Tidy Weekender 3 Review

Tidy 3 review image Tidy Weekender 3 Review image
April 4, 5 & 6 2003 - "Here they are - the Tidy Boys!"

Wide-eyed, we focus on the main stage as the loud voice enthuses over the microphone. But to our dismay, Andy and Amadeus are nowhere to be seen…that is until the huge TV screens behind the DJ booth flickers into action and we see the duo in their chalet, reaching the realization that they’re late for their set.

Suddenly the unmistakable theme tune to ‘The Professionals’ blasts out over the speakers and we see the pair launch into action and make a dash for the main arena. What could we say but pure genius!

This unforgettable moment was ‘the’ signal that the Tidy Weekender had well and truly landed. And from past experience, we knew that we were in for the mother of all weekenders.

The three-day bonanza had hard house fanatics everywhere bubbling in anticipation months before the event. Indeed, tickets sold out in less than a month of the gig going to press, with 2,000 more names on the waiting list.

Over the weekend, it soon became obvious why this had been the case. Friday, Saturday and Sunday were quite simply awesome.

The best hard house DJs around sent heads and feet spinning through the sound barrier. Big names such as Yoji Biomehanika, and shorter names such as BK, tore up the decks.

Friday night finished with the double whammy of scratchmaster Eddie Halliwell and crowd-pleaser Rob Tissera in the main room, leaving hopes on a high for the two nights to follow.

Our high hopes were certainly met and welcomed in for a cup of Tidy tea on Saturday night when the ‘Magic’ took over in the main arena. Meanwhile, the ‘Harder Arena’ paid ‘A Tribute To Trade’, while the ‘Generation Arena’ hosted the ‘Tidy.com DJ Competition’.

We found it extremely difficult to decide which room to opt for. However, the hardcore-esque quality of the ‘Harder Arena’ won us over for a good part of the night.

At 1.45am, the Tidy team really laid on the treats when all four Tidy Girls (Lisa Lashes, Anne Savage, Lisa Pin-Up and Rachel Auburn) played back-to-back for two and a half hours in the main room, followed by the Tidy Boys’ hour of madness from 4.15am to 5.15am.

Sunday came around far too soon but with the promise of more foot-stomping mayhem. Our spirits showed no sign of flagging as the likes of Lab 4 and Lee Haslem lead us to worship.

The highlight for me though was when Andy Farley joined the clubbers after playing a stormin’ set. I was in awe as the smiley turntable wizard danced just a few metres away from me, sucking a lollypop!

The entire weekend was unbelievably uplifting, so much so that we just didn’t want to leave. The only criticism I have is that it had to end. But I guess all good things have to come to an end. Having been to all three Tidy Weekenders so far, all I can say is - I can’t wait for Tidy Weekender 4!

Reviewed by Loz