This was the event I nearly didn't get to! Every train I needed got cancelled, then I had the bright idea of going to Lincoln, where I-Draw, Reflexion and driver Codey would pick me up. Sorted! As we got out of the car at 8pm, we could hear the unmistakable 'thump' of Paul Glazby ripping it up in the main Pyramid area from outside. After the pleasant surprise of no queue and only a few being searched, we went inside and... woah! I was like a kid in a sweet shop! The venue is amazing... all kinds of weird stuff everywhere, and there was Glazby perched up next to a giant Pirate ship playing to a packed but rather inconveniently placed dancefloor that was also the main access path to other arenas! We bought one of those programmes you wear round your neck for an extortionate price - I won't say how much but we later saw them cheaper at a stall inside. Doh! Anyway, the line-ups listed bore little resemblance to what actually happened - on NYE all the sets seem to get swapped about and tonight was no exception! After a quick exploring session, we settled in the old skool room where Nicky Blackmarket was spinning the jungle classics with what sounded like MC Energy on the mic, although I couldn't be sure as I don't know what he looks like. I didn't realise quite how short Nicky actually is and it was funny seeing him peering over the decks, torch in mouth. Seriously though, he played a blinder with tunes like 'Terrorist' and others I can't remember!

Wandering off again, we ran into Wozza aka the SFX, who told us where the hardcore arena was. We had to go outside to get to it but it was HUGE, like a proper warehouse! I think Hixxy was just finishing as we entered at about 8.30, despite the fact he was listed for about 10pm! Next up was Energy, accompanied by MC's Whizzkid and Space, and later, Sharkey, who was dancing like a loon! The sound wasn't too good in there, often a bit too distorted with too much bass, but this arena definitely had the best atmosphere all night, without a doubt! Although I was really enjoying Energy's set we decided to wander round some more, and went into the Species room at the back of the warehouse where Smurf (I think) was drilling holes into people's heads with 250bpm speedcore madness. Looking over I saw Wozza dancing away with that manic grin on his face - this guy was truly in his element in this room! As the decks were handed over to Scotty b2b with Andy Teckno, we decided it was time to check out the old skool room again, where Slipmatt was playing a fantastic set, steering clear of the more obvious anthems, and even playing some nu skool breaks - including a wicked new mix of 'Sweet Harmony'!

A wander into the main arena told us that Lisa Pin-Up hadn't turned up as some bloke was playing a remix of Signum's incredible 'What U Got 4 Me' to a packed dancefloor. Not sure who he was because he didn't look like anyone who was listed, but he possibly wins the award for standing still the most when DJing (just beating DJ Rush, who moved his head a few times!). As midnight approached, there was only one place to be - the hardcore arena! We went in for the last half of Demand's set. Not normally a massive fan of Demand, but he'd got the place jumping with a new remix of 'Sunshine After The Rain' as well as the usual Evolution/Raverbaby choonage.

At Midnight, MC Natz counted us down and it was mad hugs all round!!! The atmosphere was electric, boosted by the fact that Sy had just taken over, accompanied by MC Peta Pan, who seemed to be a bit quiet tonight, not as talkative. He looked like he'd got something on his mind, but who knows? Towards the end, Natz took over again. Natz used to annoy me a bit on tapes, but live he was funny and perfect for the occasion with his banter and crazy dancing. Typically, Marc Smith was late, so Sy played for an extra 15 or 20 minutes, including classics like 'Devotion' which was good to hear again. He did play the usual Evo/Quosh-style set but it was what we wanted to hear at midnight so who cares? Marc Smith was next, and played a good fast set but I didn't stay for all of it, opting to chill out for a bit in the Splintered room. Because this arena was carpeted, people were using this as the chill-out room and there was a good atmosphere. The music in here ranged from funky house to 'Cafe Del Mar' to full-on hard house.

At 2.30pm I left the guys chilling out and went to catch DJ Rush, who I really wanted to see. He was playing old skool, but a bit different from what everyone else plays, a bit slower - nice for that point of the night. One question - where was Fergus? I also popped back into the hardcore arena, where a newcomer called DJ Kambel (I think) was playing fast hardcore/teckno with a different edge. He wasn't listed on the line-up, but he was wicked and definitely played one of my favourite sets of the night. Just wish I'd heard more of him! A visit back to the chill-out revealed that the boys had gone for a wander too and I caught up with them getting down to DJ Rush, before we went into the main arena to catch Brisk playing a Stimulant set. This was a wicked set, and Brisk really looked like he was enjoying himself, which made a nice change from the usual Insomniacz DJ's who normally just stand still and look really moody. The exception is Insomniacz resident Iain*R, who interacted with the crowd brilliantly - take note random unknown DJ who replaced Lisa Pin-Up! High points of Brisk's hard house set were the Stim DJ's remix of Hyperlogic's 'Only Me' and a hard house mix of the new Basstoy house tune which samples the riff from 'Jazz It Up' by Reel 2 Real! Nice! I forgot to mention the rides we went on! We didn't go on the massive rollercoaster outside, but went on the monorail and that water ride with the barrels. The monorail went through all these trippy rooms with psychedelic flowers and weird music, and the barrel ride featured loads of model cartoon fish doing weird stuff... and we nearly sank the barrel!!! Fat bastards!

Nearly done now, bear with me! I know it's a long review but there really is so much to say, and I've already had to leave loads out! After chilling in the Tonic room, where Jeremy Healy was having a bit of a 'mare on the decks... very very suspect mixing there, we headed back to the hardcore arena for the last set of the night - BILLY BUNTER!!! He played a fantastic set, accompanied by MC's Hybo and Space, including 'Only Me', and in my opinion this was a great way to end the night. The ravers seemed to be enjoying it too, which was good to see! Finally, time to leave, and with very sore feet too!

Everyone had a fantastic night, my only real complaints being the sound in the hardcore arena (the others were all spot on) and the lack of signs for arenas. I felt honoured to finally be able to go raving at Fantasy Island, especially seeing as everyone thought it would never happen again! Good to see the place packed as well, and with all kinds of different people. I reckon it was pretty much full to capacity and I saw no trouble all night, and the security were spot on!

Shouts to... Wozza and his big green horn, I-Draw, Reflexion, Codey (for driving me from the station and back the next morning), all the DJ's and MC's for a wicked night, and the promoters of course, as well as the ravers and clubbers for providing the atmosphere!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

- Jon Knowledge (dj_knowledge@another.com)