WORDS JANET HARDING / IMAGES LEE HARMAN
HC Promotions presents – Judge Jules and Symphonic Ibiza with special guests Ricky Isted and Fergie at Golden Square, Warrington, Saturday, 14th September 2024.
A return visit for me – tonight’s is an annual event in Warrington now and is much looked forward to. Now in its 4th year, it’s a staple for any dance or house music enthusiasts and is just made to get raving. It’s an earlier start than usual, doors opening at 5:30 in a strategic move to get the party started early and get the mood up there. Our headline DJ set is our opener, so upon arrival for us it was straight into it and on it with Judge Jules.
Judge Jules – Ricky Isted – Fergy
It’s an outdoor venue, in the old Market Square which is within Golden Square shopping centre, all the surrounding bars and restaurants providing food and drinks for tonight’s event. It’s bustling as we arrive, alive with a buzz from the most vibrant energy. It’s pretty packed as Judge Jules starts his set; people are dancing and there’s glow sticks all around. It’s a brilliant ‘festival meets rave’ feel.
For the next few hours we have an eclectic mix of house, dance and old skool anthems seamlessly blended into one another. There is a real feeling of euphoria which intensifies as the sun sets and the lasers and lights become more intense. Sterling sets from each of our live DJ’s, everyone has been well up for each banger played and it’s been nonstop dancing throughout. A brilliant start, we are truly ready for the live music now, bring it on!
Symphonic Ibiza
Symphonic Ibiza is a brilliant and by now well known collective; the concept is of making dance and house music orchestral. I know, this sounds like it shouldn’t work, but it really does!
Joining our orchestra on stage is also a full band and live DJ, and right from the off it’s a no holds barred infusion of sounds and energies. Iconic 90s and 00s anthems are performed and with 2 incredible female vocalists this adds more ‘feel good’ to the mix. The symphonic sound creates atmosphere, from the eeriness of the strings to the punch lines of the brass and the undulating beats – fascinating, absorbing and thoroughly energising. It can’t help but make you feel uplifted, happy and want to dance and sing along. Trust me when the beats drop it goes off big time every time at this event,100 percent!
Our entire venue is a vista of bouncing bodies as far as can be seen. Vocals are stunning and clear and reach out to us; as dry ice swirls the lasers cut patterns through it and the magical and reminiscent sounds engulf us. The feels just go up and up with each track – a wonderful and high vibrational energy being passed down from stage to crowd then back up again. Feel good and huge party is the overriding energy of tonight and favourites like “Right here, Right now”, “Dreamer “ and “Freed from Desire” are completely devoured by the most enthusiastic crowd.
It’s been another fast paced, joy making and uplifting stand out event. Honestly get this in your diaries for next year, it’s really not to be missed.
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Music is my lifeblood and writing about this creative force is my passion.Im never happier than at a live gig,festival or listening to music,pen and notebook in hand.
