Fantazia New Year 1991 - Review 2

Thousands flocked to the Westpoint Exhibition Centre near Exeter on New Year 1992 to dance their way into 1992.  Among them was the Express and Echo's Sue Kemp - there to experience her first 'rave'.

Youngsters from all over the country converged on the outskirts of Exeter on New Year's Eve for one of the biggest all-night parties the city has ever seen.

More than 5000 flocked to the Westpoint Exhibition Centre at Clyst St Mary to dance their way into 1992.  And by the time the doors opened at 8pm the revellers were all queuing cheerfully in the crisp  evening air for the soft-drinks party of a lifetime.

They had travelled from as far as field as Newcastle, Wales, London and Manchester, spending up to eight hours in coaches, cars and trains - and as much as £30 a ticket.   But spirits were high as they were all guided into the enormous exhibition centre where the Acid Techno music blared out and the laser projection and light show coloured the concrete wall.

"We have come just for the music and the dancing." said a group of youngsters from Leicester.   It has taken nearly all day to get here, bit it is going to be worth the effort."

Donna, an 19 year old from Liverpool had moved to Devon early just so she could attend the party.   She said:  "I was planning to move down in the New Year to join my brother who lives in Sidmouth.  But when I heard this party had been organised I moved this week, just so I could attend.  It's great fun."

Most of the youngsters regularly travelled all over the country to attend the all-night alcohol-free "raves" but for many it was their first trip to Exeter.

"It's the music, the people and the dance," said another group who had just arrived from Newcastle.   The atmosphere is great. If they hold any more parties here we'll definitely come again."

The centre owned by the Devon County Agricultural Association - is more used to cattle and crafts than young ravers but Westpoint chief executive Chris Cullen would like to see more music events in the future.

"Anyone who had any doubts should have been there.  It was a marvellous evening and the only time we went above the agreed noise level was when the music stopped at midnight, two pipers came in and we all sang Auld Lang Syne."

"It is difficult to believe standing here tonight that in a few months time the place will be full of cattle".