We got there slightly later than we hoped (9.30) due to rushing around trying to sort stuff and get people together in the right cars at the right time etc. We anticipated the normally HUGE queues that you find at the Santuary but were pleasantly surprised at the size of it. We were in the club after about 25 mins.
We were apprehensive about Diehard moving from a 350 capacity club to a 3500 capacity and being able to handle the sounds and lighting. We had no need to worry as the sound system was excellent (I might even say better then Helter Skelter) The lasers and light were excellent too.
The event wasn't totally rammed. IMO it's better to not be filled to capacity. There was enough people to give a really good atmosphere but enough space to move and dance.
The Dj's all played excellent sets and we were shocked to hear Dougal doing some wicked scratchin'. But we realised what was happening when we found out that Dougal and Sy were playing back to back.
When we first got there they were playing some excellent happy hardcore/ bouncy techno upstairs which later turned into some really tuff gabba. I'm not a gabba head myself (I think I only managed half an hour dancing to Jay Prescott) But the Coventry Gabba Jabbas all had a top night!
Seduction in the main arean finished off the night with a fantastic set which was only spoilt by the response the crowd received screaming for one more. The horns, whistles and cheers must have gone on for a good 5 minutes. At which they gave us 5 seconds (I kid you not!!) of another record. They could have given us 2 more if they'd not left us cheering for so long!
The bottles of water could have had screw tops on as I've got badly chapped thighs due to a whole bottle of water down the back of my jeans due to jumping around with a topless bottle of water in my back pocket!!! At first I though it was someone with a huge water pistol. It happened 3 times before I realised what it was!
A fantastic night with the Diehard vibe - only spoilt by (if anyone knows the Santuary -you'll know what's coming).....the Security!!!!
On entering the event the took my pocket laser off me and said I could either take it back to our car or leave it with security and pick it up after the event. They gave the reason as health and safety.
1. I've taken my laser into The Santuary before and
2. I saw 2 people in there that night with lasers!!!
After the event I went to try and get my laser back and was passed between the security guards each one telling me to go to someone else. I finally got to one who said very curtly. 'Out - leave the building' 'But...' I replied. He said 'Get out now!' and as I didn't want any trouble from those kind of thugs I left.
It was obvious, afterwards, that the security guard took a fancy to my laser and stole it.
Letters of complaint will be going to the Santuary and to Diehard (although I realise that Diehard have nothing to do with the security at the Sanctuary - I think they must be informed of their behaviour. Diehard security on the other hand are excellent). I hear that Eternity are compiling a dossier on the Santuary security [See Eternity issue 2 volume 2 for the Sanctuary's response to this - Ed] - so they also will be getting a letter from me also.
The Santuary is an excellent venue only spoilt by the cattle herding thugs that they call security.
If anyone else has any complaints about the Sanctuary security you can mail them to me and I'll print them and send them with my letter! [lawton@kid01pml.icl.co.uk - Ed]
Thanks for the review...Paul can be emailed on lawton@kid01pml.icl.co.uk.
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