- SOUTHPORT
WEEKENDER
- November
4.5.6/2005
Photographs by Patrick
Trollope and report by Dionne Ankrah
EVERY May and
November the northwest seaside town of Southport plays host to the
world famous Southport Weekender. Strongly this high profile and
one of the most important dance weekend events in Europe is little
know in Southport surroundings... The music festival attracts a 5000
capacity crowd to the indoor Pontins Holiday Complex having evolved
from its beginning as a soul music weekender founded by hedonist
Alex Lowes. The 18 year old event now stands as the most
musically diverse music weekender in Europe and is well on its way
to become one of the most important events in the dance calendar in
the world.
With masses of DJ’s and live performances, this was an event not to
be missed, if you could get a ticket that are like gold dust by the
time the event opens on a Friday night. The event featured 4 main
arenas, the Bacardi B Bar, Powerhouse, Connoisseur corner and the
Funk Base. Also as a rest area, a stunningly light and carpeted
room playing chilled out tunes, thanks to DJ Pathaan. Yes the
room was called the SoChilled Room.
There is an abundance
of great music at this event and it is no wonder people say that the
Southport weekender is an institution in its own right.
The atmosphere was so relaxed and friendly, and it would be hard to
find anywhere else with the same atmosphere. Even the security
where friendly and extremely helpful.
The live acts at this event were absolutely fabulous nowhere at any
other events have I heard anything at this quality. There was
superior sounds from the queen of soulful house Stephanie Cooke, and
R ‘n’ B master Jon B. I could not fault any part of the live acts
as they were so good and the sound quality was amazing.
Friday Nights live act Tortured Soul was as stunning as ever and set
the standard at such a level that I thought no one could have
reached it, but they did! That was not
forgetting an amazing display of showmanship by Jaguar Wright who
preformed live in the Funkbase on Saturday afternoon.
I have to say I was puzzled by the costumes of Heavy, but the music
as very impressive as they shook the Bacardi B-Bar into a frenzy on
Saturday Night... Even the closing acts on Sunday in both the
Funkbase and the Powerhouse where just as stunning, and I could not
say who was the best live act. Mind you all the fans of
Bacardi's very own Bazel might say that the closing live act Peven
Everett was the best... For me the verdict is still open...
As well as our selves
at the event where Solar Radio, who kept our editor Patrick
entertained... Well done lads! That's not
forgetting the Southport Weekender web page photographers...
Next year, please get me in a shot, that also goes to Patrick as he
never got me either! Anyway I
will leave you all with two quotes that I think summed up the
event...
Derek from Birmingham said:-
"This is my first time at this event. I feel relaxed and the
atmosphere is brilliant here. What more could you want?"
Lindsey 22 from Huddersfield said:- "I come here every year
and wouldn't miss it for anything, there's nothing else like it. I
dare you to find something that can even come close!"
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