Friday eventually came and loads of us piled into three cars and headed from London towards Stevenage. Once near Stevenage we found the venue within a few minutes which was located in Central Stevenage, just off the motorway. It didn’t take long to find parking spaces all around the venue. Arriving at the front door, there must have been a queue of at least 800 people or more going right around the venue out of sight.

Fortunately I didn’t have to queue because I was on the guest list (nice one for that Chris/Darren). The first thing that hit me was how efficient and well organised everything was. After a quick, polite search I scurried into the venue.

On entering the main arena I was surprised to find that the venue was packed by 11.00pm. Vinylgroover was tearing down some wicked Happy Hardcore and the crowd were loving it.

I explored around the venue to find the second arena which was smaller than the main arena but nevertheless – kicking as well, and also the outside chillout area which was situated off the main arena.

One of the things that stayed in my mind as the night went on was how friendly and happy everybody was, 3000 people out to really enjoy themselves everywhere you looked.

The production I must say was one of the best I have ever experienced with platforms all around the back of the main arena, and a massive central stage built up in Christmas style at the front of the arena. The DJ platform was built high in the air overlooking the crowd with lights and lasers projecting in every direction. The main stage below was decorated with real Christmas trees and lights, not forgetting the United Dance dancers and the MC’s hyping up the crowd. At both ends of the stage were columns of speakers which were pumping out very, very loud crystal clear sound, (probably the loudest sound I have ever heard at any event). It was very impressive since it was situated in the heart of Stevenage. All around the venue there were huge colourful backdrops and to my surprise two large inflatable Father Christmas’ looking down over the crowd who were having a wicked night.

The Scratchmaster himself (DJ Sy) followed by Swan-E who dropped some Drum and Bass classics. The MC’s that were hyping up the crowd were hyping up the crowd were MC MC, Sharkey, Fearless and of course Magika (cheers for the shouts!). Massive respect to all the DJ’s that made it such a wicked night – Sy, Swan-E, Seduction, Dougal, Vibes, Slipmatt, Jimmy J, Brisk and anyone else who played not forgetting DJ Slam (sorry I missed your set!).
Best set of the night had to go to DJ Seduction who played a variety of tunes, (nice one mate), Slipmatt turned up slightly late but made up for it, playing the last set with classics like “Toy Town”.

Hype was unfortunately double booked in Germany, but was replaced by Ellis Dee playing a wicked Drum and Bass set.

I have never been to a United Dance event before but after such a wicked night with a really friendly crowd and excellent production, I will make sure I put their future events in my diary, as a must.