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 For some it was feared that a repeat performance of the much-maligned Homelands 2000 experience was in the offing, during which Matterley Bowl was turned into marshland resembling the Amazon delta over the space of a few hours. Unluckily for the nice people at Godskitchen, God, it would seem, had this year forsaken them. After a blistering hot, blue-skied Global Gathering in 2002, this year’s event unfortunately succumbed to the elements. But the party faithful fought bravely through the squall and in spite of a minor delay at the gate, hoards of truly dedicated clubbers (no fair weather party heads in this number) arrived at a rather bleak looking Long Marston Airfield, outside Stratford Upon Avon. Any bleakness displayed by the site itself, however, was soon dashed. Typically, many had ignored the exhaustive work of our fine weathermen and Women and turning up dressed exclusively for the dancefloor. Day-glo home-tailored outfits adorned with both the Godskitchen and Sundissential logos were in abundance, adding a much-needed splash of contrast to the deep leaden-grey skies. The assembled DJ talent also did their best to remedy any meteorological malady, with top turns found throughout the day. For those who could drag themselves away from the Aftershock pole-dancing tent (which ensnared many a drooling raver, and doubtless warmed a few chilly cockles through the night) there were blistering sets to bear witness to in the Accelerated Culture arena, where Andy C, Adam F, Zinc and DJ Craze (with a rare D&B set) ripped up the place. Other highlights included a belting set from X-Press 2, who most memorably dropped a cheeky new bootleg of the Eurythmics classic ‘Sweet Dreams’ to both uproarious approval and an impromptu sing-a-long. Carl Cox rocked his consistently rammed Global Arena, along with the likes of Trevor Rockcliffe, who gave the big man a run for his money. Meanwhile, the Strongbow residents brought out plenty of smiles with a collection of hip hop, classic house and another storming hi-energy set from Louis Osbourne. It takes more than a few drops of rain (or in this case an extended torrential downpour) to abate this Midlands institution. |
