Following the success 1991's summer’s Outdoor Eclipse event we were all anxiously awaiting this year’s offering from Groove II Promotions. The build up to this party had gone on long enough and with the dates changing every so often it was now time to deliver. Like before we knew that the chosen venue was going to be the well selected Braham Farm at Stretham, near Ely in Cambridgeshire. Already an established venue for all night raves, having been used by different organisers in the past including the mighty Raindance amongst others. A massive field situated in over twenty acres of prime English countryside lay beside a Victorian farmhouse on the A10 along the outskirts of the village; away from population it was the ideal setting for this kind of event.

As for Eclipse, this festival promised to be a truly fantastic occasion with an outstanding DJ line up that offered everything across the board. Top entertainment was confirmed for the main arena with Groove II insisting on only the best. It featured a huge array of talent from the likes of Jumpin’ Jack Frost, Phantasy, Swane, Shaggy and Breeze plus a first time appearance for London’s legendary Mickey Finn, as well as Eclipse regulars LTJ Bukem, DJ Unity and of course Stuart Banks. All this alongside top resident MC’s Ron Jon and Madness further confirmed that we were going to make rave history with an unforgettable experience and a night to remember.

After setting off early for the quick two-hour journey into Cambridgeshire, we soon arrived at Ely and joined a long convoy of cars travelling into Stretham, all following the yellow AA signs towards Braham Farm. As we got nearer we could see the massive searchlights at the venue spinning around that brightly lit up the clear night sky. It was great to see this and made the anticipation inside us grow even more. When we finally arrived at the site and the track heading into the venue it was bedlam as the place was packed. Cars were grid locked all the way down the road with the Police and event stewards desperately trying to maintain some form of order. As we sat waiting to get into the car park, we watched as the queue got bigger and bigger. Eventually we managed to get parked and quickly made our way to the back of the line and the impatiently waiting crowd. As I looked around and picked up on the atmosphere I immediately knew that we were going to be in for a top night.

Once we handed in our tickets and got past security we made our way into the compound and took in the sights. Already wanting to get going we made for the main arena, it was a massive red and blue big top marquee capable of accommodating over five thousand of the maddest hardcore revellers. Make no mistake this place was going to rock!!! By now the party was filling up nicely with the sound system being the first thing that we noticed. According to the flyer this was an 80K A.S.S. sound rig, apparently the finest in the UK along with the best-added sub bass capability. It was really kicking as the ground shook from the pumping beats. On the decks was Groove II resident DJ Unity, who as usual was playing to the crowd in true Eclipse fashion.

Outside in the warm summer air the fun fair was rocking with it’s own sound system. All the rides were busy, with white knuckled ravers laughing and joking as they whizzed round and round, while others bounced up and down on a choice of inflatable castles. Stilt walkers and fire eaters roamed around doing their thing as a crowd of on lookers watched in ore. Merchandise stalls were dotted around the festival site selling a selection of Eclipse tapes, t-shirts and videos.

We then headed over to the ‘alternative’ tent known as the Fantasy Zone. The main attractions here were the powerful 20K ‘Quad’ sound system as well as the awesome transformation of the marquee, using the very latest in dance environment theme and décor design. The entertainment also boasted a good line up with the best home county DJ’s chosen. They included some of the finest Eclipse Corn Exchange jocks such as Doug Osborne, Pauly C, Jam Master Jay, Tony Ford, Muttley and Prodigy support DJ Jamie Smart. Pushing our way into the tent DJ Trimma was on playing some awesome tunes to a packed out dance floor.

Meanwhile back in the main arena proceedings were well under way with each DJ pounding out a powerful set with sole intention of creating a wicked party atmosphere – along with some help from the licensed bars!!! For an event of this size I was amazed at how little attitude there was, with everyone there for the right reasons. As we surged our way to the front stage there was a sudden eruption from the crowd as Devious D stepped up to the turntables along with his sidekick MC Jay J who together kicked off with their very own track ‘Time Of Our Lives’ raising the roof and sending the place crazy.

Basically, what made it such an excellent night for me was purely the standard of music, which gave the crowd something to really get excited about and was therefore fundamental in creating that wicked atmosphere. Everyone I spoke to said that they had a great time and as usual moaned about how seven o’clock had come round all too soon. Expectations were high and yet not one person I came across had anything but praise for this well organised event.

Into the last hour and things were still going strong as DJ Randall touched down playing a fine set full of classics, dropping ‘Krome and Time’s – This Sound Is For The Underground’ which had to be the tune of the night. Another burst of energy to keep everyone moving as we made our way into the final duration. As the morning sun came up some began to filter out while others carried on stomping, determined to see out the remainder of what had been a party few people would forget (or remember!!!).

All that’s left to say is big respect to all the DJ’s for playing to the crowd that night and to Groove II Promotions who yet again staged one hell of a party!! To everyone who attended and helped make it a successful event to remember and to all the staff, security and services who did a wonderful job in keeping everyone safe and sound. Finally, watch out Cambridge, as we’ll be at it again next year!!!

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