On arrival we had to go to Scruples, the Housey part of Dance Paradise to be presented with a yellow piece of plastic that fitted neatly around our wrists, this was an unusual way of gaining entry to an event. Normally you get your hand stamped or written on, but no, Dance Paradise were original.

After a long wait for the piece of plastic, we were desperately anticipating what Arena A in Tiffany’s had in store for us. So we made our way over the road to Tiffany’s. We had to queue for an eternity but my sidekick dragged me to the front. Apologies to the other ravers left behind, but needs must – I had a story to write, and enough time had been wasted in queuing.

Eventually we gained entry and the Dance Paradise vibe met me. There was a kind of balcony which gave us the opportunity to view the arena below. It really was rammed too, with horns a blowing, whistles a whistling and glow sticks glowing in abundance. All of this enhanced the good vibe – quite awesome to say the least. Slipmatt was mixing up to a degree of excellence, as per usual. You can’t really fault Slipmatt, he really is the master and accompanied by MC Sharkey it worked beautifully. The crowd were most definitely up for it, and although I’d previously had a long night, I soon found myself strutting to the sounds of Slipmatt and Sharkey. Next were Dougal and Vibes, that infamous duo who always do it for the crowd, playing a well bouncy set that got the crowd heaving even more.

Magika and Stixman made their entry, and after Magika gently kicked me up the posterior, he disappeared into the crowd. Next I heard him doing his stuff on stage with Stixman, these two definitely compliment each other well. I think they really bring out the best in one another. It has to be said that Magika did a great deal for this event, hyping the crowd right up beyond believing. Mastervibe played a really intriguing set, which consisted of some uplifting Jungle and 4-beat. Mastervibe oozes originality which has got to be a huge bonus. It’s easy to follow in others footsteps not so easy to be elite. Mastervibe is one of the elite in my eyes and ears!

Next, the No 1 scratchmaster, Sy made his way to the decks to do his funky thing. I’ve noticed that Sy is playing a bit harder of late, not a criticism as I like it hard, and there is a lot harder music coming out at present. As always I thoroughly enjoyed Sy’s set, although there was some technical fault, it didn’t dampen the mood. I think there would have had to have been an earthquake, to have dampened the spirits of the Dance Paradise ravers. As it was there was a huge Police operation, going on 150 Police were used. This was the biggest drugs operation taken on by Police in the area. 86 people were arrested but only 10 were actually charged, this alone has to say something. Surely this was well over the top as everyone was there to party, and not to cause trouble. The only people causing trouble, were the Police, point made! Nuff said!
The night came to a close with the sounds of Billy Bunter, who is at present, rated by a lot of people. By the way he puts a set together, and the way he enjoys doing it, he most definitely deserves to go far. I’m sure he will. A good way to end, what was on most accounts a top evening of partying. I’d like to be able to say that everyone enjoyed it, but with eighty six arrests this isn’t really the case.

Dance Paradise really know how to put on a first class party. From knowing the right DJ’s and MC’s to book, to choosing dancers. Incidentally the dancers were ‘pukka’!

Nice one Dance Paradise, let’s hope next time you are left alone by the boys in blue. As I was so much in awe of what was happening in the main arena, I didn’t venture anywhere else, as I really didn’t see the need it was happening in a big way where I was, so I was staying put.

There were three other arenas, which were a House arena, a Jungle room and ‘Off Yer Face’ for the Techno heads. Something to suit everyone! Shame it’s only got a 2.00am license, but all good things come to an end!