1996 was yet another year that saw the scene go from strength to strength, not just in the UK but across the globe. It was certainly a success for the 2000AD crew, seeing the emergence of Desire into Europe with two sell-out parties in Germany, as well as eight ran jammed sessions in this country.

But although there were huge achievements for the scene as a whole there was also the dark side. As with everything in life success will always attract a small minority of vermin intent on spoiling all that is good for their own small minded gains. This culminated in the death of Chris Lombard on Sunday 1st December at the Island Music Arena in Ilford. He was a member of the security team and the unfortunate victim as a messed up kid no older than twenty opened fire outside the venue after being refused entry.

Amidst the shock and sadness were rumours that Desire’s New Year party at the same venue was cancelled but that’s all it was – a rumour! Desire’s promoters were determined not to let the actions of a mindless thug affect their plans and that too was the attitude of all the Desire faithful who turned out in their masses for New Year. Worries of people not returning to the Island because of the shooting were unfounded.

Fortunately, it seemed that people had realised that it was a one off event that could have happened anywhere and was not the fault of the venue. On the night not even the sub zero temperatures could keep the crowds away, the queue stretched the length of the venue by 10pm with everyone eager to be inside before the all important twelve o’clock chimes.

As we entered the Island it was clear to see the security and door staff were doing a good job of getting people inside quickly as the place was rammed and still filling fast. Special K, Desire’s resident warm up DJ was on the decks alongside Rage, the resident on the MC. The balcony was opened early to cope with the volume of people and if you’ve never been to the Island before it’s this part of the venue that makes it the best club going. The huge upper tier gives a wicked view of the DJ on stage as well as the Desire dancers who are better than any others I’ve seen. It’s a perfect position to check out the laser and light show and also the Desire massive flexing on the main dance floor.

Jack Frost took over from Special K as everyone found their own space in preparation for the last hour of 1996. And who better to see the year out with than the number one DJ on the circuit, Andy C. His consistently high standard of mixing makes him a pleasure to listen to and with his expertise in producing tunes you’re guaranteed to hear plenty of fresh plates. It’s impossible to sit down when Andy C is on a mission and tonight was no exception.

Everyone was on their feet, the entire place was moving, just how it should be. 12 o’clock came in the form of a ten second countdown with MC Rage. The place erupted like nothing I’ve ever seen. With champagne flowing and smiles glowing. Andy C did his bit by dropping ‘The Chopper’, the biggest rewind of ’96. And it was rewound, about three or four times. The celebrations seemed to go on for ages, the calls of “Happy New Year” could be heard everywhere. DJ Phantasy was up next so there was no rest for the wicked as the style was kept strictly jump up, after his came Hype, a man who needs no introduction.

His first tune was rewound and that set the standard for the rest of his presentation. His set was complimented by the vocal talents of MC Flux. Other DJs on the wheels of steel were Ellis Dee and Rap, both keeping the stamina massive jumping. Randall was up at five o’clock, teasing with the mix like only he knows how. He was well appreciated by all the crew, as were all the DJs and MCs on the night. For the last couple of hours the Desire crew were treated to an unscheduled back to back set from Kenny Ken and DJ SS.

Towards the end of the night the strains of a long and tearin’ session were starting to show as legs tired and seats beckoned. But I must bit up all that attended the night for making it the best New Year I have ever had. It reminded me what going out was all about and brought back memories of raving in years gone by. It was nice to see some smiling faces for a change, it’s just a shame it takes an occasion like New Year’s Eve to achieve it.