Ark University Review 1993

I arrived at 7.30pm and as expected the queue was enormous.  Over two thousand party people crushed together with only one purpose in mind - to get out of the freezing cold and into the warm university building.

The last time I’d been to an Ark event was over two years ago at the same venue, so I couldn’t wait to see how it had changed.  I remembered that it was a very large venue but when I finally got in, the memories found themselves flooding back.

The dance area was split in to two parts, both very large, but allowing for two very different atmospheres.  The first part, closest to the stage, was the largest and was packed from the moment I arrived, until I left.  The second part provided an escape from all the confusion until later on, when I couldn’t move without a stray arm or leg wrapping itself around my neck.

This is when I ventured up to the balcony that surrounded both dance floors.  There were plenty of seats enabling me to rest my weary feet until the great Carl Cox had finished playing his ‘House’ set and K Klass came on stage.

At this point the whole building exploded in a frantic wave of insanity and I couldn’t resist joining in.  It was so refreshing to see two thousand happy faces launching their hands in to the air at every single piano break.  K Klass most certainly did the job they were supposed to do, by playing many of my old favourites, as well as some new trax that I hadn’t heard before, so well done to them.

Next up was Parks and Wilson, again with a House set.  It was to my surprise more ‘Garage’ orientated, which I’m afraid to say was not up my street, so I quickly grabbed the opportunity to go on a mission around the rest of the building and meet some people.  Everyone seemed pleased with the night, especially the atmosphere which was one that could never be forgotten.

I returned to the dance area just in time to hear Rob Tissera being announced over the microphone and the last hour of the night got under way in fine style.  Both dance floors were again completely jammed as he threw down both classic and up-to-date House anthems.

A ‘Respect is due’ goes our to DJ Ewan Carwood, who in my opinion played the best set of the night at the beginning and really got the crowd fired up. 

Thanx to Ark for a great night - even though I didn’t love the music you kept me dancing because the atmosphere was just right.