DJ’s… RATTY, CLARKEE, LTJ BUKEM, SWANE, STUART BANKS, PHANTASY, G.E REAL, KENNY KEN

MC’s… CONRAD, JUICEMAN, MADNESS

When we attended this event on a warm summers evening in June this year, little did we know that it was to be the last ever Eclipse party to be staged at the Cambridge Corn Exchange. For over the last three years Groove II Promotions had given us many wicked times that will remain in our memory “banks’’ forever. Over that course they had changed the face of raving and clubbing in the UK from way back since the very start. It’s fair to say that without Eclipse there would have been no Cambridge rave scene. In fact it is fair to say that without Eclipse a lot of raves wouldn’t have happened at all. They were also responsible for transforming this wonderful venue, giving it a legendary status with a series of unrivalled events that set a standard for other organisations to follow. With the scene starting to split into different categories musically, Groove II felt that Eclipse had run it’s course and they didn’t want to damage their hard earned reputation or Eclipse’s prestige, thus bringing the fantastic show to a close. As for the scene, it was to become a landmark change that would either make or break the rave culture.

For this final concluding event David and Stuart brought in the magical assistance of well-established Northampton outfit ESP Dreamscape, who had a huge following having built up credibility staging successful sell-out warehouse events at the Denbigh Leisure Park in Milton Keynes. Together they combined their knowledge of production, and in doing so created a one of a kind sound and light extravaganza. Both promoters felt that ‘The Meeting Of Two Minds’ had to be the most appropriate way to describe such an occasion. It was to be one of the most memorable events to be staged at the Cambridge Corn Exchange. The visual display featured the very latest technology in Golden Scans, Arcline constructions, first rate stage blinding, spectacular UVA Guns and the best Par Scans and Terra Strobes. There was also a massive collection of strange ultra violet backdrops and banners that looked menacing as they glowed in the dark. They furthermore added massive inflatables and parachutes that were there to enhance the most spectacular laser effects.

Once inside the venue the newly installed 30K of upgraded A.S.S festival sound instantly blew you away. It must have been the best sound ever!!! How any local residents didn’t hear this I will never know. In the centre of the room was a huge multi level dance platform that bounced up and down from ravers moving to the sounds of Eclipse resident DJ Stuart Banks, who was spinning some serious tuneage. As people poured in the place started to fill up and despite the many fans in operation the temperature began to climb quickly. Next up was Birmingham’s very own G.E Real who along with his regular MC Chickaboo gave the crowd a fast and furious set that really got the party rocking.

Upstairs in the progressive room an improved sound system kept people on their toes. The attractions were also upgraded with a selection of banners including a massive “Back To The Future” streamer that looked fantastic above the DJ booth. The musical entertainment was supplied by the very best home Eclipse jocks Pauly C, Billy The Fish, Chris Brown, Tony Petchell and Mark Hollsden all playing to the party in true Eclipse style.

The following DJ to step up to the hallowed turntables in the main arena was none other than Dreamscape favourite DJ SY who had just taken over from Bukem and Conrad. Suddenly there was a surge as people flooded in from the foyer as word spread round that the scratch master had landed!!! SY lived up to his usual good standard playing some of the best tunes around including ‘Nookie’s – The Sound Of Music’ which along with the words of MC Juiceman lifted the crowd to maximum level. The atmosphere in here was red hot all night with next to no attitude. There was a good vibe and it was great to see that there were still parties that had and maintained that special buzz.

Back in the foyer, which is also the chill out zone, people mingled and chatted while cooling down from some hard dancing. Around this room were merchandise stalls where you could find a selection of the latest Eclipse and Dreamscape tapes, videos, t-shirts and jackets, all for sale at reasonable prices. A fully licensed bar, ice creams as well as hot and cold food were also on offer. There was even a body painting stall should you feel the need!!!

Into the last hour of what had been a truly memorable three years for the Eclipse posse. All we needed now was to experience a set that we would remember to go out in style as the curtains came down. The man given that task was Simon Swan, better known as DJ Swane, who received a rapturous welcome playing a wicked uplifting set full of classics, spinning the best set of the night. As we approached the final minutes the blinds were once again raised as the sun came in while the video man captured all the action from the balcony. For the last ever track we were treated to ‘Livin’ In Darkness’ by Top Buzz, which sent shivers down the spine as the place once again, erupted. It was a fitting finale to a wonderful venture that had filled a lot of people with joy. The Groove II crew had taken the whole concept of running a club and providing parties one step further – awareness, safety, friendliness and enjoyment with value for money.

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