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DJ Line up included: Norris da boss Windross, Ray Hurley, Pied Piper, George D, Nick Power, Yankee. MCs Image, Sharky and Melody

The present clubbing scene in Ayia Napa, Cyprus is the mecca for the UK garage scene during the summer in the Mediterranean. Hard House and Trance has Ibiza of course. We all take 'Napa' for granted of course but the scene was started off by Nick Power of the Kool Club.

It was the first club on that resort to playing Underground Soulful House and Garage with the top name djs flown in from London, England. The other clubs of the resort all played commercial music at the time and soon followed suit when they found out they were losing their crowds who wanted to hear what they were used to back home in London.

The Kool Club jocks Nick Power and George D also started of the 'Ayia Napa' reunions and pre parties. Again the the major garage promoters took to the idea and these events have become one of the most important dates on the clubbing calendar, the ones everyone looks out for.

The Kool club, Ayia Napa, Cyprus knows how these events are widespread, but there is one original and official night. If Nick Power or George D is not on the line up it is not an 'official' bash but one using the name put on by someone else.

The official Ayia Napa events have always been held at the Epping Forest Country Club in Chigwell Essex and are always packed out. I remember my first one in 98 before the Ayia Napa compilation cds flooded the market and the TV documentaries. Boy what a wicked night that was! rammed packed from early on and clubbers not just from Essex but all over the country all down in their droves, because of the shared experience of Ayia Napa.

At the time everyone was still talking about Ibiza and I went there during that summer. It was the main clubbing holiday destination for clubbers from Britain. I was taken aback by the vibe and atmosphere at Epping Forest Country Club for that reunion put on by the Kool Club so made sure I had to be there. I was there in the summer of 1999 and 2000 and the Kool club was one of the better clubs out there they know how to throw a party and keep the vibe happy! I will be back in 2001 so watch this space!

I arrived early and as usual at the Ayia Napa reunions and pre parties, met loads of faces i saw out there. The ideal place for those who bottled out of chatting up a bird they met on holiday! (I was out to enjoy myself and under the vibe I lost interested in looking to pull!)

Norris da boss Windross a veteran of both Napa and Ibiza was rocking the house with a wicked set.

Pied Piper of Da Click,famous for "Good Rhymes" followed and kept up the vibe. George D of the Kool Club rocked it with the music and feeling associated with the club that started it all. DJ Ray Hurley another leading jock on the UK-2-Step Garage scene who was also in Napa did not let down the clubbers during his set.

Hosting the night was MC Image another one who made his name over in Ayia Napa, but was holding the mike at many garage clubs before he got his break on the first 'Fantasy Island' tv series on Channel 4 - UK T.V station. He was partnered by Sharky and Melody and involved the crowd who were making noise all the night with their whistles and horns. Also the sexy stage dancers were doing their bit too! The Essex people and others no how to party as they did in sunny Napa.

The club was a road block even at 10:15 when I arrived.The country club is surrounded by a golf course and tennis courts. The many spacious car parks were getting packed and a long queue had already formed. Soon it became full inside and around 1am it must have reached capacity with oceans of people inside the Atlantis Bar. (That was an appropriate desciption to use!)

Judging by the club bursting to its seams it could only be a reflection of Ayia Napa's popularity. It is bound to be the place to be for Garage clubbers in the summer. As MC CKP said: "When I say: Ayia, you say Napa!"

Don't forget to check out the Kool Club, where Nick Power will be holding guest nights at various clubs, the main weekly residence will be at Mythology. Thanks going out to them for putting on a great night, it could only be better in Napa.

For those interested in competitively priced late deals contact the following link on the www.garage-music.com website:

If you would like to find out more about the night, or anything else, please e-mail us via the addresses below.