The Pleasuredome – 3rd Birthday Party

Saturday 29th April 1995 – Fantasy Island, Ingoldmells, Skegness

BOOM! Yes, explosive action was the order of the day for the 3rd birthday celebration of The Pleasuredome! The all-new multi-million pound Fantasy Island complex. Europe’s largest indoor theme park providing the perfect setting for this special celebration.

Following the two hour drive from Birmingham I touched down in Skegness at 11pm. As we drove through the town in search of the venue, I could feel an exciting presence in the air. On the approach to the venue car park, the presence became a vibe, a vibe reminiscent of years gone. People formed an eager queue anxious to enter the night of happy vibes ahead of them. Considering the doors had been open since 7pm, it seemed odd that at 11pm people were still queuing. Well, believe me, it wasn’t because the security was slow, it was down to pure demand! Party people were converging from everywhere, happy smiley people in search of that special buzz.

As we entered the venue, myself and Stixman were greeted by thousands of ravers, confirming that the friendly vibe was in full effect! For those of you reading who have been to events, but have never found that unique friendly atmosphere then this place is a must for you. On the night five arenas of musical pleasure to cater for even the most discerning of party people. These consisted of Arena one – the main arena playing Happy Hardcore and Techno. Arena two – The Funhouse becomes the Jungle House. Arena three – The Technodrome. Arena four – Club Apollo playing House and Garage. Arena five – Rave in the cave with tunes from ‘88-’93. To all promoters please take note: This must be the way forward to provide music from across the dance spectrum, but all under one roof! Big respect to the Pleasuredome crew!

Time to check out the action and first up it’s time to enter the Technodrome. Kickin’ up a storm on the wheels of steel was DJ Fergus who was bringing the crowd to the boil with his stompin’ style. This crowd were definitely in the mood to celebrate with a tremendous buzz and sense of excitement flowing around the arena! These feelings have not been around for a while and are nice to see once again! Other DJ’s on the night were Jack Master Jay, The Alchemist and Kris Dee.

On to the next arena and time to step back in time with tunes from ‘99-’93 where the classic anthems were flowing with DJ’s from the Regression Corporation and Sound System. Again this room was rocking with the pattern continuing as I entered Club Apollo – the House and Garage room. Everyone in the place was grooving and having a funky time amongst the Roman columns and statues, complete with marble floor making up the superb décor! DJ’s playing the pumpin’ sounds of House were Phil Sagar, Gordon Blyth, Thomas Tuft and the Pleasuredome’s very own Bogey.

Now was the time to step through the undergrowth, amongst the bushes and the trees and into the dangerous sounds of the Jungle!! Dropping the huge tunes was the Mongoose, tearin’ it up big time, rewinds left, right and centre, lighters flashing across the arena. It was good to see the Jungle sound being appreciated up here in the Northern hemisphere. Alongside the ‘Goose adding his lyrical influence was MC MC complementing the music nicely. Other DJ’s touching down in the Funhouse were the legendary Fabio and Grooverider, Ned Ryder from Wolverhampton and the Jungle resident DJ Stomp.

Finally, arena one, the main arena, was beckoning and I wasn’t to be disappointed. The lighting rig was out of this world and the crowd were buzzing 100% to the sounds of Happy Hardcore and Techno. DJ’s on the bill were the two residents DJ Rush and Fergus, plus Vibes, Slipmatt, Dougal and a live PA by the band supporting The Prodigy on their tour – N-joi. The last time I saw N-joi in action was in 1989 at Quadrant Park, Liverpool and they were the best form of live PA that I had ever seen, and for me, six years on, nothing has really rivalled them!! Their set was wicked, perhaps slightly on a House tip but with elements of Techno and Trance so it worked with the crowd. That’s another thing I think promoters should take note of, the crowd obviously enjoy seeing a live PA’s, but the promoters don’t seem to utilise them much anymore. I hope we see more of them in the future, becoming a main ingredient in events again!!

The last hour was upon us and the man of the moment where Happy Hardcore is concerned, DJ Dougal took to the decks with myself on the mic alongside Natz The Pleasuredome resident MC Stixman. Maximum respect to Natz who touched down back-2-back with myself and really got the crowd buzzing and of course to Stixman who tore it up with his style!! Whistles were blowing, horns were blasting 24-7, the birthday celebration vibe was thrown down in a full-on festival atmosphere. Eventually Dougal brought the music down and it was time to shout out a few respects.

“A huge shout out to all those who have supported The Pleasuredome and to the Pleasuredome crew for all their hard work over the years and in particular for making Fantasy Island become the reality it is!!” Massive applause was given, nuff said. “Also tonight was dedicated to the memory of a very good friend called John Wortley from Sheffield who attended every Pleasuredome party and lived for partying! He sadly passed away a week ago, rest in peace John”. The crowd again bigged up the applause and I have to say I found the response overwhelming from the packed out arena one crowd!! Finally, the crowd were instructed to give it 100% to the last few tracks to be played in celebration of John’s life! Dougal slammed on a track and the whole arena just exploded with life. For me personally, and I am sure friends of John will agree, this was a very emotional moment – respect of everyone involved.

Well, all good things must come to an end as indeed did the Pleasuredome third birthday party. It was a night that I’ll never, and I mean never forget and I am sure that everyone who attended will agree. It can only be said that if you love partying in a 100% safe environment surrounded by like minded people out to enjoy and sample all forms of dance music, then take a trip to Fantasy Island.