|
|
 |
| |
‘The Summer Solstice’
Simply superb, two words which perhaps most
adequately describe possibly the best rave I have
ever attended. Given World Dance’s enviable
reputation as the best rave organisations around. I
was expecting something impressive and that was
exactly what I got. Other flyers liberally boast
about the quality of their production, but few come
even close to matching the lighting, staging and
facilities provided by World Dance. My only
complaint, apart from it getting light at four
o’clock in the morning, would be that the sound
system was quite simply loud enough.
Conversation is normally a rare luxury, but I was
well able to babble aimlessly, to various
unfortunate people throughout the night. (Thank you
all for nodding and smiling at the appropriate
times).
As many of you may well have found, Lydd (if there
is such a place), is somewhat off the beaten track
and although negotiating the winding scenic roads of
Southern England was a wonderful experience fro a
Londoner such as myself, I was a little relieved
when we actually arrived. Parking in a field
literally packed with thousands of cars was an
experience in itself, and seeing the lights of
fairground rides off in the distance I was dancing
before I even got to the queues. From what I saw the
queuing was particularly efficient, women getting in
almost straight away in spite of the thorough
searches. Certainly for anyone used to the Sanctuary
queues this made a pleasant change as did the
security which for once made me feel safe rather
than guilty.
Going to buy some water (which cost a reasonable
£1.50), I noticed that there was quite a range of
food and drink on offer from burgers to lollipops
with tea, chewing gum and chocolate in between.
Eating, however, was strangely the last thing on my
mind, and having quenched my thirst I made my way to
the main hangar for the first time. It was only
about half full and the lights weren’t fully
operational yet, but the atmosphere was already
getting on for electric as Swan-E set about hyping
up the crowd. Unfortunately as yet there were no
MC’s, but even so I was definitely enjoying myself,
looking forward as a Hardcore raver, to an
opportunity to air my trainers. Vibes played some
wicked tunes although his set was not really stompy
enough for my liking, but it was Mickey Finn who
really got the night and crowd started.
With the return of Drum ‘n’ Bass came Stevie Hyper D
and the best lighting I have ever seen. The lasers
were absolutely stunning, the sort I always hope to
see but never do. Combined with blinding strobes,
the lights generally complimented the storming bass
lines provided by Mickey Finn and then by
Grooverider. Hyper D was on top form and listening
to him and later Fearless and MC MC, I couldn’t help
thinking to myself how much better such MC’s are
than most Hardcore MC’s although his is rapidly
changing. Ellis Dee played a blinding set and this
led the way for Hype who as usual sent the crowd
wild. However, by this time I was well in need of a
break and so I fought my way outside and, after
filling up my now empty bottle of water, took a well
earned breather in the chill-out tent.
Here, in the name of good journalism, I decided to
enquire as to what, my fellow ravers thought of the
night and not surprisingly almost everyone I spoke
to (except Anne who had to be difficult), said they
thought it the bets World Dance yet and in some
cases the best rave they had ever been to. Having
done my duty and also having met a co-Dream
journalist, the delightful Natalie Le Mare, I
returned to the main arena curious to see whether
Slipmatt would play Hardcore or Drum ‘n’ Bass. To my
delight it was once again time for the white glove
crew (respect goes out to the other few ravers brave
enough to be different), and as I made my way to the
front fo one of the well positioned stages I noticed
that predictably the crowd has noticetably thinned.
Unperturbed I danced on, enjoying the bass drums as
much as the bass lines which preceded them.
Deservedly the set was well received, but this
didn’t adequately it’s true quality as Slipmatt
rolled out tune after tune delighting the few who
really appreciated it. (Hold tight Rob).
Taking a quick break once again I plucked up the
courage to venture on the least stomach-turning of
the two free rides on offer, and to my surprise not
only survived but thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
These rides really should be free especially given
the ever increasing prices of events, and respect
must go to World Dance, for giving total value for
money. Anyway, back to the music, and what a set
came next. Rap was incredible, playing a collection
of tunes which had me dancing faster than Roadrunner
on speed (quite fast), for a full hour. Anyone who
can even get me to move my feet after half-past five
must be pretty good, but this was without doubt for
me the best set of the night. The additional “Phwoar
Factor” was an added bonus and a novel experience,
but the set certainly went to show that she is not
just a very pretty face.
Fabio’s final set was more an opportunity to wind
down as he slowed down the pace a little, drawing an
outstanding night to a close. Even so, the top tunes
such as ‘Horizons’ carried on playing right to the
end when I found myself appropriately exhausted and
ready to go home (or at least to Hampstead Heath).
On my way out I was somewhat shocked to hear mention
of the House arena which I seemed to have
unintentionally ignored all night. There were really
two reasons for this, the first being that I almost
completely forgot about its very existence and the
second that on one occasion I did remember, I didn’t
want to miss anything in the main arena. I suppose
this warrants a small apology but I would imagine
that very few were particularly interested in the
second arena certainly not anyone I talked to.
Getting back on the road presented only minor
difficulties, but the only real problem as the Sun
began to shine over rolling meadows dotted with
sheep, was deciding whether or not to go to the
Camber Sands. This was truly a fantastic night and
for anyone who missed it I can but heartily
recommend the next event on the 24th of August
boasting an amazing six arenas and lasting from
12.00pm to 7.00am. These are indeed the very best
warehouse parties with an individual atmosphere
which nestles happily somewhere in between the
intensity of a full on Jungle event and the
friendliness of a Hardcore event. If you’re a raver
of any description these are unmissable, but I would
advise you to go to the toilet before you go as
porta-loos do have their limitations.
To celebrate the golden, hazy close of summer, deep
in the heart of the Kent countryside, the World
Dance Organisation are pleased to announce the
largest event yet to be staged at Lydd Airport,
Kent. An event to feed greedy ears and inquisitive
minds – an eclectic mix of the best music ever made.
This 19 hour extravaganza will feature six
contrasting continents of global grooves with over
65 of the worlds leading DJ’s. Sample the atmosphere
and variety that end-of-the-century entertainment
has to offer…. Welcome to “The World of Dance”… an
extra-sensory voyage from the earths core through
dreamy oceans and bustling continents to the sky
high stratosphere.
“Solarus” “Africana”
The Main Hangar – Hardcore & Drum n’ Bass
Intelligent Drum n’ Bass
Goldie LTJ Bukem
Seduction Fabio
Mickey Finn Doc Scott
Vibes Peshay
Grooverider Tayla
Dougal Lee
Roni Size Orbit
Ellis Dee MC’s Conrad & DRS
Hype
DJ Kid (Scotland) “Oceania”
Rap
Sy Experimental, Trip Hop & Ambient
Donovan Smith James Lavelle (Mo Wax)
Hixxy Paul Thomas (Chill Out Zone – Kiss FM)
SS The Scream Team (Primal Scream)
Dazee Norman Cook (Freak Power)
Vinylgroover Barry Ashworth and the Dub Pistols (Dejavu)
MC’s: Psychonauts (Mo Wax)
Fearless Charlie Williams
Stevie Hyper D Derick Dehlarge
MC MC Psyconauts
Jon Carter
“Europa” Neon Beat (Mo Wax)
Andrea Parker (Mo Wax)
The Big Top – House N 4 Eric (Big Chill)
Graham Gold Live PA by: 12 Trees
Pete Wardman
Nancy Noise “Stratosphere”
Seb Fontaine
Steve Proctor Old School – A Decade of Dance
Biko Frankie Valentine
Jon ‘OO’ Flemming Kenny Ken
Choci Trevor Fung
Steve Biggs Tin Tin
Phantasy
“Hades” DJ Face
Dean Lambert
The Warehouse – Trance & Techno Food Junkie
Daz Saund Spinback
Blu Peter with MC Chalkie
Craig Walsh
Charlie Hall (Drum Club)
Tin Tin
Colin Dale
Jody (Way Out West)
Spider Willem (Amsterdam)
Guido (Amsterdam)
“THE WORLD OF DANCE” – Bank Holiday Saturday 24th
August 1996
19 hours, 12 midday – 7am
Lydd International Airport nr. Ashford, Kent
Admission: £21 Members (direct from World Dance)
£23 Members (+ booking from official outlets)
£25 Non-Members (+ booking fee)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
