Hardcore as a genre tends to be very much a Marmite affair, either you love it or you hate it. However it is clear that the volume of people who do love it is enough to keep massive events packed to the rafters every month. The superclubs of the midlands and the north are regularly hosting up to 3000 ravers for 100% Hardcore events and everyone of them is going down a storm. This begs the question: where are the East Anglian fans and events? Of course you do have Flabbergast, situated in studio three in Bury, however their activity has been limited of late, and this one event cannot cater for the thousands of hardcore fans living in our sizable corner of the country. Well these problems may soon be over…

A couple of guys from around Ipswich Liam Bell and Michael Stannard have started ‘Fully Charged Hardcore’. This event started last October as a Halloween special in the Drum and Monkey in central Ipswich. Since then they have had a few events that haven’t gone down too badly at all. Although these events have been slightly limited by a 12 am shutdown time, which tends to leave any hardcore head begging for more, they have enjoyed a very friendly atmosphere, great DJs and plenty of hands in the air moments to be had. With all this in mind the guys have decided it’s time to push for bigger and better things, but get this, they are keeping it in Ipswich!

So Were? When? Who? I hear you mentally shout in anticipation! Well I can certainly inform you who and when: June 6 will see Druid gracing a venue in Ipswich with loads of great local talent to back him up. DJ Druid is a bit of a legend in the scene. He’s been raving since 1989 and performing since 1991, so highly skilled and trained in his profession. In the past he has played along some massive names such as Grooverider, Fabio and even Ratpack, whilst in more recent years he has entertained crowds with his ‘Rhythm station’ sets and has once again become a main stay of hardcore events up and down the country playing at H.T.I.Ds, Epidemiks and Slammin’ Vinyls to name a few. So all in all, you wonderful hardcore ravers, if you do know who Druid is you will want to see him as badly as I do and if you don’t, and you love hardcore, it’s a vital education so you must be there!

Unfortunately as with the sticky world of promotions the venue hasn’t quite been confirmed yet, so keep an eye out on the ‘Fully Charged Hardcore’ Facebook group for more details. The cost of entry to the event is a bargain £4 before ten and £5 after, which for a headliner like Druid is cheap as chips! The lads are also, in true hardcore style, looking for a Hi-Viz friendly venue so fingers crossed on that. I will be there for sure and I am hoping to see all you lovely mugs there singing at the top of your voices! DJ Beige over and out.  

Check out the Facebook page here.

Words > Matt Sokanovic