We set off from Reading around 11.30pm and arrived at the site close to 1am. I'm pretty surprised we didn't get too lost in the Bedfordshire countryside looking for the party - we drove for a few miles down non-sign posted country roads, before joining onto the end of a small convoy also heading for the party. Pulling into a National Trust type place, and down a long dusty track, we followed it round and were told to park up on the grass verge.
we went for a wander, up the track, loads of cars parked either side. At the top of the hill, was rig being setup - this turned out to be the jungle soundsystem. We carried on walking down the track, slightly downhill and with forest either side of us. After a five minute walk, we came to another soundsystem being setup. This was the J14 Acid Trance rig, which was under a huge oak tree. Nightstorm had also set themselves up here.
Finally we walked onto the last rig at the very end of the track. The J14 techno/dnb rig was still being put up. Walking back to the Acid Trance rig, we sat down for a bit, built a joint, and I walked back to my car to bring it closer to the Acid Trance system - this was a wise move! When I came back all three of the rigs were going. Time was about 2am, by now, and loads of people had turned up.
I reckon that about 700-800 people were spread between the three systems, with the Acid Trance system having the nicest vibe. We spent ages dancing and fucking around near this system, and setup base camp near one of the many fires that people were huddled around.
The weather was fine and warm, although light rain almost put a damper on things around 4am. The techno/dnb rig at the end of the track was pretty busy, DJ Tek came on and brought the house down - amazing techno tunes were played. I stayed away from the Jungle rig at the top of the track, as having the two rigs down the track made it seem like it was a seperate party from the Jungle rig.
A police helicopter hovered above the party around 6am. The Acid Trance rig was sheltered from the video camera by the huge oak tree. But the other two systems were slightly out in the open and they had a decent view of the chopper above. It soon went.
We stayed until about 10.30am. We had a cool time, probably the last outdoor party for a few weeks for me - kinda of a sign that the summer is over - but a wicked way to end the season. Loads of things went on during the night, including a competition with blokes dressed up as women! the whole party at the trance system was stopped for this! Wierd but kinda of entertaining.
Top one J14 - keeping the free party vibe alive! Always worth the journey.
Bugs
