Global Gathering 2006

28.07.06 - 29.07.06

Attracting a massive 50,000 clubbers Global officially became the largest dance festival in the world in 2006. So, did it live up to being the best dance festival in the world? The next three words summarise my opinions on answering this burning question....

Fantastic! Fantastic! Fantastic!

I certainly agree with Oakenfold and Morillo that this years Global Gathering was the best dance festival...until next year!

We arrived on Friday at around 5pm, the security was tight but not overwhelming - giving us confidence that no weapons were going to slip though. We made our way through to the campsite and set up our monster tent. The sun was shining, the weather was sweet. Perfect. The atmosphere was great already and clubbers came over and chatted straight away. I think camping really adds to adding that festival vibe to a festival - nice one GK.

After consuming a few fine wines we made our way into the main grounds checking out the many different marquees on the way.

We settled to listen to the start of Groove Armadas set, I’ve seen them a few times and to be honest they were a slight disappointment this time round, they didn’t seem as animated as previously and the energy seemed lacking. The sound set up also seemed far too quiet to give that feeling of a live band. As Andy Cato was delayed in Spain the set times were delayed, but he was airlifted to the festival so top marks for effort!

Shortly afterwards Daft Punk played their first live set since 1997, I missed this set to se Hybrid in the Air tent but I heard that the visuals and music was excellent. Hybrid played a great set, just over an hour long. With 2 singers, a drummer and a bassist they elegantly combine breakbeat with orchestral harmonies - my only criticism is that it would have been good to have had a live violinist to fully compliment their unique sound. But, overall top marks for them.

We went on to check out the rest of the grounds, have a go on the bumper cars and enjoy the festival vibe.

On Saturday we lazed around for the half the day in the sun preparing ourselves for another evening of the best acts about. We went down and checked out the VIP Hed Kandi section - a nice beach vibe with hammocks to chill in and the best toilets that a festival has possibly ever seen! Afterwards I went to check out Brockie in the drum and bass tent, complimented by the awesome MC Det the set was perfect. Once again, one criticism; the bass was up way too loud to actually fully hear the tracks, unless you knew the track they sometimes blended into a bassy mess. Otherwise though, a great set and a great atmosphere once again.

Afterwards we made our way over to sort a UKCD photo shoot, thanks for all those that turned up. We then set off to watch the fat boy himself. I’ve seen Fat Boy Slim before and although it was a great set it didn’t blow me away. This however, was a completely different experience! The tracks played were real party tunes, the atmosphere was electric and the visuals were nothing short of amazing. Fat Boy Slim appeared to be having a great time too, occassionally coming to the front of the stage and sitting and chilling with his beer. It was great to see a master at work, fully chilled, totally enjoying every minute of it! I hear that he came back especially from his holiday to do the set, it was well worth. Thank you Mr Cook!

Now for a bit of the boring stuff, drinks were reasonably priced at around £3.50 per bottle and beer sellers wandered around selling pints for £3. All the stalls seemed fairly priced as well and didn’t leave you with that nasty taste you get when you’ve been ripped off.

So, overall we all had a fantastic weekend. I cant wait for next years installment, I’m sure it will be bigger, bolder and even better! Well done Global, you’ve overachieved and created a fantastic dance experience. Long live dance!

You can see more photos in the UKCD photo gallery and a short video from the Godskitchen tent.

Review by Monkey Boy