Fantazia - An inside view

Venerable Rave forum Ush.net closes

2011-12-19T13:05:00.000Z

Another establish hardcore forum closes as Ush.net shuts down. Its unclear why this has happened but certainly the rise of Facebook has done away with the need for such forums as traffic to them has dropped. The rise in spam bots that target these types of forums has also not helped as they spam continually to raise their own search engine traffic meaning more time has to be taken pruning out posts which is very labour intensive. Finally as more a more people post up links to copies material it is possible artists are hitting back by closing down the places that people do this. Sad news for a small scene or evolution? Time will tell.

You can still access the Fantazia forum by clicking the title above however all registration are subject to moderation do read our news section for details.

Scottish scene losses Ultimate Buzz artist MC Bee as he is found stabbed to death

2011-12-09T00:31:00.000Z

Sad news for the Scottish scene today when Ultimate Buzz artist MC Bee was found stabbed to death at home it was reported in the Daily Record. Bad way to go and not the way anyone should leave this world. In dedication we would like to add pages to the Fantazia website on MC Bee or Ultimatebuzz do let us know. Interviews, profiles or your own memories of their performances would do...

A RAVE DJ has been found dead at his home.

Callan Bright's body was discovered at his house in Bathgate, West Lothian, on Saturday night.

The 39-year-old was a huge hit on Scotland's underground rave scene as DJ MC Bee with hardcore band Ultimate Buzz in the mid-90s.

Police said last night there were not thought to be any suspicious circumstances.

Callan started Ultimate Buzz in 1994 and they quickly became known as one of the top dance outfits in Scotland.

Between 1994 and 2000, they released 12 singles and four albums on various labels.

Tributes to the DJ flooded on to websites last night.

One fan said: "I can't believe Callan is gone.

"He gave me so many great memories, so many great nights out. RIP."

The DJ was believed to have been running his own music production and talent scouting agency.

Is this the future for nightclubbing? Bring your own alcohol nights

2011-11-24T17:41:00.000Z

It is reported today that a club owner has come up with a novel way to try and beat the recession. He is allowing people to bring their own alcohol with them. Bob Senior, who runs a Durham Live Club in Durham, said his industry had been wrecked by supermarkets selling cheap alcohol. And in what appears to be case of 'if you can't beat them, join them', he is charging an entry fee, but allowing customers to provide their own drink. While the practice is common in restaurants that don't have an alcohol licence, it is thought to be the first time a nightclub has made such a move.

I say this sound like a great way to make regular clubbing accessible again. And if more people go out others will surely follow, Currently there are just to many nights when you go into a club and its empty. It certainly doesn't make me want to stay when they are like that. People like crowds, lets fill these clubs up again before the whole nightclub industry closes and innovative ideas like this should be welcomed. For to long only Student nights seem to have been target with price innovations on drinks....

How long until local councils ban the practice...?

Prodigy star gets relaunch of Double Identity Shoes

2011-10-31T22:56:00.001Z

Now I know fuck all about trainers but if Liam likes them and they all look as good as this pair then they are cool with me. I tried to blag a pair for writing this but to no avail :( oh well it was worth a try ;). Maybe I will win a pair in their competition, click the title to enter and have a chance as well....

London based sneaker brand re-launches iconic shoe thanks to a special request from Double Identity fan and Prodigy founder Liam Howlett. Head designer of Double Identity, Paul Gabriel, received a telephone call from The Prodigy manager asking to buy a particular sneaker that was specifically requested by Liam Howlett of The Prodigy. Unfortunately for Liam the sneaker had been discontinued and so the bad news was passed back to him. Not happy with this Liam then sent a picture of his sneakers held together with gaffa tape to show Double Identity his dedication to them . He told them that he had worn the same pair of shoes for every Prodigy live performance on the IMD tour and couldn’t let them go. The sight of these deteriorating trainers spurred the guys at Double Identity to re- release the iconic shoe. Liam stated “the worn in look is totally my style but mine had gone way past that stage and were 80% gaffer tape so its cool we could collaborate with Double Identity to bring them back to life again”

Sneaker brand, Double Identity, was established in 2005. Based in London and selling all over the world to innovative stores in the UK, Japan, USA, Hong Kong, Italy and Spain, head designer and founder Johnny Tsiattalou, has focused the designs based on a belief that everyone should have a double identity - their alter ego; their fun self and their serious self, their artist and their pragmatist. The Double Identity brand started out producing clothing in Japan, in the 1990’s before diversifying into footwear in 2005 when they produced a small range of sneakers. The success of this capsule sneaker collection led to Double Identity’s sole focus being only footwear.

The culture of the brand has always been an expression of freedom and fun, blending classic shoe shapes with sneaker youth and colour. The brand works closely with young illustrators and artists such as the recent collaboration with Danny Sangra and Kai of “Kai and Sunny”, creating fresh & innovative new styles DID looks at classic sneaker design for inspiration but uses modern fabrics and technologies to create the brands forward thinking shoes - boundaries are bent, pushed forward and broken with their interpretation of materials, shape and colour. DID strive to blend contradictory themes such as formal footwear with sports footwear, strength with comfort, revolution with evolution. In the process the collections attempt to capture the wearer and onlooker’s imagination through use of bright colours, unusual fabrics and novel motifs. The result is innovation and a sneaker suitable for everyone’s double identity.

Halloween Sale 10% off from Fantazia (excludes tickets)

2011-10-28T09:01:00.000+01:00

Get 10% of everything on the Fantazia website (excluding tickets and Spreadshirt clothing) using the following code in the shopping cart:

Halloween

Valid until the 11th November.

Happy shopping, we have a huge range of rave music, DVDs and clothing

www.fantazia.org.uk

Nightclub business suffering some more as Luminar goes bust

2011-10-26T20:14:00.000+01:00

Today it was announced that the biggest nightclub operator in the country has gone bust. Luminar that has for a decade been the biggest operator throughout the country has finally run out of cash. First the extending of opening hours to pubs had an impact, then the smoking ban and finally the recession has meant the under 25's just don't have the money to go out.

Its will be sad for so many clubs to close and people to potentially lose their jobs it is perhaps an opportunity for independent operators to fill the void that has been created with potential much more creative offerings and perhaps the news ideas may reignite people desires to go clubbing again.....

Watch out for future episodes of Skins they are going raving..perhaps...

2011-10-18T23:06:00.000+01:00

A little inside info for those that watch the C4 program Skins. Looks like some of the cast are going to be ravers in a coming episode as the production company has bought some raving t-shirts from us for them to wear.... featuring the Rave Not War t-shirt, we can't wait to see them on screen. Now maybe they should all come down to Fantazia @ Motion in Bristol on the 31st March 2012. They would have a blast ;)

You can buy the shirt on this link http://raveclothing.spreadshirt.co.uk/rave-not-war-A6848524/customize/color/5

You can get it in your choice of colours or sizes

Fantazia Greatest Show on Earth event CDs out now

2011-10-18T13:31:00.001+01:00

http://www.fantazia.org.uk/Mailorder/fantaziacds_2011.htmThe sets from the Fantazia Greatest Show on Earth event on the 8th October 2011 @ Bowlers in Manchester are now on sale. We have sets from all 4 of the main arenas. These are not available in any shops and are only available for a limited time one the link above.

Includes House Legends, Old Skool Legends, Techno Legends and DNB/Jungle Legends. Relive the night.

Deals for buying all the sets from the night or just choose the ones you want. Thanks to everyone who made it such a memorable occassion. See you at the next Fantazia.

New to the rave scene? Then the Fantazia Rave Archive is the place to start

2011-10-11T08:42:00.000+01:00

It was great to see so many first time Fantazia ravers at The Greatest Show on Earth. Manchester you did us proud. It occured to me that a lot of you new ravers may not know the full rich history of Fantazia and the rave scene and therefore I am doing this post to point you in the right direction.... on www.fantazia.org.uk we have literally thousands of pages of information on raves, masses of flyers from the past to view and much much more.

Fantazia Archive...
Rave Archive...

And don't forget if there is something you would like to buy, like a Fantazia T-shirt, clubwear item or classic set we always offer a 10% discount to our Facebook friends, just enter "Facebook" into the cart.

Thanks to everyone who attended Fantazia Greatest Show on Earth, CDs and Photos coming soon

2011-10-09T10:38:00.000+01:00

Thanks to everyone who attended Fantazia The Greatest Show on Earth. You were an amazing crowd and it was great to see so many new faces. The weather was bloody awful and it rained for the entire night, but you were wonderful patiently waiting to get in. It might have been cold and wet outside but it was certainly warm inside with 4500 of you dancing away.

The DJs and MCs were banging and the screens on the main stage, which were new to Fantazia, certainly looked fantastic. Hopefully lots of you got to use the laser tag and fair ground rides and that you found all the rooms, it was huge in there and I am sure Bowlers has grown since our last visit in 1994, lol.

We would like to have seen the queue allowed in faster due to the conditions, but the security had strict orders under the local council license to carry our thorough searches for your protection and we hope you appreciate that it was for your safety. Due to the search there were no serious incidents on the night which is great news and what we have come to expect from the PLUR loving Fantazia ravers.

Your outfits were really amazing, we had begun to wonder whether people had started not to wear so crazy outfits at raves but Manchester you proved that not to be the case. Lots of sexy ladies and guys and girls in UV Neon or hi vis gear. Well done you all!

One apology, the venue staff running the cloakroom were overwhelmed by the number of coats on the night due to the rain and instead of refusing to accept any over the planned capacity got overwhelmed and let you all down. This was not being run by Fantazia and we apologies if this caused you any problems, we will certainly look in future to make sure that we run this sort of concession, but as with bars and the security venues normally insist on keeping this in house as a part of the venue hire.

We hope to see all you ravers at the next English Fantazia event. Full date to be announced soon. Do come and see us in November at the Arches in Glasgow.

Photos will be going on line soon and sets will be made available.

New video clips & classic rave tunes add to the Fantazia TV Channel on You Tube

2011-10-02T10:00:00.000+01:00

Need a little fix of music or footage from past events? We have just updated the Fantazia TV channel on you tube with over 100 extra songs and videos from ours and other rave events from the last 20 years.

If you have suggestions or links to more footage then do let us know. We are always looking to add classic rave footage to our collections so if you have any rare rave videos get in touch as its likely to be of interest to us.

View now...

Is Las Vegas the US Ibiza for dance music fans?

2011-10-01T07:58:00.000+01:00

If you were into dancing music and raving the USA then it was for long time Miami that drew the crowds to experience the best that the music could offer, with many other parts of the USA treating the scene with suspicion and out right criminality. Now its seems that Las Vegas has become the new mecca spear headed by the 200,000 crowds that attended the Electric Daisy Carnival and with over 90 clubs playing house music you can see why. Will its rise start to draw crowds away from Europe and its current mecca of Ibiza? Time will tell....The story...

For as long as most dance-music aficionados can recall, Miami has been the Stateside destination for sun, fun and the hottest music year-round. But in just a short period of time, a new player has emerged. In the blink of an eye, America's Playground has morphed into America's Dance Music Capital.

Consider the 200,000 electronica fans who descended on Las Vegas International Speedway for the Electric Daisy Carnival in June, or the billboards up and down the Strip plastered with dance-music superstars such as Tiësto, Dirty South and deadmau5. It's hard to believe that just a few years ago, Sin City catered to an entirely different scene.

"Say there are 100 clubs in Vegas: Two years ago, 90 were playing hip-hop, 10 were playing house," said Shawn Sabo, Beatport co-founder and member of the Manufactured Superstars. "But now it's completely flopped. Ten are playing hip-hop, 90 are playing house — and I really don't think it's going to stop."

With an estimated 37 million visitors hitting the Strip annually, and America's interest in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene exploding, Vegas is going pedal-to-the-metal for the dance-music craze.

"The Palms was the first major hotel/casino to have a dedicated house-music night," said Jon Gray, SVP of the N9ne Group and head of nightlife for the Palms Hotel & Casino.

It was just three short years ago, in fall 2008, that the Palms welcomed Paul Oakenfold for the city's first house-music residency, and his Planet Perfecto on Saturdays at Rain Nightclub was arguably the catalyst for the city's dance-music boom.

"Ibiza is still, first and foremost, the powerhouse for electronic music and it always will be, but you can see how Vegas has moved incredibly fast so that it's on an equal par," Oakenfold told MTV News prior to one of his legendary sets.

"The DJs used to be back in the corner and you never knew who the DJ was," the Palms' Gray added. "But now, every major nightclub has brought the DJ booth to the center of the nightclub and brought in some huge names."

Not surprisingly, DJ-centric mega-clubs exceeding 50,000 square feet or more are quickly becoming the norm, and things are just as popping in the daytime. Initially conceived at the Hard Rock's infamous Rehab Sundays in 2004, the modern Las Vegas pool party is rite of passage for the weekend warrior — and there is no shortage of options to keep even the most fickle clubber content. Thanks to recent investments and expansions such as Encore Beach, the Cosmopolitan's Marquee Day Club, Tropicana's Nikki Beach and MGM's Wet Republic, high-end pool parties have raised the bar and transformed Vegas into the premier destination for those looking to hit the increasingly popular day-club scene.

"We have bungalows with private Jacuzzis. We have an 'ultra lounge,' which holds 40 people, including its own private bar and bartender. Every bungalow has its own bathroom, and our bungalows downstairs even have their own shower. So we've really gone over the top," said Sean Christie, operating partner of Encore Beach and Surrender Nightclub.

Encore Beach and its sister clubs, Surrender and XS, play host to resident DJs Kaskade and Pete Tong, along with appearances over the summer by deadmau5, Afrojack, Skrillex, Calvin Harris and Swedish House Mafia's Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso, along with his protégé Alesso, to name just a few. Their laundry list of internationally known acts and massive events continues into the early fall.

Longtime DJ and Producer Kaskade has also taken note of the remarkable change in the tides as he rounds out his second year of residency at Encore Beach.

"This is probably the biggest and best pool party in the world," he said just prior to his set one summer afternoon. "The venue is crazy, the sound is crazy, we get four or five thousand people in here."

And just down the road, another party goes just as hard with equally big names. From Laidback Luke to Avicii, Armin Van Buuren to Cedric Gervais and Above & Beyond to LMFAO, Marquee Dayclub (and Nightclub) has no shortage of reasons for eager fans to flock by the thousands.

"Vegas is more equipped to handle the volume year-round," said Jason Strauss, owner and co-founder of the Strategic Group, the entity behind both the Lavo, Tao and Marquee franchises. "With the proliferation of casinos and all the hotel rooms, we're able to accommodate all the people that Ibiza and all of these other secondary markets can't."

Strauss and partner Noah Tepperberg ventured to up the ante with the Vegas version of Marquee Nightclub at one of the Strip's newest gems, the Cosmopolitan Hotel & Casino. Boasting nearly 3,000 guest rooms, on a typical summer weekend, many are occupied by 20- and 30-somethings for bachelor parties, girls' weekends and a zillion other reasons to head out to the clubs, blow off steam and spend some serious green.

"I've seen Las Vegas grow," DJ Cedric Gervais said. "And what [Jason] has done to Las Vegas with Marquee Nightclub is amazing — and I think Las Vegas really is becoming the new Ibiza."

"That's been my mantra for the past year," said Joel Zimmerman, U.S. head of William Morris Electronic, the partnership spawned by Pete Tong and the L.A.-based William Morris Agency. Not to be confused with the other Joel Zimmerman, a.k.a. Canadian DJ/producer deadmau5, WME's Joel is the man who many point to as a key player behind Vegas dance-music explosion and the high-end talent that has been brought in. While he's quick to point out the parallels, he noted that Vegas isn't out to take Ibiza's place in international club culture.

"I don't think we're taking people away from going to Ibiza," he said. "One's a beautiful Balearic island off the coast of Barcelona, and the other is stuck in the middle of the desert where people come to lose their minds. But the transient aspect of the island and Vegas, being a different crop of people every weekend, is very similar."

The latest statistics show tourism is up 4.9 percent year over year through July, and forecasts estimate that Labor Day weekend alone brought nearly 291,000 into town — an increase of 3.6 percent from last year. During the holiday weekend, visitors spent $178.7 million of non-gaming revenue, up an estimated 3.9 percent, versus the same weekend last summer.

While the grand totals for summer 2011 have yet to be tallied, Cathy Tull, SVP of marketing at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority told MTV News summer 2010 brought Vegas an excess of 12.9 million visitors and took in nearly $8.3 billion in revenue. And keep in mind, these figures were for the year before Electric Daisy Carnival came to town — not bad for a desert oasis once known only for its slot machines, gentlemen's clubs and bargain buffets.

Thanks in large part to its night (and day) life, Las Vegas is an anomaly in the current economic climate, showing no signs of slowing down. Paired with America's insatiable pallet for EDM, the Las Vegas nightlife machine has undeniably proven to the rest of the world: If you build it, they will club.

Interview with Fantazia for the 20th Anniversary by Skrufff.com

2011-09-30T10:26:00.000+01:00

Skrufff interview with Fantazia

Check out the interview with online dance music magazine Skrufff with Fantazia to commemorate our 20th Anniversary. There is some interesting stuff in there that we have not discussed before so its well worth checking out.

Thanks to Skrufff.com for tacking the time to do it.

Lakota Bristol, Loss of licence

2011-09-29T13:39:00.002+01:00

For the second time this year the Lakota nightclub in Bristol has lossed its licence causing another party (this time the Champion Sounds event) to be cancelled. Not good for the dance music scene as this venue has been running nights almost every weekend for 10 years. But not to worry Fantazia in Manchester is a go :) see you all there

Fantazia in Northern Ireland this November

2011-09-28T19:35:00.000+01:00

Exciting news for Fantazia which we hope all ravers in Ireland will celebrate on hearing. We are holding our first rave in Northern Ireland since we held a sell out party at the Circus Circus in 1994. More details and the flyer coming soon. The Legend Returns! Coach Nightclub Banbridge!

Heres what you missed if you weren't at Fantazia Supernova, event review by Forum member Joker2

2011-09-25T09:24:00.001+01:00

Thought we would share this review of our last event Supernova by a Fantazia forum user called Joker2. Don't miss out on the next one, see you at Fantazia The Greatest Show on Earth!

what a fantastic night!! i came from brighton ,on the train on my own, ive never been to bristol before so when i got off the train i wasnt sure how to get to the club, it was gettin dark i was walking around like a numpty, and i though "sod this" and was thinkin of going home,thought it had been canceeled as didnt see any fellow ravers to follow, but in the end i walked back to temple meads and got a taxi!
ha, whilst queing one of the poor girls on stilts fell over..hope u ok:) but was funny!
i hadnt been inside 2 minutes and was asked if i had any pills for sale??
just because i had a fantazia smiley t shirt on!! ha whats the matter with people??
took meself off to the merch stall and got a whistle!! then had a walk round and soon found the old skool room where vinyljunkie was ripping up the floor with some pretty decent tunes, run tings, back again remix springs to mind..
danceflooor was only half full at the time and it seemed like people wernt really "havin it", so i got myself a couple of red stripes and went to chill out for a beer and tab!
saw some mental fellow in a space suit with mad teeth!!
went back in old skool at 1130 and krome & time were havin a cameo..
rem them dropping "rumblism" awesome tunage...then i think it was top of the buzz...which , no disrespect because they are legends, aint really my cuppa darjeeling.
so went and had a couple more beers and found some bloke in chill out who had come all the way from italy..just for fantazia!! deication a..mind u he hardly spoke a word of english..i bought him a doughnut and he seemed to like that.. then, as im half sicilian myslef, muttered a few italian pleaseantries to him and said aurevior.
back in old skool slipmatt was up and was doing what slipmatt does best...ripping up teh floor mixing up uplifting hardcore in the way only he knows how..a constant rush..highlights being agent orange and think he dropped vertigo too..big ups slippers:)
think im right n saying the ratpack were up next with thier usual show of entertainment..
one bad point was i saw a couple of blokes snifiing what looked like coke froma rizzla on dance floor!!! stone me! naughty naughty..
but back to the music by now the floor was full to the max abd everyone was well upo for it..have to say the main attraction for me was the legend dennis easygroove..but when he hadnt turned up by 4 and lsd was on i feared the worst...
lsd played a below average set , imho, but still in my top 4 djs...
then there he was..the badboy technodread easygroove..by now i was rushing like i hadnt since 95..
btw anyone else see that bloke crashed out by the stage in his pants?? hilarious..he wa well mashed..
i spent the last 2 hours right at the front of the stage givng it some and then some more..was well u pfor it last night..and easygroove delivered his usual sublime mixing of hardcore ,happy jungle and techno.. and what a choon to finish the night on..praise jesus...!!!! mental
big up ez.
all in was a great night evryone was happy no bad attitudes..
the only down point is lost 100 pounds cash:(
which was a shame as i was gonna visit the merchandise stall:(
great p[arty fantazia how about a summer outdoor event next year???

WHO IS THE GREATEST DANCE ACT OF ALL TIME?

2011-09-21T11:41:00.002+01:00

WHO IS THE GREATEST DANCE ACT OF ALL TIME?

Mixmag launches the definitive dance music poll...

In 2010 Mixmag – the world’s biggest, oldest and most respected dance music magazine – ran a poll to discover the greatest DJ of all time. In 2011 it’s the turn of the bands, beat-makers and producer-performers as we ask:

Who is the greatest dance act of all time?

From Deadmau5 to Daft Punk, The Prodigy to Pendulum, Mixmag – the only dance music magazine with the heritage and credibility to run such a definitive poll – is asking dance music fans from around the world to vote for their ultimate dance music act.

We’ve drawn up a list of 100 nominees – running from A Guy Called Gerald to X-Press 2 – to kick things off. But fear not, if your favourite act isn’t on the list, there is even an option to nominate your personal greatest dance act of all time.

VOTING HAS BEGUN

Go to www.mixmaggreatest.com

now to be part of musical history, debate and decide…

Who do you reckon guys? so many to choose from but I bet a lot of them have played at Fantazia over the years. Make sure you vote for your favourite and give them a chance of winning this prestigious title.

Our favourite dance music journalist talks out

2011-09-20T11:47:00.000+01:00

Our favourite dance music journalist and publisher that keeps us informed of whats going on in the rave scene worldwide via his email mailing list has an interesting interview out this week with Ibiza Voice. Worth a read, click the title to give it a go.

Sign up for the newsletter by clicking here

Was raving one of the highlights of your life? Your story....

2011-09-20T11:40:00.000+01:00

Its clear from running Fantazia our rave forum what a big impact raving had on many of your lives. But was raving more important to you and your friends than just a good night out? Has it has positive or maybe negative impacts? Did you meet a lover, wife, husband or friend? Did the end of the big raves leave you depressed? Does hearing one of the big rave anthems give you a high? Would you ever go raving again? Or do you still go to any party you can? We would like to hear your stories and know what raving means to you?

Ministry of Sound club to close?

2011-08-30T17:23:00.000+01:00

Press news this week is that the Ministry of Sound is doing a petition to save the club as they feel under threat of closure if a residential development is granted in the nearby area to their present home of 20 years. Presumably they are worried that new residents won't like the noise and (following a shooting some time ago) potential trouble the club attracts. Would it be a shame to see the MOS go? It is a globally well known brand and you cannot argue with their success.... But does every club have its time? And does this mean the brand will end even if the physical club closes? I doubt it, no doubt they would just buy another venue and open NEW MOS, giving their PR gurus another excuse to send out mass mailings and get newspaper stories. Happy days...

Read a snippit of our Top Ten best Old Skool tunes list

2011-08-25T23:21:00.001+01:00

Below is an extract from 1 of our emails from our Mailing list email sequence, which you receive completely free when you sign up to the Fantazia mailing list. Subjects include our tips for best rave tape, music, clubwear, DJs and much more. Join now by clicking the title above:

When the question was first put to us at Fantazia we came up with 100’s and to
narrow this down to just 10 was impossible as there are so many truly banging tracks from this era. So to pay homage to the producers and dj’s over the years that have kept our feet moving and our hands raised to the skies we have decided to break down the rave scene and run down our top 10 tunes from each major genre of the scene.

So here is part one of this series running down the top 10 best Oldskool House/Rave Anthems, enjoy.

Top 10 Oldskool House/Rave Anthems

1. Rhythm is Rhythm – Strings of Life (1989)

Produced by Derrick May, this track is one of the iconic tracks of its time really pushing forward house into the 90’s. With its classic piano riff this tune has and always will be a true anthem of the birth of rave.

2. Congress - 40 Miles (1991)

Classic early nineties house tune that is more commonly known for the instrumental version.....a mixture of slow breakbeat and simple piano." Likely remembered by latecomers as the original sample for the second half of Fatboy Slim's Song for Lindy.

3. Shades Of Rhythm -Sound of Eden (1991)

The Legends that is Shades Of Rhythm!! Could have picked any number of songs from these guys, famous for their melodic tones and amazing live PA shows. Sound of Eden released in 1991 Smashed into the UK music charts, bringing Shades out of the Rave scene and bringing there style of rave music to the masses. Catch them at our Fantazia events as theses guys are not to be missed!

4. The Prodigy - Charly (1991)

"Charly" is the debut single released by the British electronic act The Prodigy, taken from their debut album Experience. Released in the UK on August 12, 1991 through XL Recordings, it smashed into the UK Charts throwing Prodigy to the forefront of the Rave scene and making them the true dance pioneers that they have become today. On October 1, 1992, "Charly" had sold over 200,000 copies in the UK establishing it as one of the top selling dance singles of all time.

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Rave Hangman just got better with a load more words

2011-08-25T22:22:00.000+01:00

At Fantazia Supernova one of the ravers we I talked to said how much it loved just hanging around the site and even that he often played the rave word hangman that is in the Interactive section. We through these together many moons ago and its gratify to know at least 1 persons likes our work! Anyway we love to grant ravers wishes and he pleased for more words to be added, so we have granted that wish. More DJs, PAs, venues, drugs and rave scene stuff added, just click the title to have a go yourself.

Wow what a great year our 20th Anniversary one is turning out to be

2011-08-25T22:07:00.000+01:00

Our 20th Anniversary parties have been so much fun. Great crowds of lovely old and new ravers just out to have a great time. Its really takes us back all those years to how raving used to be. When people were out to have a good time, meet new friends and dance, not to cause trouble, give attitude and look cool. We applaud all you Fantazia ravers, there is not a crowd like you and long may you keep supporting our events and the scene that you love. If you were at Kings Hall or Motion we hope to see you in October at Bowlers!

We love you thanks for making us feel so special :)

The annual DJ Top 100 poll is now open

2011-08-03T07:18:00.000+01:00

It has been an annual fixture for many years and it is open for you vote now. The DJ Top 100 poll for DJs around the world once had national importance with it results reported in the national and international press and was a bell weather for the dance music industry and reflected some of the biggest excesses of the super star DJ days with vote rigging and dirty tricks galore.

Its importance has declined over the years along with the status of the superstar DJs however it is still fun to see the annual bun fight among the B and C list DJs that make the list. The UK Rave scene does not get a good representation as it is generally dominated by House and Trance DJs from across Europe. Worth a look anyway

The poll is open until the 23rd September

Want to be a Fantazia DJ or MC then read on...!

2011-07-10T20:31:00.003+01:00

We are always getting sent demos from upcoming DJs who want to play at a Fantazia event. We do try and respond to these but the advice we give is often the same. Clearly there are many people applying for a limited number of spots so not everyone can be successful. However we do have some top tips about how to boost your chance of playing at a Fantazia and at any other promoters raves.

Sign up to our exclusive email giving you all this inside information. We think you will find it invaluable. If you have any comments or extra insights do post them once you have given it a read.

Limited number of EB Fantazia Supernova tickets left. Don't miss out on saving £5

2011-06-20T19:47:00.001+01:00

There are only limited numbers of Fantazia Supernova tickets left. If you want to save yourself £5 and buy the tickets at the Early Bird price do purchase soon or risk being disappointed. We only have a few days worth of tickets before we sell out and the price goes up to £20+bf. 5 arenas and 2100 ravers doing it Fantazia style @ Motion in Bristol.

Buy now

Sign up for the Fantazia maillist and now receive interesting emails each week

2011-06-20T18:43:00.000+01:00

Did you know that if you sign up to the Fantazia email mailing list you will receive updates that will include event updates, special offers, new site updates and also rave scene information and tips from the past and present. We will soon be starting a new series of updates that give you our Top Ten suggestions for things like the best ever raves, DJs and rave tapes. Click the link above to sign up.

Fantazia Supernova. You are coming to the event now wear the t-shirt!

2011-06-17T12:15:00.003+01:00

You can now buy the t-shirt featuring the Supernova flyer design.

Read our 20th Anniversary insiders piece on the Foundation and rise of Fantazia

2011-06-11T09:53:00.000+01:00

To celebrate Fantazia's 20th Anniversary this year we have been doing a serialisation in Ravin Eye magazine of the insiders view of how the company got started from its earliest days. Telling of the people involved and the highs and low points (at least as we recall them). For those that don't manage to get a copy of this great free magazine we have published the first two pieces on the Fantazia website. Look out for parts 3 and 4 later in the year. Hope you enjoy. It does give a good account I believe of whats involved in running raves for those budding promoters out there.

20th Anniversary: Inside Fantazia part 1
20th Anniversary: Inside Fantazia part 2

Are we all getting old or is it just me? RIP Darryl Pandy & Dance Music on Radio 2

2011-06-11T09:42:00.000+01:00

It seems dance music is perhaps no longer cutting edge. Now I had a creeping feeling it was the case being that it is over 20 years since I first starting listening to the music but it does take a few news stories to bring it home. The first today being the death of one of the early pioneers Darryl Pandy who did the vocals on one of the first house tunes, Love Cant Turn Around by Farley Jackmaster Funk. It says something when a scene has been going long enough for people to start dying. I guess its an age thing but as time goes by we will have more of these stories (hopefully not about any of the Crew for a while at least). Sad news anyway and my feeling go out to his family.

The second news story was that Radio 2 are doing a dance music tribute day. For a radio station known for hosts like Terry Wogan and playing classical music and operas to play dance music is a sign that we are getting old without a doubt. As their older existing audience dies off they are clearly lining up a new generation of middle aged, greying ravers to take their place. So the questions is should we hold onto what we listened to in our youth or give up and listen to something more appropriate for our age? I say no! But please just don't play it to loud it makes my head hurt :)

Make money from you rave website or facebook page

2011-05-25T19:21:00.000+01:00

If you run a rave website or one about the dance scene then have you considered trying to make a few quid from your interest? If you would like to make money through showing your visitors a relevant site why not considering join our Fantazia affiliate scheme. We pay 10% of any orders made from our site including rave flyers, tapepacks, clothing and rave gear

Click below to join

http://www.romanclick.com/publisher/pbregister.asp?ecid=EFAKHgxaEh4aVVpaVQBTERdHAhwZWgYVAVgDU1wDRUNEBkEKGF4YCRpVWhpU

You can read more information below

http://www.fantazia.org.uk/affiliatescheme.htm

Anyone going to Ibiza this summer??

2011-05-17T10:41:00.003+01:00

Sankeys, the legendary club in Manchester have announced that they will be opening a new club in Ibiza this summer Playa d’en Bossa, close to the island’s already hottest club ‘du jour’ the Ushiaia Ibiza Beach Hotel.

Anyone Heading over to the island for a Holiday of Music and Madness we would love to hear what the club is like and your experiences. Post your reviews and any photo's you have of the club.

hope to get over to check this one out soon.

So who's coming to look at fast cars and rave? Perfect!

2011-05-17T09:24:00.004+01:00

Fast Cars, Pretty Women and Rave, 3 of my favourite things :)

Modified Madness and Fantazia are linking up to bring together 2 of the most exciting hobbies around. A weekend of Roaring Engines, Shining Bodywork and of course a night of Fun filled raving like only Fantazia do.

I can't wait for this one guys, hope to see you all down there enjoying the sunshine (Hopefully :P), the Cars and the Music.

Proud Of Your Car, think you have a "pimped out ride"? we would love to see what you will be driving down to show off to all the other petrol heads, post your pictures here.

Hardcore Heaven Weekender cancelled is this a rave dip?

2011-04-16T08:28:00.000+01:00

Sad news that Slammin Vinyl have been forced to cancel the Hardcore Heaven Weekender that was due to have at Pontins next month. At short notice you have to wonder whether the official explanation is correct or whether ticket sale had been poor.

The rave scene has been going for 20 years or more (hence our Anniversary celebrations this year) and during this time is has had many ups and downs and seems to work in 5 year cycles of popularity. Is this the next drop? How you explain these cycles is interesting... is it a generation thing? After 5 years of raving doing the current crop of ravers get bored of doing the same thing? After all the DJ and music whilst evolving some over time does not really change that much and there is only so many different venues, lasers, productions etc that you can put into a venue to make each different. Or is just in tandem with the economy. The demographic of raves is varied but a large proportion are working class and in times of tight money or no jobs can people just not afford to go out to raves as often?

The scene will undoubtable recover. People love the free expression and just sheer fun of rave parties that no other type of event can match and in some ways maybe a quiet time forces the artists to be more creative and try new things and DJs will inevitably be forced to drop there fees enabling the promoters to lower the ticket prices and make the events more accessible.

The cycle will continue!

Fantazia Londons Calling @ Mass, Brixton

2011-04-16T08:05:00.000+01:00

For the first time ever Fantazia are coming to the capital for 1 night of raving madness to celebrate our 20th Anniversary. Whilst we have travelled the country and in fact the globe we have never done any large scale events in the London. So now to mark this special year we thought we would give you a night to remember including Radio 1 DJ and Legend Grooverider. See you there!

Tickets are available from our website, via ticketweb or from Ticketsellers. The line up also contains other Fantazia favs like Slipmatt, Ratpack, Ellis Dee, Billy Bunter, Top Buzz, Phantasy and MC's Chalky White and Energy.

Fantazia.org.uk new site update with 5 new articles

2011-03-16T14:54:00.003Z

We have added more pages to the site today including an interesting interview with MC Storm a review of a Dream FM event profile on rave companies Reality & Heats as well as an account of the time that Diehard was raided by the police.

http://www.fantazia.org.uk/orgs/reality.htm
http://www.fantazia.org.uk/orgs/dreamfm_slamminvinyl.htm
http://www.fantazia.org.uk/DJs/mcstorm.htm
http://www.fantazia.org.uk/orgs/diehard.htm
http://www.fantazia.org.uk/orgs/heat.htm

04/06 Fantazia A Midsummer Nights Dream

2011-03-11T13:36:00.000Z

Join Fantazia to celebrate our 20th Birthday with a magical night. Do you remember the sun rising over Matchams Park in Bournemouth with 16,000 pairs of hands raised in the air, or did you stand in wonder amongst the huge crowd at the UK largest ever rave at One Step Beyond with its massive inflatable dragon and castle stage?

Come and see the legend that a generation have talked about.

Fantazia A Midsummer Nights Dream will take you to a new mystical level creating a wonderland filled with magical effects and stunning attractions in a truly dreamy event. Our Nymphs and Fairies will dance for your pleasure, our magicians will amaze you with visual effects out of this world, and your ears will rings to the melody of the biggest rave tunes.

8pm - 5am at Kings Hall, Stoke on Trent. Featuring Shades of Rhythm, Top Buzz, Mickey Finn, Easygroove, Lomas, Stu Allen, Joe Peng, Lenni, Scratchmaster Techno and more.

The first party sold out in 4 weeks 3 months early. Early bird tickets only £15 for a limited time only.

View rave event details...

How to become a Fantazia DJ if you are up and coming?

2011-03-11T13:30:00.002Z

Djs often ask how do I get to play for Fantazia? We book big name DJs for our events because thats what you all demand. However there are places in the support arena and even early in the event in the main arena which we have and continue to use up and coming DJs or lesser known ones. From there you can get yourself notice from being on the flyer and get a following from people posting ratings on you.

How do you get one of those spaces? Make your self useful to us. Help spread the word on the street/Facebook etc etc about the events that we are doing. Become a ticket seller and bring along your friends on mass. Your hard work and efforts will be rewarded and if your DJ style and technique is up to the standard Fantazia expect a place could be yours. From there the sky is the limited for your DJing career! So where do you start? Send us an email and we will point you in the right direction. Just click the title link

Our 20th Birthday is a sellout 12 weeks in advance! Amazing

2011-02-19T07:47:00.001Z

It is amazing news that so many old and new ravers have decided to join us Fantazia for our 20th Birthday celebrations in April in Stoke on Trent, the 2000 tickets sold out in record time for us, with 12 weeks to go they were all gone. It is a great testiment to the loyal following of you our fans. We have people flying in from far away placing including Tenerife, Ibiza, Germany and coach loads from from Scotland, Blackpool, Yorkshire and more.

It also reflects well for a scene that was so well loved and shaped many peoples early experiences. Ravers have such fond memories even 20 years on that many still want to turn out to dance the night away and a new generation want to come to see what all the fuss was about. We welcome you all ;)

To ensure everyone who wants to come has an opportunity to attend we are doing it all again on the 4th June at Kings Hall again. This time we have an all new lineup of classic Fantazia DJs including the legendary Top Buzz! Tickets are selling fast and the early birds will only be available for a limited time. Proving its appeal again this time we have sold tickets to groups of people as far away as Australia. Now thats dedication!

Fantazia Anniversary & Rave event details update

2011-01-12T07:47:00.002Z

2011 is Fantazia's 20th Anniversary. To celebrate we will be running special features, competitions and raves during the year, do make sure you take part in some of these by attending an event we hold or by participating or commenting with some of your memories. If you have not already done so and you are on Facebook join the Fantazia group.

Who would have thought back in 1991 we would still be holding rave parties 20 years later and creating that special atmosphere that only Fantazia ravers can..

This 23rd April we will be holding a 20th Birthday party at Kings Hall, Stoke-on-Trent. Join 2000 fellow ravers for a very special Fantazia night. Early bird tickets are only £15+ BF until the 1st February. Headline acts include Ratpack, Ellis Dee, Jumping Jack Frost, Sy, SL2, Pilgrim, Robbie Dee, Ribbz, Man Parris, Energy, Vinyljunkie, XTC and more. Full flyer releases on the 1st February. Buy tickets from:

http://www.fantazia.org.uk/Mailorder/fantazia_tickets.htm

If any of you work in publishing, radio, TV or have your own website and want to do a story about Fantazia, the Rave scene or dance music, we would love to help with interviews, comments, profiles by email, phone or video..

Below you will find some interesting facts about Fantazia to get you started:

Fantazia are the biggest brand in rave music and still put on many large events to this day. We think your readers would be interested to hear more about the height of the rave scene (not just the M25 days) and we would be happy to do an interview, biography, competition, giveaway or something else with your mag. Fantazia held the record for the largest ever single arena rave (25,000 Donnington 1992), Largest indoor rave (12,000 SECC 1993), largest single arena house event (12,000 G-mex 1997), we also featured on the ITN News, front page of the News of the World, Sun, Telegraph etc etc

Our record company sold several million compilation and those including the gold selling House collection and Club Classics now sell for large amount £30-50.

Our website is the largest in the UK on the past and present rave/hardcore scene. It has profiles on much of the scene and is very informative. We have done a series of sell out 8000 people events in Scotland over the last few years and have a 2000 people party in Stoke on our actual birthday.

Read more at http://www.fantazia.org.uk/index.htm

Fantazia feature in Ravin Eye Magazine over the next 4 issues

2011-01-08T19:10:00.000Z

To celebrate Fantazia's 20th Birthday (I will keep mentioning it) we have a feature on Fantazia in the great underground Ravin Eye Magazine that is given out free at events across the country. Over the next 4 issues we will take you behind the scenes, starting from our first interest in dance music to the formation of the company and to our catapulting from small club events to the biggest name in rave. You will hear stories that we have never disclosed before and get a in site into the upside and downside or being a rave organiser as opposed to a raver. Do get a copy any way you can. ;)

500th issue of Skrufff dance music zine. Well worth free subscription

2011-01-07T10:37:00.000Z

I have said it before but the Skrufff zine is my favourite place to get up to date on dance music (and some sex) gossip and news. I contribute from time to time. Its their 500th issue this week which means 10 years worth of weekly emails which is some feet and dedication.

http://skrufff.com

Subscription is free and will give you a chuckle each week
Of course if you would like to see more raving pieces then do give it some pester power!

Its Fantazia 20th Anniversary this year and we have a party for you

2011-01-07T08:20:00.002Z

It is 20 years on since Fantazia first party at the famous Eclipse in Coventry, and to celebrate almost to the day we are holding a classic rave event for rave UK wide with an event and The Kings Hall in Stoke on Trent. Licensed for 2000 ravers this event will feature a great line up including many of Fantazia own favourites from the early days including Ratpack, Sy, Jumping Jack Frost, Ellis Dee, Robbie Dee, Ribbz and more.

We hope as many of you as possible can come and join us for this great night which promises to be a great birthday party for Fantazia and old skool ravers everywhere

Two new Fantazia gigs to be announced in the New Year

2010-12-08T21:53:00.000Z

Exciting news Fantazia will be announcing two new gigs in the New Year. One in the Midlands and one in the capital London. Full details will be released soon and we hope you will join us at these two great old skool nights out. Experience that special Fantazia vibe for the first time or relive the best times of your life. More details coming soon.

Old rave venue Hastings Pier gone for good....

2010-10-08T19:05:00.000+01:00

Another old rave venues went for good this week when Hastings Pier was destroyed by fire. Home to many big events in the 90's the derelict Pier was attacked by arsonists who have destroyed any plans to redevelop the historic site. Rave events like Tasmania, Slammin Vinyl, Interdance, Hysteria and more will now be repeated there......

Mr Nice the trailer

2010-10-08T11:33:00.000+01:00

For those that haven't seen it hers the clip :)

Oh and do have a go at the Mr Nice smuggling game ;)

2010-10-08T11:26:00.001+01:00

See what your top score can be with the Mr Nice smuggling game ;)

http://www.mrnice-themovie.co.uk/

Mr Nice the Movie out today. See the Fantazia crew in it! Best film of the year

2010-10-08T11:25:00.000+01:00

If you are looking for something good to do this weekend go and watch "Mr Nice" at the cinema. This is the story of Howard Marks the legendary dope smoker/student/drug importer who was public enemy no 1 in the USA in the seventies. The story spans the globe, from Afghanistan to the USA and include spys and IRA terrorists. A great tale about a loveable rogue.

Why are we telling you about this movie? Well Fantazia are one of the producers behind bringing this great story to the big screen and we are in it to! Checkout the court room scene and see if you can spot us.

http://www.mrnice-themovie.co.uk/

Energy Flash by Simon Reynolds

2010-09-18T15:31:00.001+01:00

We have a large collection of rave books and I am slowly working my way through them. This months interesting read has been Energy Flash by Simon Reynolds. Its a good book. The problem with all these books though I find is that they all cover the same periods.. whether this is because they all copy each other or whether they are all London based authors and therefore a little out of touch with what everyone else was doing... either the early days / M25 illegal parties or the raise of the super clubs. The years Fantazia were doing parties gets little attention on the whole, even those this is when raving was at its height nationwide and in the media.. worth buying for sure though. We sell copies of many of the books on the Fantazia website just click the title link to have a look.

Footage from the raid on the club all those years ago...

2010-09-18T15:03:00.000+01:00

Was this a goood use of so many police?

Boss of Rave Club Colessum sent to prison for drugs

2010-09-18T14:58:00.000+01:00

Blimey it took a long time to bring this to justice.....story from July... never went there myself. Most blatant dealing I ever remember was at Circus Circus in Northern Ireland. They were just lined up as you went in!

FORMER Teesside rave club owner and fugitive Gary Robb has finally been brought to justice 13 years after fleeing the UK on drugs charges. Robb let a syndicate of in-house drug dealers ply their trades at his popular and notorious 1990s nightspot.

The 47-year-old, who flew to Northern Cyprus avoiding a trial in 1997, was jailed for five years yesterday afternoon. Teesside Crown Court heard how Robb and his brother James ran the infamous club, first named the Blue Monkey, then the Colosseum.

Dealers were strategically positioned around the venue to sell drugs, principally Ecstasy and amphetamines, to ravers. Gary was the “business brain” behind the operation on Norton Road, Norton. He made his money mainly from door takings while James employed the dealers and made his money from the drugs, the court was told.

Read the full story

Fantazia News section now new and improved

2010-09-18T12:31:00.000+01:00

The News section on the Fantazia website has been added to and now includes more tabs to bring you the latest goings on www.fantazia.org.uk. The new tabs included links to our latest posts on our blogs about Fantazia, clubwear and recreational drugs.

View News now

One week left to vote in the DJ Mag Top 100 Poll

2010-09-16T18:03:00.003+01:00

The annual global guide to which is the world best DJ comes to an end next week. Dance music is not the force it once was but certainly every DJ wants to be up there still to prove that they are still and force to be reconned with. It also brings out the PR agencies in force trying to gain your vote. This year Paul Oakenfold's contacted us to get Fantazia on board for his campaign.... someone must be getting desperate with 1 week to go

Masses of new shoelaces colours and designs added

2010-09-03T10:03:00.005+01:00

Fantazia keep adding to our clubwear ranges and with that accessories for men and women to go with those outfits. Fancy giving your trainers or shoes a bit of a tune up and match the rest of your fashionable look? Then checkout our new range of amazing shoelaces. They come in all sort of neon/bright colours to great branded one.

View Shoelaces now

New Poppers website from Fantazia

2010-07-16T16:11:00.002+01:00

If you click the title above you will be taken to Fantazia's new poppers aroma website. Here you can buy over 10 of the biggest selling brands of poppers in the UK including the ever popular Liquid Gold brand. Poppers was and still is a classic things from raving culture and has always been great fun to have.

Bottles are available from only £3.49 including postage.

Fantazia website changes

2010-02-12T07:35:00.001Z

We continued to focus the Fantazia website on building the biggest record on raves in the UK. Improving the website look last month we expanded the width of the site to allow it to be view more easily and look less cramped.

Another addition is the adding back of a guest book so do click the link on the top left and add one of your memories from something on the site.

Our selection of raving gear and clubwear for ladies and men continues to grow and you can expect much more exciting stuff coming soon.

There is now a new link in the main menu to our Vinyl store. If you are looking to add a rare record to your collection of classic old skool tunes then look no further.

We stock the largest range of original tapepacks in the UK and add more each month. Great for collectors or enthusiasts alike. If you would rather have the music on CD do checkout our CD collection. If the tape you want on CD is not listed we could convert this for you. Do get in touch for more detail.

New Fantazia Merchandise section and products

2009-11-13T20:49:00.001Z

We have add lots of new and exciting Fantazia rave merchandise to the Fantazia site including new polo shirts ranges, tshirts, bodywarmers, sweatshirts, hoodies, wrist bands, dog tags (coming soon) etc

View our new items

20+ new additions to the Rave Archive

2009-08-29T21:02:00.000+01:00

We have been busy adding lots of new pages to the rave archive today which would be of interest to all you old and new ravers. We have are trying to get a page on every aspect and company/DJ/musician who was ever involed in the second summer of love and beyond:

Awol Promoter
Rezerection profile
Big Bang Records Profile
Brandon Block article
Randall profile
Kenny Ken profile
Technotrance profile
Breeze & Shaggy
Stage One Music Record Label
Rik o Shea Profile - Key rave people
Desire Promoter
Dr S Gacht
One Nation promoter
DJ M-zone
Frankie Bones profile
Artist Rufige Cru
Venue - piece on the North scene
Coccoon promoter
Dream FM promoter

If you need to know where these actual pages are on the site try do a search on the site and if you get stuck let me know and i will point you in the right direct.

Interview with me on Skrufff.com

2009-08-27T21:35:00.000+01:00

I do get around at the moment, lol. Not only on BBC radio but I have just had some comments and questions I answered on the Fantazia Ultimamte UV Glow Show published on my favourite blogging site skrufff.com. Do give it a read by clicking the title. I think my comments are interesting and I have a bit of a rant on the general and main stream presses reaction to the rave scene.

I am reading King of Clubs by Terry Turbo...

2009-08-27T21:31:00.000+01:00

A friend Fastbuck from the Fantazia forum has kindly given me his copy of King of Clubs by Terry Turbo. This is a factual based account by the founder of One Nation, The Scene and Turbo Promotions about his becoming involved in the rave scene and the general stresses and strains of being involved in that scene.

I am only part the way through so far but some of its is very illuminating and does correspond to a lot of our experiences, though Terry's way of handling them is some what different to my own. Certainly Terry's was the typical blagging confident promoter that seemed to prosper in those wild days. I look forward to reading the rest.

If you are looking to have a read you will have to hunt around as its out of print now with no current plans to reprint. If you look for a copy on Amazon they are asking a lots of money (£80 at the time of this)... goodluck, not sure its worth that though!

BBC Scotland radio interview with me

2009-08-27T21:21:00.002+01:00

I did a radio interview the other day for BBC Radio Scotland. I hope it went well. You never know when you are rabbiting on about a subject you love or whether you are being interesting or just preachy. If I sounded a tit please do forgive me, my enthusiasm for the rave scene got the better of me!

The show should be broadcast any day now and will be covering the Scottish rave scene from the early days to the present day. I am lead to believe that this will be a sympathetic piece on the scene so do look out for it. I am sure it will be available to stream for many months to come.

SORTED FOR E'S AND WHIZZ (1x28min) - TX - Friday 28th August, 11.30am

Lets set a world Record for ravers

2009-08-12T07:17:00.002+01:00

We have applied to the Guinness Book of records to set a World Record at the forthcoming Fantazia The Ultimate UV Glow Show event next month. Everyone wearing UV clothing on the way into the event will be counted and hopefully with 8000 of you mad people willing to be part of the show we will set a world record for the number of people in UV Clothing in one place.

There is a vast range of UV clothing available these days and they are readily available in most shops including Fantazia which has a very large range in its clubwear section.

This will be an excellent experiance and great fun. If we can pull it off it will be good to get some positive press for the rave scene nationally for once.

Lets Glow for it! The Ultimate UV Glow Show

2009-08-12T07:05:00.004+01:00

Well it was time we thought we would make a big thing about the amount of effort that all the Scottish ravers go to to wear UV reactive clothing and carry glow sticks and so we bring you Fantazia The Ultimate UV Glow Show event @ Braehead arena. Now with 5 arenas including HTID and for the first time an up and coming dj arena.

To make sure you the people are part of the show we will be installing lost of UV lighting in the venue to make you the audience in UV clothing part of the light effect. Should be awesome alongside the lasers and screens!

Myspace cuts back with 30% job losses

2009-06-19T10:08:00.002+01:00

Showing that the Internet does not stand still and last years hot think can quickly become yesterdays thing Myspace have slashed 30% off their staff this week due to a drop in revenue and traffic... I am not surprised. We stopped actively supporting Myspace some time ago. It had not moved on and there ununiformed look of the user generated pages really made my eyes hurt. Facebook really has taken over from it as the place to be. How long until that gets obsolete? I can think of numerous problems including the increasing amounts of spam daily! Plus its really hard to track down someone you know, it needs better search functionality especially for common names where there can be 100's to trawl through

Big Festivals vs Small

2009-06-18T21:20:00.002+01:00

Just received an email regarding a small festival in Wales called the New Foundland Festival. It looks cool and got me thinking about Big festivals vs Small ones especially as I am off to the biggest of them all next week Glastonbury... All festivals depend to some extent on getting good weather. But perhaps because I am getting old and don't want to walk 10 miles from my tent to the stage or perhaps because my old eyesight can't see a person on stage from 500m away there is something about small festivals that really appeals. I do like the intimacy and the chances are you will keep meeting up with the same people all weekend which is great when you are not in a huge gang.

Anyway New Foundland looks good and we will be happily giving it a plug on the website as much as we can

http://www.newfoundlandfestival.org.uk/home_page.html

Festival Fun?

2009-06-05T19:57:00.003+01:00

As I am sure I have already posted I am going to Glastonbury for the first time this year. I have alway wanted to go, but for one reason or another, normally being to disorganised to get my shit together never got around to it. Plus I am not sure I love being drench in mud. This year though its what a close friend wanted to do for his stag do so there was not excuses and so we are going.....

Now planning has started...... surely a word that the original attendees, mainly hippies, would not have given any thought. My friend is planning on taking chemical loos, camp bed, several tents, gazebo etc etc etc..... I can already see the purchase bill running into the hundreds of pounds, so not cheap given the £175 ticket price. Its not really the carefree rough it event I was thinking off. Several problem have already occured to me..... 1. how the bloody hell are we go to get all this stuff from the carpark, which on those aerials shots from last years newspapers, looks miles! 2. Are we not advertising to all the criminals or just jealous other campers come and steal from here we have done the hardwork lugging it for you. I have visions of setting up our palladium camp site and coming back after the first night to find it all gone.....

Well I will give you a report of what happens after the event, wish me luck, I think us clueless people are going to need it. Now where is my viking horn hat?

Coloursfest this weekend

2009-06-03T08:04:00.002+01:00

Will the weather hold for Coloursfest this weekend? It would be a shame having had such good weather recently if it does not hold for just a few more days. Raving outdoors in the sun is a special experiance and being rained on is not a highlight. Lets keep our fingers crossed

Who said the super DJ age was over? Think again

2009-05-05T20:58:00.002+01:00

Apparently Carl Cox was paid £20,000 for a recent gig at a Cardiff nightclub, an amazing amount for 3 hours work on a Saturday night in a regular venue. I guess the age of the superstar DJ is alive and kicking! Of course if anyone is worth its its Carl...

Twitter, Facebook, Bebo, Myspace etc

2009-03-15T11:10:00.002Z

We have now signed up a Twitter account to go alongside the likes of Twitter, Facebook, Bebo etc etc

Not entirely sure what ts all about but it only one thing at least Facebook takes its posts and uses them on the site saing us from having to duplicate the posts. Though seriously if any more hot new programmes come along I really don't know if we can take any more time on them. Keeping tracks of 5 programmes that constantly up date is more than enough!

DJ Core Dredd. Who you ask?

2009-03-15T11:07:00.002Z

Who you ask? lol well thats my suggested DJ name provided by the new Fantazia Rave DJ name generator. Have a go yourself:

http://www.fantazia.org.uk/interactive/djname_generator.htm

Global Gathering 2009

2009-03-10T22:17:00.002Z

Something bigger for Fantazia this Summer following on from last years great appearance at the Gatecrasher Summer Sound System. We are going to be hosting an arena at Global Gathering. The biggest of the dance festivals with 50,000 people each year, this should be an amazing time. We are once again hosting an old skool / rave arena with Fantazia favourites like Ratpack, Baby D, Altern8 and more.

See you there and fingers crossed for a great summer this year. 25/07/09.

Global Gathering information

Site changes

2009-02-25T14:13:00.002Z

We are changing the clubwear and shop sections around at the moment. We have given first the Clubwear section its own top master menu separate from the global one that applies to the rest of the site. Now that we stock so much different stuff it makes sense to reorganise things to make each item a little easier to find.

If we are happy with the result then expect each section to get its own new colour scheme and perhaps later completely separete look to the main site.

Summer comes...

2009-02-25T13:58:00.003Z

..it always does, but is it me or does winter just seem to get longer each year? Now that the amazing Fantazia Valentines party is behind us its time to look ahead to the summer festival season. Long hot days, dancing in fields (well alright may in muddy fields if the last two years are any thing to go by). After our appearances last year at the Summer Sound System and the Sanctuary Festival plans are progressing for new appearances this summer and we hope to be able to announce something exciting very soon so do keep checking here.

On a personal note though I will be off to Glastonbury for the first ever time. Can I ask for prayers for nice weather. I have put off going for to long really, with so many people the mud has always been legendary far surpassing any of the other festival but this year I feel lucky... but I will be packing wellies to be sure.

See you there, oh and at Godskitchen, Creamfields, Sanctuary Festival, Coloursfest and more....

Tutus & more

2009-02-09T21:50:00.002Z

We have a great new range of clubwear available for immediate delivery. We have add a very large range of tutus. These are 4 layer much better than the cheap feeling 2 layer ones you commonly find around.

We also have fishnet gloves, tights, and a host of more accessories. Out high vis trousers ranges are changing to proper trouser feeling polycotton hi vis, plus we will be launching a new range of overalls. These deluxe overalls are woven so you will now be able to wear other colours underneath as they are not see through.

We are aiming to continue to expand our club wear ranges and have lots more exciting stuff coming over the summer months, if you have any suggestions do let us know.

Click the link above for more details.

A day of filming on the set of Mr Nice

2009-02-09T21:21:00.003Z

Just realised it had been an age since I had added to the blog, sorry about that.

Anyway thought I would say a few words about the amazing experience at the weekend when stepping away from the world of music I entered the movie world! Yes on a cold Saturday, at an ungodly early 7am, lol, we attended a carpark in the center of Cardiff, where there were a host of special buses and vans, trucks and caravan and more ready for a days filming on the set of the new movie Mr Nice about the story of Howard Marks the famous legalisation of cannabis campaigner and ex drug runner.

Fantazia supremo James has owned the movie rights to this for over 10 years and now finally all the plans have come together and with the BBC amongst the backers, the filming is several months in, with a release due early next year.

In his roles as executive producer, James roped in all the Fantazia staff, friends and family including me into being extras for the day. First we were allocated roles in the days shooting of a court scene. I was quickly demoted from being a barrister for the defense to being a reporter/photographer. A ghastly went with this job as did shaving of my stubble to create a moustache. .... yuk! But anything in the name of art.

It was a long but very interesting day, we all had a laugh and Rhys Evans (Notting Hill) looked and sounded convincing as Howard Marks.

Now I wonder if my small parts will end up on the cutting floor of history. Do look out for me either as I a pap, on the way out of the court or as a reporter inside. James play a pc all day so you can't miss him.

It was amazing to see how make of a movie works and how many people are involved. You can see how movies cost so many millions to make. I am sure this one will be a massive success and keep any eye out for its launch.

See you at the premier!

Want to know more about drugs? Want it to be fun?

2008-10-17T23:26:00.003+01:00

http://www.rave.org.uk/trumps/drugs.htm

Then checkout the Rave Trumps game. It features 42 recreational drugs both popular ones in the UK and some more unusually ones from around the world. The frog that you lick one doesnt look that pleasant!

You may or may not be surprised by the results but either way the computer is a great opponent and is well worth playing

New glowing assessories

2008-10-17T23:10:00.002+01:00

Its was like Christmas in the office yesterday and we received our new stock of glowing/flashing raver accessories. New items coming to the website soon including star pendants, flashing rings, cow girl hats, devil horns, flashing glasses amongst other things. It really makes me feel like child :)

These items are not essential for any rave but they do make stuff really fun. I especially the new pendant ranges.

No 1 for clubwear and no 2 for flyers in google

2008-10-17T23:02:00.002+01:00

After a lot of hard work the Fantazia site is gaining more recognition and its importance on the web has increased. This week we have risen to no 1 for many of the clubwear terms that people use to find want they are looking for. It great that the work pays off. It takes many many days each month to keep updating and improve on the website and our rich collection of content is more than you will find together on any other dance site.

We have lots of hardwork to go and a list of improves as well. We are working our way through the the list and will be completing the drugs information section soon.

Valentines day Fantazia

2008-10-17T22:58:00.002+01:00

Its going to be an amazing Valentines day this year as Fantazia return to Braehead for another Spectacular. The theme this time is James Bond. The option for amazing costumes is long, and I expect of course lots of amazingly sexy dress ladies as well as evil henchmen and may be some Bond's

Now were is by Blofelt suit and the white pussy?

New Blaze range of Cyber clubwear now on sale

2008-10-07T21:31:00.004+01:00

Whats something new for your next rave? Then check out the new Blaze Cyber Clubwear range brought to you by Fantazia. These clothes feature flames on the top and the skirt that is UV reative to really make you look like you are on fire at an rave.

http://www.fantazia.org.uk/cyberwear/outfits_blaze_index.htm

There are 12 different complete outfits available with a variety of colours and tops styles. We aim to roll out more designs over the next few weeks and we hope this will make Fantazia the largest Cyber wear retailer in the UK. More accessories are on their way to add to our existing products.

Oh and if your fella doesn't know what to wear then we now do a bargain £19.99 raver men's wear outfit, featuring 9 items and including postage!

http://www.fantazia.org.uk/cyberwear/outfits_menswear_index.htm

Heroes & lots of Wonder Women!

2008-10-07T21:21:00.002+01:00

Click the title to read more about the Heroes event, but needless to say once again Scotland rocked at another Fantazia. The atmosphere was one of the best yet, and people made such a lot of effort in their outfits and costumes like we haven't seen before. The Heroes theme brought out an especially large number of fancy dress outfits and we had not seen so many Wonder Women in one place before! The girls especially looked lovely its was hard taking my eyes of you all, just dont tell my other half.

The Jilted Generation didn't disappoint and were the find of the event bringing all the massive Prodigy choons to Brahead arena with just a little bit of the madness to.

If you haven't been to Fantazia @ Brahead yet what are you waiting for? These are amazing parties with amazing people. Get there for the next one. Due February just in time for Valentines.

Fantazia DJ Trumps game

2008-09-04T23:29:00.002+01:00

http://www.rave.org.uk/trumps/dj.htm

With winter on its way we have once again been creating something to keep you occupied. Following the success of Fantazia events trumps we have released the beta version of Fantazia DJ trumps. This features 42 DJs who have played at Fantazia over the years from past to present. There are 5 stats to choose from and be warned it is difficult and the computer is very clever. This will take somet time to win - enjoy!

Grooverider is free!

2008-09-04T23:27:00.002+01:00

Good news, Grooverider is free. About time! This injustice should never have happened, I wonder what is next for the Grooverider? A good holiday perhaps, but I guess stay away from abroad for the time being...!

How mad was August?

2008-09-01T15:28:00.004+01:00

August flew by and its was just as well the weather wasn't to sunny or I wouldn't have got done half of what was needed. Besides hosting the Old skool arena at Slammin Vinyl and working hard on Heroes 3D we have been beavering away on adding stuff to the Fantazia website...

Coming very soon are two new Top Trumps style games. The first of these is based on 42 big name Fantazia DJs from the past and present and is available to play in Beta mode in the members area of the Fantazia forum.

Later this month we hope to release for beta testing our next game which we aim will be an educational look at world of illegal and legal drugs, both popular and the more obsure. This once complete will be launched to coincide with the long wait Fantazia website section on drugs that we first mooted 2 years ago. Sorry for the delay but we always get there in the end.

You can see our current games in our interactive section

There's to much to do to go in everything but highlights you should check out include the new piece on the History of Rave Clothing, New poll regarding rave style, the site has had a new overhaul again, this time the right sides have incorporated hot boxes to enable us to have more useful links on the site without overloading the whole site look.

More coming soon.......!

Grooverider soon to be free?

2008-09-01T15:26:00.001+01:00

Reports are the Grooverider might be included in a list of DJs to be released in a pardon of 800 prisoners to celebrate Ramadan in Dubai. Lets hope so, no one deserves to spend 4 years in prison for 1 joint!

Watch Fantazia videos from You Tube with our video player

2008-07-20T22:13:00.003+01:00

We have now built our own playlist on You Tube featuring videos that we have found on You Tube from Fantazia's past and present events. We hope people enjoy. Oh and you can buy the full length DVD at better quality from the wesite!

Cyber Club wear and rave clothing galore

2008-07-20T21:57:00.003+01:00

If you click on the site titles you can view the Fantazia Cyber club wear ranges. Launched a few month ago we have been busy expanding the ranges on offer, you can now get fluffy leg warmers, fluffy wrist cuffs, arm warmers, hotpants, crop tops, rara skirts, bra/bikini's, trousers. All the range are completely customisable with your choice of colours/trims.

These club wear outfits feature great lycra material and can be combined with the UV reactive fabrics to make the wears glow in the dark at any rave.

So if you are looking for great rave clothing do go and have a look. If you don't see what are looking for let us know and we will see if we can provide it.
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Cyber rave club wear and clothing

Oh and we also have a range of rave t-shirts for the men.

Search results intergrated

2008-07-20T21:53:00.002+01:00

We have now intergrated the search results provided by Google so that the result now appear directly on the Fantzia site. No more annoying pop up / new windows!

The site results not only search the Fantazia site, but also our sister rave / hardcore related oneso

Lasers are dangerous

2008-07-18T17:59:00.004+01:00

I alway thought the health and safety report we have had to do to get lasers at our recent Braehead events as a bit of over kill. But perhaps not:

Lasers Blind Raver goes in Moscow

Reports of large numbers of Russians being blinded at a festival outside Moscow is serious news.

Trained operators who know their equipment are essential and I am pleased to say that all ours are certificated. The use of indoor lasers not outdoors ones is I guess common sense, but if you are in the audience you would not know the difference until after your retina's are burned out in a split second.

UK Weather

2008-07-18T17:53:00.003+01:00

Well is it time to move abroad? With the UK summer almost half gone and no consistent sun so far it is all so depressing. The family and I went to Cornbury a few weeks ago and got suitably wet. Festivals just are not the same in the rain.... with Godskitchen on the way and our own Sanctury Festival as well its fingers crossed. If it doesn't work then its time to look at emigration to Australia

Site redesign

2008-07-18T17:45:00.004+01:00

Fantazia.org.uk keeps evolving as I posted about recently and another thing on the road map can be crossed of today. We have succesfully increased the width of the site whilst keeping the site look the same. This will enable us to use the right hand of the site more dynmically then previously. The first change you will notice is the new video player showcasing rave videos from past and present Fantazia events.

We have also been able to add direct links to the Rave flyer library and our ticket shop in the main menu which will make access quicker and more obvious.

Changes to a site as large as the Fantazia site is always stressful and I am pleased to say it seems to have gone without a hitch.

Some of the graphics showing now though are only for holding purposes so expect them to change soon...

Darren Styles Skydivin album

2008-07-18T17:33:00.002+01:00

Its a sign of the strength of the UK Hardcore rave scene that artist like Darren Styles have the confidence to release albums of their own work and get them TV advertised. To justify the expense sales must be good and only a more mainstream audience could get the numbers. UK Hardcore is in good health and long may that continue. With a teenage (15) daughter I know that her friends are really into the music. Some people laugh at the kids, but these are next years audience and a sign that future growth will come in the parties as they turn their aspirations from spending on the music and merchandise into actually going to the events.

It was the same back in 1992, and I have posted about this before with the flyer collecting etc.

Now when am I going to get my review copy Mr Styles. Oh well we can hear it all in September as he is one of the headline acts for Fantazia Heroes 3D

Website Road Map - New Video Clips

2008-07-04T14:03:00.003+01:00

Fantazia You Tube Videos

We have a long list of items we want to add to and improve on the Fantazia website to make it the place for rave music and parties on the net. This forms a road map of things that we have to do and we are attempting to complete them all in stages.

Latest initial implementation is the change over finally of the videos footage on the site from Real player streams to You Tube player. We originally used Real as it allowed the footage to be compressed and therefore use little bandwidth and therefore accesible to those on dial up. These days most people have broadband so its time to switch.

We haven't added much footage yet, but we will soon.....!

Coming next on the road map?

Completion of the Club Wear Shop
Add more Rave Flyer Scans
Addition of Glow Products to the site
Ibiza Section
New Top Trumps Games
Profiles on the Record Companies

and the list goes on...!

Sonique added to Heroes 3D. Amazing

2008-06-24T22:42:00.004+01:00

Click the heading to read the story.

Great news that Sonique will be doing a live PA at the forthcoming Heroes 3D event. It will be amazing to have her for the first time at a Fantazia Scotland event!! The vocals will really go down a storm and its great to have such massive hits sang live once again at one of our events. :)

This line up looks amazing!

One Reveller turns up at Braehead just alittle early

2008-06-24T10:05:00.002+01:00

Dollphin on the Clyde - Click to view the story

He was a little early.... :(

Core Magazine

2008-06-24T09:26:00.002+01:00

Another sign tht the harder scene is growing in popularity is that we now have 2 magazines support dedicated to cover the music and events. Core Magazine was released a few months ago edited by Damian Jones with Joey Riot as his deputy. Where Raving Eye (which I reported on before) is A5 and distribute free at events this one is A4 and being sold in specialist shops around the country.

Well worth checking out and we hope it does well. The rave scene always had great magazines and its good that they are back.

Fantazia Facebook

2008-06-23T20:44:00.002+01:00

Well we have finally set up a Fantazia page on Facebook, it gets a little tiring putting effort into a website and then having to learn how to do another site and another what with Myspace, Bebo and now Facebook. When we first started the site we did set up a Myspace page as it was the big new thing of the time, and all the talk was off how the arctic Monkeys had hit big because of it. You just felt you could not do without a page on their.

After using Myspace though I for one have always been turned of by the layouts and garish colours which seem to do nothing but detract. I am sure a skilled web developer with the freedom it gives can do amazing stuff, but for the average joe, me included it just means a mess, which is a big turn off, and we soon gave up on supporting it hugely. After Myspace came Bebo, which you could not not have as it was so UK based and was popular with the younger demographic who are the audience of tomorrow and should be ignored at your peril. It was an improvement on Myspace but still some what lacking amd perhaps constrained by its younger audience market market.

So when Myspace came along we ignored it not wanting to put in lots more time, but now we can ignore it no more and I have set aside my evenings to build up my friends list! The wife is going crazy but it certainly seems the easiest of the 3 to get up and running and navigate around, the gadgets can be good to. I especially like the blog link, which should get this read more often. If any one has any tips on must have gadgets or wants to us do let me know. See you on there!

Fantazia Radio - Amazing resource so do tune in!

2008-06-23T12:27:00.006+01:00

One of the best resources, amongst so many on the Fantazia website, is the radio player. I often find myself tuning in when I am bored and flick around all the top underground radio stations. You can have 26 stations at the touch of a mouse button.

If you haven't tuned in before do so. None of the station are run or operated by Fantazia but we do want to support this vibrante part of the rave scene and hope you do to.

Raves better now or then?

2008-06-21T14:54:00.004+01:00

A constant post from old ravers on the Fantazia forum is that parties are just not as good as they used to be back in 1992... Well is that true? In some ways 1991/92 was very special. The scene still had an underground / cool to be involved feel and then it hit the national press which made you feel part of something big. There was definitely a special buzz around, the music/tracks were new and being played for the first time, the sense of discovering something together was good. Another plus was their were less restriction and health and safety rules, (though this changed rapidly), this enabled events that were double the capacity and therefore felt rammed...

On the minus sides this meant they probably were not very safe at times (though fortunately their were very few accidents that I can think of). Technology has now moved on and you now get visually far more for your money than just a few strobe lights. Video screens, 3d graphics were just not around in 1992, you could not watch the DJ on a screen mixing whilst he played.

People moan now about the amount of kids in events, but back in 1992 there were hundreds of under 16s at each event, Scratchmaster Techno was only 14 when he started MCing! Just remember old ravers you were young once and would have said what are all these old people doing around, lol, I'm old to now, so everyone looks younger to me.

So come on Rave is a vibe and state of mind, praise the new generations, without them there will be no scene in the future, let them discover it for themselves and decide whether it is good. Have fond memories but like your gran don't tell everyone it was better in my day.....

Global Credit Crisis - Do people party harder during bad times?

2008-06-19T14:31:00.005+01:00

Every time I turn on the tv it is stories of the global credit crisis, housing market crash and plunging stock prices and rising cost of oil.... now will all this have an impact on the dance scene? Will people rain in their spending and stop going to events and buying music? Of course no-one knows for certain but I believe when things get depressing people still want to go out and party. They might not buy the big tv, or go on the long haul holiday, nor buy a car, but surely a rave is to good an experiance to miss...

My evidence.... well we (Fantazia) have seen all this before of course. Back in 1991 when we launched Fantazia the country was in a major housing crash with sterling droping out of the ERM etc. People still wanted to party!! It could help that with 18-26 years old, the main audience of our events, don't always have houses, cars etc, they are not so constrained by responsibilites. When choosing entertainment they will likely go for the big one off experiance where you get more bang for your buck, and that definitely applies to us.

So through all the doom and gloom I will see you parting at the next one!