I guess you’ve never really seen it all, even after being in the business for 25 years…..and once again I witnessed something new and very exciting last weekend.
Originally I was quite tentative when the booking enquiry came in; a 50th birthday party in the middle of a forest. Hmmm, all the usual obstacles sprang to mind immediately….the weather, the stability of any marquee I’m to set up underneath, and of course, electricity. But the birthday girl convinced me that this was going to be a laid-back, Ibiza-style event with a UK twist. The music was right up my street, to include lots of ambient sunset vibes whilst the guests arrive, then after a live act had done their bit, I was to launch into old school dance and soulful grooves. So I agreed to do it.
Upon arrival, I negotiated a few mud track roads in the van and finally came upon a small clearing where I parked up and began to ship the kit into a great little marquee (all to myself!) The Irish duo musicians soon joined me but they chose to set up outside in what was a wonderfully clear and warm late September evening. The guests arrived by vintage bus en mass and they made their way to the bar and the roaring fire in the middle of the settlement, whilst I provided the soundtrack with some very mellow tunes. The hog roast was quickly declared open and everyone tucked in to a very hearty meal!
When the Irish lads came on (especially flown over for this party), I managed to grab a hay bale seat by the fire and really soaked up the whole atmosphere, also grabbing a few photos.
When the band were done, I leaped back into action and played for two and a half hours. 90’s dance anthems mixed with some 80’s funk and soul were the order of the day. And I absolutely loved it! Dance floor was full from start to finish, and if it hadn’t been for the land owners insisting on a midnight finish, I would’ve happily played to the sun came back up!
All in all, a truly wonderful experience. Admittedly we were lucky with the superb weather, but I would recommend this kind of party to anyone. Open air, camp fires, beer, hog roasts and jacket spuds, live and recorded music all night under the stars……magical.