The Full Circle

'If you take your fun seriously....' begins the media blurb for this 48 hour non-stop party at Golden Bay, north of Nelson, from December 31 to January 2. With more than 70 'DJs, VJs and live acts 'presenting the finest trance, house break dub and downbeat in New Zealand', you better be ready to zone in (or maybe out) for a cosmic experience that harks back to the big music events of the seventies and eighties - but thankfully without the alcohol. This is the first Full Circle, although it has its roots firmly in parties like 1994's Entrain, The Gatherning last held in the mud in 2001 - and the more recent Visionz. It's a much anticipated party and for those with stamina it promises to be well worth making the trek to attend. The site is the same as The Gathing occupied - the beautiful Cobb Valley, near Takaka, complete with bush-clad hills and a river.You can now camp onsite and there will be outlets selling food, coffee and non-alcoholic drinks. The lineup includes Antix, COSM and Ozone, DJs Mr Oz, Chelfyn, Justin Sane 'and the cream of the New Zealand dance music scene' Tickets are limited to 2000 and cost $120. They are available through The Hemp Store (Auckland), Cosmic Corner (Wellington Christchurch, Dunedin), Invisible (Takaka), Gizmos (Nelson) and Flurmo (Motueka).

For more information visit www.thefullcircle.co.nz

[From the Sunday Star Times' Guide to Summer Music Festivals by Patrick Smith]