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Well, after now knowing exactly how much precision
goes into one of these events I can’t help but be
just that bit more inquisitive than usual to see to
what extent the raw stages of development I had seen
earlier yesterday had been transformed and whether
or not the aims I had heard previously from
different teams of production had been fulfilled….
I walked in to the sounds of DJ Vibes playing his
usual stompy, uplifting hardcore set who surprised
me slightly because the main arena was rammed full
of ‘havin’ it’ bodies. To be honest I’d expected the
hardcore DJ’s to have a bit of a rough time tonight
from the World Dance massive who were fairly hostile
to this style of music at their New Years Eve event.
There is no doubt that the World Dance crowd are
there predominately for their drum & bass side of
things but, in my opinion, it’s always a positive
step forward when people can be open minded enough
to listen to both. So, with Vibes keeping the crowd
happy I ventured off on my first mission of the
night (I’m renowned for getting lost on my
expectations at Lydd as there’s always something to
do or see at a World Dance event!).
First stop was the tea tent. This is where you can
be guaranteed to see all those who you only see out
at a World Dance now. You can always be sure of a
reunion of some sort anyway as old and new unite
together in and new unite together in old time
raving bliss. The atmosphere was already rising
higher and higher as people whizzed around from fair
ride to fair ride (which was thankfully subsidised
by World Dance so none of us had to hunt around
looking for that spare bit of change!). For those
who had the stamina there was also a barbeque based
outside the chill-out, and believe there were those
going for the munch tonight, confusing my head
slightly as they whizzed around the dance floor
eating their hot-dogs. Talking of confusing my head
– you cannot mention a World Dance without
mentioning their eccentric gimmicks which are always
present as an ‘added bonus’. I think there was mixed
reaction over tonight’s special effects which
paraded around in a convoy all dressed in long white
cloaks, white hats, with one carrying a cross in his
hand. (Where do World Dance get these ideas?). For
most, this was taken in the nature it was meant – as
good humoured, light fun (I even saw some of the
convoy themselves struggling to keep that stern,
expressionless face without smiling!).
Back in the main arena the crowd were going mental
as Mickey Finn stepped up on the decks. This was a
set I certainly wasn’t prepared to miss – Mickey
being a regular at World Dance events – always
seeming to know exactly what the crowd want (even
before they do!). While I was bopping away I took
time out to look at my surroundings. The stage was a
fixture of mind-blowing lights with the DJ box the
closest to the crowd I’ve ever seen which the crowd
seemed to appreciate.
The stage had different levels (the dance platforms)
which were occupied by the ‘World Dance dancers’
(phew, that was a bit of a mouthful!). The Spotco
team had definitely fulfilled their aims of
providing us with a mind blowing lighting display
with the main hangar exploding into a frenzy of
different colours – most of the time being in
perfect harmony with the tunes – definitely
contributing to the overall atmosphere of this hyped
up crowd. The laser team also kept up their side of
the things leaving me dizzy with the power of the
rays and the consistency in which their beams took
over the dance floor – wicked!
Next stop is the House and Garage arena. Now, either
my musical preference has changed or there had been
a massive improvement to the tunes pumping out of
this room. This seemed to be the general opinion too
as this arena (as I remembered it being ¾ full)
stayed ram jammed throughout the night. At one point
there were queues to get in here with the likes of
Luv Dup, Alex P and Biko taking us through.
Back outside the electrifying shrieks from the
fairground lets me know that a good time is had by
all. Then, for a quick moment I found myself
shrieking (no I wasn’t going mad!) but the magician
who I thought was your average raver was on fire!
Obviously the man was a trained visual illusionist
but I tell you it sure enough scared the hell out of
me!
The sounds of Ellis Dee beckoned me away from this
highly visual man made world outside into the depths
of the most booming drum & bass about. Talking of
boom – the sound system rinsed it, not neglecting
any part of the hangar – believe me I walked
everywhere in this arena and there were no
inconsistencies in the sound level. Full marks for
this.
Sef after set was delivered by the likes of Hype,
Grooverider (who always makes the life of us
reviewers that little bit easier by dropping his
name into most of the tunes in his set!!). Rap also
did a good job of pulling the somewhat dwindling
crowd back from the outskirts of the dance floor
back into the midst of the main hangar. Slipmatt
playing his usual hardcore set – although adding the
odd drum & bass flavour to keep the masses happy.
MC’s deserving a big up for being on the case for so
long were my personal favourite Stevie ‘Hyper’
definitely getting the crowd ‘Hyper’ as well as the
equally lyrical Fearless and MC MC…
Nice one to World Dance for all this plus all the
things taken for granted like the efficient car
park, the provision of water and a safe, hassle free
style of raving to name but a few. ‘Solstice’another
success for the World Dance team proving why they
have dominated the scene for so long…. Full marks
every time!
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