astraboy

When it comes to "firsts" it don't get much bigger than this. Other dance scenes have regular weekenders. In particular, Tidy's notorious efforts are well documented by ravers familiar with both Hardcore and Hard Dance. Therefore, when Hardcore Heaven announced it was holding the very first "Hardcore Weekender", to take place in Pontin's Southport complex in mid May, it was definitely an attractive notion. Particularly during Winter's chilly climate.

Quite apart from spending a weekend with people you normally only spend an evening with before going home, the most important aspect of the event had also been taken care of. In this case doubly so as the promotors had the luxury of not only mulitple rooms, but multiple evenings, they took the opportunity push the boat out when it came to DJ lineup.

The flyer promised near on 60 artists and live acts, everyone who was anyone was there, not just from the Hardcore scene, but Techno, Trance, Old Skool and and Hard style too. There were literally too many to list, but with 4 arenas on offer, you could bet your bottom dollar that you wouldnt go away dissapointed.

The only other thing to do when the arenas were inactive was to take on as many of the activities as you could handle. The promoters planned to keep you busy with the Camp's in house activities on offer such as Go carting and Swimming, as well as the special one off stuff organised by HH themselves such as a full on football tournament, as well as up and coming DJ and MC competitions, judged by the performing artists themselves.

If that werent enough, the interesting premise of "Hardcore Heaven TV" was on offer to keep you entertained should your chosen daytime activities limit you to the confines of your Chalet

As the date in question apporached, it was time to get organised. You cant just turn up to these things, an advanced booking is compulsary for you and those you want to share your apartment with. 2, 3, 4 or 6 person apartments were available, so I got together with a friendly bunch of people who I knew wouldnt let me down.

In the event one of them had to pull out due to coursework commitments beyond her control, but that only meant an extra 20 quid on top of the 99 we had already paid to cover her costs. However this also meant I could cram all 5 of my companians, plus their luggage into my motor, saving fuel and the aggro of driving 2 cars up there.

As Friday approached the week really started to drag, I just wanted to get there as soon as possible but eventually the day in question came round and I headed into London to pick up the party people.

We left London about 3.30 and got to the venue about 8ish, a hell of a long time to spend driving but traffic was not on our side. The directions sending up through Central liverpool didnt help either. Upon arrival we found photo ID was unnecessary, and the 10 quid deposit per person had been changed to 50 per chalet. No matter though as we quickly sorted out our accomodation and parked the motor nearby.

The Chalets, although nothing spectacular, were spacious and comfortable. Doubly so in our case as one of us was not there, so a six berth place only held five. We had to make our way back to the main reception area to source a couple of electricty cards, but after that we settled in and got ready for the firsts nights exertations.

When we were finally ready, the time was a little past 10pm, so we made our way over to the venue. When we got there we had to wait a little to be searched before we could go inside, but apart from its thoroughness (my stuff got a good going over) it was fairly done. Soon after we were inside.

The main dance arenas were housed in the main entertainment complex for the site. After negotiating the amusement arcade, we found our way into the main arena.

About the size of the main arena @ SEOne, the first thing I noticed (as usual) was the main stage. Flanked by two huge speaker stacks, not to mention a green laser each side, Video screens and festooned with lighting rigs, the decks had also been squeezed on there too.

Elsewhere, namely the ceiling, the cool fluro ceiling which is a relic of the old Sanctuary and Fastrack raves was in the place, mingling amongst numerous aerially mounted lighting rigs, on which were mounted everything from Glitter ***** to man sized technobeams.

The only other thing of note in the arena was the ravers already in the area. although it werent packed out just yet, those that were there were getting into the party mood, helped of course by Kevin Energy on the decks.

Despite the early hour, Kev was giving what he always has to offer, namely high quality Freeform Hardcore for the masses. He was backed up on the mic by resident freeform specialist Odyssey. Most of this set was taken up with tunes I could not name, but the last tune was one of my firm favourites, "Overdrive" Feat. MC Sharkey, I ask you, what better way to start a Hardcore weekender?

Next up was a return to the upfront sound in the form of Seduction on the decks. Best of all, MC Storm and Whizzkid were also in the place, making a start to their long weekends work schedule. With these three at the helm, the place got noticably busier as the ravers in the place were enticed onto the dancefloor and those making their way into the venue were impelled to make a beeline for the main arena.

With good reason as well, Seduction is another example of the infectious nature of the bouncy sound which is rapidly gaining ground within modern raves. I am also a big fan of it too and judging by the upsurge in activity around me as Sedders worked through his set, I am not the only one who thinks so.

Tune wise it was a tasteful blend of the biggest tunes of the moment such as "D.E.V.I.L" remix and "Raise your hands", not to mention a few unerplayed (IMO anyway) tunes like "Bass is kickin" as well as a few remixes of his own such as "I see the light".

Next up was one of the personal highlights of the evening, hell, the whole damn weekend, for me. Another opportunity to see the Nu Energy Collective play out, live of course. The 100% Live version of their performance was in the place this time and as AMS, K-Komplex, Kevin Energy and Sharkey moved like the well oiled machine they are, Odyssey was on hand to drop some more work intensive lyrics on the mic as Sharkz concentrated on the music making, as well as the odd choice chat.

One advantage of the 100% Hardcore PA is the (personally speaking) more recognisable tunes. This was no exception with Danceable and recognisable mingling toghether as "Overdrive", "Freedom", "Show me the way" and "Last Man Standing" punctuated the hour they were performing.

Eventually the last tune came down and as the Collective dismantled their equipment, the next act stepped up. An early and solitary representation from Quosh, Sy and Unknown took their place behind the decks and Storm joined them on the mic.

After Demanding the crowds respect for the departing Nu Energy crew, These three got on with doing what the do best, giving the raver's their moneys worth with the tunes of the moment and the 2003 & 2004 Hardcore MC of the year on the mic.

A lot of people rate Sy, but its comforting to know that Unknown can perform just as well given the opportunity. This was just such an ocassion as Sy took a back seat for a few tunes and Unknown took centre stage.

No downturn in quality, dancability or scratching ability whatsoever though. Unknown was different, but definitely just as qualified to hold his own, especially with the scratch battles with Storm being just as compelling as they usually are.

Thereafter, it was normal b2b rules with the same constant being displayed in the tune selection, bouncy all the way. Starting off early with "Deep in my soul" and "I hold you tightly", the place then exploded as my personal favourite tune was mixed in. The ravers demanded a rewind as "Makin me wanna dance" was brought back and taken from the top again.

From then on there was no stopping the power hour crew, the whole crowd got on it as Sy, Unknown and Storm busted out tune after tune and scratched using their own particular talents till the end of the hour was signalled with "Make it bounce".

From Quosh to Next Generation/Blatent Beats in one fluid movement, the departing DJs made way for Brisk, Ham and Wottsee and their 1.30 set. On thing I really like about Brisk being at the controls is a real effort to create a musical journey within his set and even with Ham by his side, this was evident on this ocassion to.

Wottsee was on peak form for this one as well, I like the way this guy works with a less is more approach to stage presence, whilst letting his vocal talents do the hard work.

It did the business in all departments, Brisk and Ham got the music spot on as always, once again going from the more sedate to the harder stuff as their set progressed, with Wottsee backing them up all the way throughout. Tune selection was just as good with "Just be Happy", "Posion", "Bring me round to Love", Crazy Love" and finishing off with "Run for Cover" Quite apt as the stage perfomers were hosing the crowd with beanbag stuffing throughout the set

The night was just getting better and better for me by this point. Each DJ seemingly improving on the last, or it might be me getting progressively mosre excited as the night wore on. The next DJ was a continuation of that.

Marc Smith, I know I say he is amazing every time I see him, but its a statement of fact more than a compliment these days. He was taking the 2.15 set and I was there to see it. Together with Sharkey and Smiley on the mic, all three went for it like the professionals they are and, once again, produced one of the better sets of the night.

Most DJs like to vary their set, but Marc went bananas during his time. Breaks, Kicks, Sample based tunes, Vocal based tunes, they all got a look in. As well as the variety, Marc also kept his followers faithful by maintaining the energy and pace his sets are known for.

Sharkz and Smiley were also bang on it too, with the latter dropping all his better known lyrics like "ordinary people" and "Bo selecta" while the former concentrated on hyping the crowd. Marc also had a hand in this aspect, dropping TOP tunage like "Gravity", "Freestyle" and "Raise the roof"

Best of all, the almighty MC Ribbz graced the mic for the closing moments of the set, all of which was a preperation for the next DJ, Mark EG. I werent intending to hang about for this set, Force and Styles were on in the second arena and I wanted to see them, but Ribbzy made me stay when he asked Mark if he was going to play any techno. Mark eventually relented and the minimalist beats were soon flowing, keeping me in the arena as effectively as chaining me to the railings would have.

Eventually though I managed to forceably remove myself from the arena, so I could see the rare sight of Force and Styles playing out once more. Even though I had gotten in the place just that little too late, I could tell it was worth it, Storm on the mic, cheesy classics on the decks, does it get any better? didnt think so. "Shooting star", "Time after time" and best of all, the classic "Heart of Gold" to finish off with.

Storm was well into it at this point, taking the time before the last tune to welcome the crowd to the event, before holding back the lyrics so the vocals of the final tune could be heard. Well worth dragging myself away from Mark EG for.

No wasting time though, cos it was straight back into the main arena for Gammer's 4am set. Another Dj to take the party people on a musical journey as his set wore on, Gammer starting off on a bouncy based tip with "Let the bass drum roll", "Rock you softly" and "In your life" all doing the business, before turning over the latter half of his set to the dutch sound (good call) and dropping some of the harder contents of his record bag. I was particularly motivated to rave when "Fade to black" came on, but I went bananas when "**** your style" was dropped.

Best of all, the Storm took over from Smiley's efforts towards the end of the set and set about vocal scratching over the top of the gabba! This of course was a single that the final set of the night was upon us and saving the best till last, Styles, Whizzkid and Storm took over the stage for the final hour.

No messing about here, the final set was an anthem filled party set designed to send the ravers on their way in the only fashion the DJ knows how. The MCs were right behind him as well, both with their MCSquared hats on, as well as a mic each for the best performance possible. The ravers on the dancefloor returned the compliment by dancing, hard.

The DJ was in his element too, alternating between upfront tunes and some choice older ones that cant quite be termed old skool just yet, "Come and fly with me", "Feel so real", Cutting Deep" and "Slide away" are good examples of the tunes he came up with, as well as the tunes he finished off the night with, namely "You're my angel" and the charting "Heartbeatz"

After the rave had finished and I had made my way back to the chalet with my friends, I was ready for more. You dont hear that often from me, as I usually have a mammoth drive home or even worse a draughty train journey and walk, but on this occasion I was staying out till I could no longer stand up. I could do this as my bed was a short walk away no matter where I went and the standing up was made as difficults possible by the 8 cans of lager I had in tow.

Visiting a chalet became visiting two, three, then four chalets, Bumping into Gillian & John quickly gained an invite and we retired to watch the madness unfold on Hardcore Heaven TV while sinking a few cans and chatting. I also took the liberty of making a few calls to Wottsee and Rude while they had the cameras pointed at them.

After this, and a few more cans, things got a bit hazy. Alcohol and tiredness were taking its toll, but it was the whiskey and cokes (Egged into me by Sharkey despite my protestations) that really took their toll. Not to mention the two hour "discussion" I had with Scorpio about the difference between what you are paid to do and what you do for the love of it.

I was so drunk I was refused a go on the go carts (probably for the best in all honesty) and when I started having trouble standing up and people started calling me the Hardcore version of Viz comic's 8 Ace, I knew it was time to call it a day.

Stumbing back into my chalet, my friends took pity on me because of my inability to prepare a pot noodle. In the end they did it for me and gave to me before pointing towards a bed I could collapse on.

I regained conciousness 5 hours later. Surprisingly, my liver had managed to work a miracle and sober me up, so I went for a mooch about to see what was happening.

It was evident I had been pretty drunk as I had walked straight past the outdoor stack being set up without even realising it! The main difference was this time it was being put through its paces by Ribbz on the decks and MC Nice and Easy on the mic. As usual for the enigmatic Techno MC, awesome minimalist techno was in abundance.

I was kicking myself at this point as I didnt know an outdoor rig was going to be used. I would have stayed sober if I had! I only got a brief taste of outdoor techno before the rig was shut down in preperation for the evenings activites. Only one thing for it then, retire to our chalet, (via a few more chalet visits, big up Rude, Seduction, Bubble and a very naked MC Livelee) get some food down me and prepare for round two.

In the event I didnt get there much before 10pm, but I knew I hadn't missed much as well as being pleased to catch D-Ice and Reality taking an early slot in a change to the published set times. Abely assisted with Smiley on the mic, these guys were putting those with the stamina to start early through their paces.

As usual, the Bristol boys were giving the ravers their own personal interpretation of current upfront hardcore. Mixing in well known tunes such as "I adore" and "Still the one", they also dropped a good selection of their own material such as "I feel", "Run" and the remix of "lets fly". If theres one thing that gets me in the mood for a night out its hearing innovative music and D-Ice and Reality didnt let me down in the slightest.

However, if its innovation you're after then the next DJ was the one for you. He was the one for me as well, one of the reasons I was there to be honest. Luna-C took the 10pm slot and proceeded, along with Smiley on the mic, to give the ravers another very personal interpretation to the term "Hardcore".

Starting off with a trademark vocal introduction, he then ripped into his hour, making so many tangents, it was difficult to keep up with him, let alone dance to the music. I managed somehow of course but the first 15 minutes was an awesome display of the many different definitions of the Hardcore sound. Tough breakbeats, kickdrums, piano backed breakbeats, and the odd snippet of Drum and Bass thrown in for good measure.

Best of all, when he did manage to settle down into a goove, he excelled at picking exactly the tunes to get me raving like I had been asleep all day rather than pissing it up instead. As with the sub genres, variety was the name of the game with diversity stretching from "Out of Space", "Walking on the moon", "Now is the time", and his very own remix of "Help".

Best of all, there was a new remix of Panacea's "Lawless" which got me VERY excited, and if that werent enough then Ribbz graced the mic to hype the crowd to another level while the DJ made yet another tangent into "cheese" (By his own admission as well).

The crowd lapped up the tunes after being weirded out for the first half and I was going crazy too as "You're shining", "Extreme", "Heart of Gold" and his very own unique mix of "Eyeopener" and "Electrik". Finally he finished off his set with a breakbeat mix of "Shooting star".

I weren't hanging around though cos another unique opportunity was presenting itself. It was b2b sets of omnipotence in the place tonight as Luna-C finished just as Ribbz started up a full on Techno set in the second arena. I had already seen one genius at work, it was time to see another.

When I got in there, a small but educated crowd getting down to what was on offer. Not only was Ribbz on the mic, but MC Nice and Easy was by his side as well. Having taken a swipe at this geezer for stealing lyrics in the past, it was good to see he has established his own easygoing style, not to mention lots of confidence on the mic (which is important). The best thing about this was the way he actually complimented the music.

Not that the music needed complimenting though, Ribbz had things well under control. Most of it, as usual, was dark underground techno. As such, tune ID'ing went straight out the window. The only tune that got me looking up from dancing away in front of the speakers was, more than a little aptly "The best in the music business". Have to agree on that one.

It was so good that I just had to stay for the next DJ. Even though it was a total departure from the previous I was well up for what Sass was going to do it me.

Speedcore. Speedcore all the way and I was loving every minute of it. Together with Si the Sigh on the mic, these two took control of the techno heads on the dancefloor and I was amongst them. Easily the most savage set of the night on pace alone, Sass got me to a point where I thought it was a good idea to stomp as fast as the music. I kept that up until physical pain set in then I threw in the towel. Maybe I can last the whole set next time.

Its saying something when I go into the main arena and am glad to see Sharkey on the decks as it meant I could have a bit of a rest! Once again, it was a case of blinding Freeform Hardcore for the ravers and those on the dancefloor were having it just as hard as the DJ was going on the decks.

Ribbz, in a decision I had no problems with whatsoever made it his third appearence in front of me in three hours, getting on the mic to accompany Sharkz on the decks.

Tune wise it was another top class showing, even though I only caught the tail end of the set, it was clear what I had missed when Gammer's awesome remix of "get fuked" was dropped, not to mention the termination of the set with "Dehumanise".

Thereafter, it was the turn of the RBC to take centre stage. Breeze had been notable for his absence up until now, but he was making up for it with a peak time set, together with Storm on the mic.

The best bit about this set was the pletora of new music on offer. Right from the outset as well, with Storm's "Dark Like Vader" kicking off the set and continuing in the same vein. Numerous tunes which I had not heard before, but were more than easy on the ear, were mixed in with more familiar offerings such as "Feel so real", "Extreme", "Crazy Love" and "You're my angel".

Storm was also in his element for this one, having a bit of a singalong to his tune at the start put him in the right mood for the rest of the set. His "True Hardcore" Chat coming during the second half of "Feel so real" was something special, but I particularly liked the lifestyle affimation stuff he was giving to the crowd, telling them "Hardcore is for life, not when you feel like it".

Up next for the second peak time set was Scot Brown. Orginally, Scott was meant to be doing a DJ set as well as a full on PA, but the live performance was not to be in the end, so the people who had travelled for the Evoloution sound would have to make do with a DJ set.

However, if you think this left the party crew short changed then think again. Scott and Whizzkid (my favourite pairing for this situation) made up for the lack of liveness by double teaming the ravers, Scott relying on awsome tunes and Whizzkid with all the beatboxing and skillection you can handle.

Relying mostly on the bouncier side of his record bag, Scott started his set with the familiar doubleheaded tune which mixes in and out of "boomstick" and "neckbreaker". From then on there was no stopping him as he went for it as only he knows how.

"Elysium", "Just be happy" and "Neckbreaker" were all notable highlights of his set, but as usual for me, it all came alive during the latter half and the arrival of the Gabba. It was especially fierce on this occasion, with "Boomstick" distinquishing itself as the obvious choice, but also being played along side with "Do you like Bass?", "Vengence, anger" and "Hardcore Thriller".

After a set like that, there was only one place to be next, that was back in room 2. Scott had given me a taste of Gabba and I wanted more. Handily enough, Scorpio and Producer were kicking things in thier own inimitable style when I walked in.

Insanity is only halfways to what was going off in there. Pure unadulterated filth was pounding the ravers and everybody, including me, was loving every minute of it. In no time at all I was immersed in the music, dancing away on the left hand platform next to the speakers. I didnt let up throughout the set, especially as there was no time wasting and it was straight into the harder stuff.

Eventually though, it had to come to an end and although I was loving it, i moved back into the main room for the 4am mystery set. There was a lot of speculation about who it might be, but in the end DJ D-ice was placed behind the decks for a solo set and a chance to give the ravers his personal interpretation of what Hardcore's all about.

Some might see this as a wasted opportunity, but personally I was more than Happy for D-Ice to take the controls. Say whay you want about him, he produces and DJ's to a high standard and that gives him all the qualifications he needs in my book.

In the event, he only had 30 minutes to play with, so D-Ice wasted no time and crammed in as many tunes as possible. "Far far away", "Open your mind", "Still the one" and a nice remix of "love you more" saw his set come to an end with Hixxy taking over and scratching up like a good un over his closing tune.

Then it was the turn of the man himself to get going for the second part of the set. Starting things as they are meant to continue is never bad, but especially when they get going with "Timebomb" and continue with "Turn it up", "Hold me forever", "Rock ya Hardcore", "and best of all, the immortal "makin me wanna dance".

This was it, the final set of the night. For this last hour, Hixxy went b2b with Styles once again and Storm and Whizzkid went b2b on the mic as only MCSquared can. All four of them were in the zone for this one and the crowd were right behind them too.

Another set which was designed to send the party people on their way with a smile on their face, the RBC took no prisoners as they got to work on the decks and the mic. Those that wanted euphoric upfront tunage were NOT dissapointed and those that wanted a duo on the mic who have timing and b2b lyrics down to a tee were in the right place too.

The combined effect of all this was fantastic. Final set on the second day, everyone should have been exhausted, and although a few had wimped out by this time, the REAL Hardcore ravers were all there, rocking it down to tunes such as "I Adore", "You're shining", "The Theme", "Slide away" and the nights closer "do you wanna go my way".

The next morning was not a pretty sight. Two nights and one whole day of partying was begining to catch up with the ravers. I had a few sociable drinks with a few friends afterwads, but my bed was calling and I knew it. Besides, I had to drive home later on that day, best get my head down then.

Managed about 3 hours sleep in the end. It werent enough, but it would do for now. Besides, I had good reason to get up for midday. I had missed the outdoor rig due to drunkeness on saturday, I was not going to miss it again.

After packing up the chalet and getting everything back to the car, we drove round to the main reception and parked nearby. After checking out, there were only one thing left to do. Rock it down one last time to Hixxy playing a 3 hour set on an outdoor Funktion one powered rig in the sun while Storm and Whizzkid ripped it up on the mic. Oh, if you insist.

The first two hours of Hixxy's set were mostly unknown to me as we were still getting ready to go, but by the time we were in the place, he had only a few tunes to go till his final hour.

At this point he was still firmly in the old skool, but I werent complaining, not when he was dropping tunes like "Sweetheart" and "High on life" while MC Nice & Easy put in yet another competent performance on the mic. However, good though it was, it was just a prequel to the final hour.

Shortly after the arrival of MC Storm, the moment everyone in the place had been waiting for had arrived. Upfront Hardcore, outdoors in the sun. It dont get any better and I was loving it from its inception to termination.

The Crowd who were there immediately got their act together and started dancing to the tunes, everyone knew this werent a chance to be squandered, me least of all, you can nod you head on the sidelines and play twister later, nows the time to get up and dance.

And dance they did. This was the weekenders last set and Storm, Whizzkid & Hixxy made sure it went with a bang. Hixxy played near enough a playlist of my favourite tunes one after the other at one point, with the remix of "Injected with a posion", the sublime "Angel", "24/7" and the remix of "Free your mind" being played in quick succession.

The rest of the set was just as good with the crowd not letting the side down one bit. Everyone with a little energy left to go stomped that decking as if their life depended on it. Hixxy ended the Hardcore Heaven Weekender in the best way possible, dropping "Taking me higher", "Toytown", "Feel so real", "Dark like Vader", "Welcome" and "Turn it up" to finish things off.

After the music had been taken down, Storm took the opportunity to thank the staff at Pontins for looking after us and to the ravers for being wicked. After that, Hixxy couldn't resist and dropped one last tune. I ask you, what better way is there to start a 7 1/2 hour drive home than to dancing to "hold me forever" in the sun?

Things I liked:

Event - A first time event is definitely something to write home about. This was something special and it the reason I was there, to experience the first ever Hardcore weekender.

Variety - with more time to play with, the lineup included something for everyone as well as the biggest names in the scene. It was nice to see D-ice getting a solo shot at a respectable time, the same for Gammer. As for LunaC making an appearence, well that was picky barstewards like me happy

Afterparties - Being natural means I cant do them having to drive home afterwards, but with my bed never more than 200 metres away I stayed up after the rave and got drunk and fell over. Great stuff.

Sound - NO messing about here, none at all Funktion one everywhere you went. Supremely loud and crystal clear too. Saturday night was particularly impressive. I only heard it cough once and that was during Marc Smith's set. a 20 second dip in volume was the sum total of the entire weekends problems for ALL the stacks.

Production - 3 Rez lasers in the place, loads of specially imported lighting, the familiar Slammin fluro roof draping and minimalist black and white in the Techno room. Very well appointed. I liked it.

Lineup lanyard - Nice touch and a first from Slammin IIRC.

Drinks prices - Water was 1.60 a bottle. At that price they are comparable to most illegal raves.

The Sun - For shining. Lots.

Performance artists - These guys were great. there were only three of them but they were constantly changing costumes throughout the night to weird the place up. From the Lego ravers, to Special forces armed with leaf blowers, even the post apocalypse scooter grannys turned up. Nice touch and very funny to watch.

Security - These guys were great. Totally full on and rumoured to be ex military, at first they were more than a little scary, but in time we realised it was only the troublemakers they were after. The ravers in the place were treated with respect and decency, the blokes on the door saying goodbye to us after the first night is a good example, but woe betide anyone there to cause trouble. Fence jumpers were greeted by 45lb attack Alsations closing the gap at 30mph, and one scally mug found climbing over was apprehended and taken back to the security, his protestations being silenced by one of the quotes of the weekend "Shut up. When we want your opinion, we'll beat it out of you". For some reason, I didn't see any trouble throughout the weekend. Cant think why...

Attendance - Okay, its fair to say this was the quietest HH I have ever been to, but it was also a good thing that the place weren't packed out. There were enough people there to create an intense party atmosphere during both nights, not to mention Sundays outdoor rave, but at the same time, you didnt have to fight your way through large crowds, or wait 45 minutes to get a drink. There is also an air of exclusivity about the attendance. Not everyone can say they attended the first one, but everyone who did can say how amazing it was.

Outdoors - But by far the best thing, the icing on the cake, the jaffa orangy bit, was the unannounced outdoor arenas open both Saturday and Sunday. I only caught about 25 minutes of Ribbz on saturday but a full 90 minutes of Hixxy going old skool AND upfront with Storm and Whizzkid on the mic more than compensated. Its not often you get to rave to upfront Hardcore in the open air without having to break the law as well as being entertained by the biggest in the business while you do it. Definitely something special.

Things I liked less:

DJ No shows - Compare the flyer with the lineup cards and they go away wanting. All of the internationals were absent (apart from Noizer of course), as well as Chris Liberator, not to mention all the Hard Dance artists.

Arena closures - Two of the four arenas were not open saturday or sunday. The third arena was open, but as an afterparty arena only.

Photo ID - A lot of people went to the trouble of getting photos for the supposed ID cards which were to be issued. None were forthcoming.

People collapsing - Right at the end (again) of the Saturday night party someone collapsed. For once it werent the fault of the strobes as all the lights were up when she went down. However the situation was handled by Security and MC Storm VERY quickly, I also saw her come out of the back doors from the chalet I was in for after rave drinks. From where I was standing, she walked to the ambulance on her own and was talking to her friends.

Line up cards - Nice idea, but the red one on the first night was near impossible to read!

Anyone else notice how quickly it went? - *Whoosh* "What was that?" "That was the Hardcore Heaven Weekender mate." "Was it? Blimey, that went quickly." Never does the phrase "Time passes when you're having fun" apply more than in this situation

Technically, the no-shows, the arena closures and the lack of a sell out attendance should have put the dampners on this party. But they didn't. They didn't because this event was something special. I keep on saying it, but thats because it was true.

This party was something special as it was a first and EVERYONE involved was absolutely determined to make it a success. The Hardcore scene has a whole has fought tooth and nail to get to where it is today, in a position to hold a Weekender dedicated to its chosen sound and not one person who was there was going to let the side down.

The Artists gave 110%. All of them. When they were on stage the performances the ravers expected of them were more than forthcoming, but as well as that they stuck around during the daytime, hosted the event's dedicated TV channel, played in the football tournament, judged DJ and MC competitions, played sets on the outdoor rig and partied just as hard as the ravers who had come to see them.

The Ravers were bang on it too. No-one who attended was going to let this opportunity go by without having it large throughout the weekend. This was emphasised during Hixxy's final set on the outdoor rig. Everyone was knackered, you could tell they were, but did they sit down for an "Eighties soul weekender" rest? My **** they did. Everyone who was Hardcore rocked it down to the final tune. From start to finish, you could tell this was a HARDCORE weekender.

Security and staff were super safe throughout the weekend also. The security were invisible and non judgemental when they were not needed, yet were unrelenting in their efforts to keep the bad elements out of the party. As well as that the Staff of the complex were realistic about the activities that were happening, but were easygoing all the same. Nice one.

The Promoters, blimey, what can I say about them? These guys (and girls) were seriously impressive. Everything was taken care of and no corners were cut. As far as I can tell the entire weekend went off without a hitch once it was underway. I didnt encounter a single problem or hassle from check in to check out. The raves in between were slick and well produced as well.

It defintely says something when a large group of people, all of them on the same wavelength can come together and create a weekend like the one I just experienced. It was a group effort and everyone rose to the occasion magnificently. The first ever Hardcore Heaven Weekender was a complete success from start to finish and I havent heard of one person who thinks differently.

To those of you who wimped out, couldnt afford it, had exams, dropped out, or didnt attend for any reason at all then UNLUCKY!!! You missed out on a weekend which is going to be talked about for the rest of the year as everyone who was there has nothing but good things to say about it.

The best bit though is not about this one, its about the next one. See, now the precedent has been set and the ravers know what a Hardcore weekender is all about. Those who didn't go will hear about how good it was from their friends and go to the next one. This was an awesome weekend from start to finish, no doubt about it. But the next one? Its going to be better and I am going to be there, you try and stop me.
astraboy.

Shouts to:
Matt, Saiira, Zazz, Kas, Gillian, Matt, Gareth, Matt KOTR, Mark HB, Sweetstar, Charlie Kitten, James, CDJay, Buzz-B, Lee UHF & Lisa, Cruze, Gazy J, Immz, Gurning Girlie, Big specticle crew, Peter Winnie the Pooh crew, Spencer, Teresa, Mad Maz, Jay Hughes, Jayfive, MC Andy L and the rest of the safe Birkenhead crew, Gim Overdrive, Richard Raindance(who's driving? ME!) , STS dave, Overlode, Bubble, MC Scottie B, Eccy, Adam Lee, Welsh Pikey, Nova, Iwolf, Martin, Stu8, MC Trev,
Kevin Energy, Seduction, Sy, Brisk, Marc Smith, Gammer, Styles, Vibes and Livelee, Ramos & Supreme, Cakes, LunaC, Sharkey & Chris, Breeze, Hixxy, D-ice&Reality, Scorpio (WORK!!! JOB!!!!), Dolphin, Rude, Smiley, Storm, Whizzkid, Wottsee, Odyssey, Mike Slammer, Darren Baleno, Angela (Birthday girl crew) and anyone else I forgot.

astraboy

Apologies for the lateness, not to mention the longness! Its fair to say the event justifies the 6846 word count.
In case anyone hasnt seen them, pictures of the weekender can be found here:
http://astraboy1275.fotopic.net/c542559.html
Cheers,
astraboy.

Chip Sengravy

Full Fat milk ...these guys know how to party!


http://images3.fotopic.net/?iid=y800...600&quality=70

Ridge Racer

how the hell do you remember all that , when i used to go clubbing in brum i couldn't tell you what day it was never mind write a review

Cyberevo

iTrader: (1)

Because he does not touch the naughty stuff

EXSCOOBY

its like train spotting but with louder music (music in the loosest sense of the word)

astraboy

Goddammit, its like PLUR never existed with you isnt it!!!!!!
astraboy.