put out a video to say how he was looking forward to coming to Whanganui for the bikes and then playing that night."

Mr Mason said in sporting context it was kind of like having the All Blacks and Black Caps playing just weeks apart.

"These guys are usually playing for crowds between 5000 to 10,000, so coming directly to Whanganui for a crowd of about 150 is a pretty big deal."

Cox's classic releases include his 1995 mix CD, F.A.C.T, which became a techno benchmark, selling more than 250,000 copies, and the 1996 EP Two Paintings and a Drum, which again broke the British top 30.

However, it wasn't the music that lured Cox to Whanganui but the Boxing Bay motor racing at Cemetery Circuit.

Mr Mason said the artist was a motorsports enthusiastic and had a company called Carl Cox Motor sports that sponsored events all over the world.

"So there is good potential for Carl to help grow our races."

Mr Mason said Jay was unquestionably one of the most respected and most popular DJs in the world today.

British DJ Norman Jay coming to Whanganui in January. Photo/ supplied

He has been to New Zealand before, touring with Fat Freddy's Drop and will perform with them at Villa Maria before heading to Whanganui.

Co-founding Good Times Sound System and London dance music station Kiss FM before being made an MBE for services to deejaying and music, are just a few of his successes.

Mr Mason said Whanganui could expect more top lining artists like Cox and Jay as they kept building connections.