Eclectic
In
the early days we put on a monthly night named 'Eclectic'
at the Prince Of Wales pub relying upon one members decks and a small PA along
with drapes loaned by Krunch Soundsystem of Oundle. Throughout that summer
each night we pulled around 50 people who listened to a mix of techno, trance,
drum & bass and hard house played by the systems DJs and other local
DJs. Hanky Panky has always given opportunities for other DJs
to play on the rig. Guest DJs bring new styles and tunes to our nights
and playing gives them and us a lot of pleasure, many of whom have had their
first opportunity DJing outside of the bedroom. Two of the current members
of the soundsystem first played as guests. The music policy of the soundsystem
has always been eclectic. Not only do we vary the styles of music played but
also each night has a different feel.
Intrepid
By
the end of 1996 Hanky Panky had grown considerably. In addition
to the Eclectic pub nights, we were throwing 'Intrepid'
all-nighters at a remote hotel, The Shires, on the side of the A1 in Rutland.
These were another step forward for the soundsystem putting on successful
techno-based all-nighters that had 250 odd people dancing until they dropped.
The rooms size and low ceiling
created a very intimate atmosphere and the crowd was a
mix of clubbing friends and those who had heard about Hanky Panky
through word of mouth. Hanky Panky has always seen the people that come to
the nights as an integral part of the soundsystem.
There has never been a dress code, dressing up (or down) is all the better,
we have always drawn an up-for-it diverse mix of clubbers from all ages. Our
nights are about creating a certain type of party vibe, a relaxed, celebratory,
slightly silly but always full on party atmosphere. The perfect party night is created by a unifying
of clubbers with the soundsystem. The
DJs should not be the main focus of a night, too many dancefloors are
orientated around the elevated DJ hero(ine). We would rather those on the
dancefloor focus on each other while the music is the soundtrack to a mutually
shared joyous experience.First Fruits

First Fruits took place on the Full
Moon of the First Fruits in August 1997. It was at a site in Rutland. A beautiful setting by an old windmill, in a small quarried field
on a lovely summers night. First Fruits exceeded all our expectations
as the cars continued to roll in throughout the night. By midnight there
were hundreds of people rocking the dancefloor, creating an atmosphere we will
never forget. It was a magical night that showed us what Hanky Panky was
capable of doing. People had travelled from Coventry, Birmingham, Newark,
Nottingham, Leeds, Peterborough and Leicester. It was claimed by many
there as "the best free party" of that summer.![]()
Escapade
Throughout
the winter 1997/8 we were putting on the Eclectic nights at
the pub and a new all-nighter Escapade
in an old school hall in Peterborough. These provided the funds to upgrade
the soundsystem with the purchase of new professional amps and speakers
as well as on new lighting and décor.
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