I’m your fantazia

Fantazia are one of the longest established and most-respected dance promoters in the business. They organise events that cater for over 20,000 people complete with more facilities than you could imagine, like bouncy castles, gyrospheres, ice cream and sundae bars, body art and massive line ups of international DJs. So it is no wonder their official logo of a crazy, dancing, thunder man is identifying a reign of merchandise that adorns thousands of sweaty ravers worldwide.

Born in the wild days of acid house in the English countryside, Fantazia were perfectly placed when pressure from the authorities forced promoters to go legit. Now with another reactionary mood sweeping English officialdom Fantazia are ahead of the posse and have established worldwide links. They have already been over to Australia on the first leg of their world tour and have more recently been to Los Angeles to check out the clubs there. “We were introduced to a bloke called Seymour Stein, who was Madonna’s old manager, and he said he had read about us in The Times,” said Fantazia’s Andrew Gallagher on a recent visit to Cork’s Sir Henry’s. “He seemed to be really into the English dance scene, and he offered to help us to organise a tour of the States. So we’ll be going back there soon, to see if a Fantazia US Tour is feasible.” Not content with keeping the spirit of eight eight alive the organisation has branched out to release records. “The whole thing got started because we are into music, and we hated that particular record companies cashed in by only giving between eleven and fourteen tracks per album and then expected punters to shell out top money for the privilege.” Fantazia currently have two mix compilations in the shops. The House Collection features classy club choons from Graeme Park (Hacienda, Cream), The LuvDup Twins (The Paradise Factory, Cream) and Mike C (Hacienda, The Wag).

The Luv Dup Twins sum up the hedonistic club experience that is captured on the mix. “We’d like to feel this mix offers a spiritual and enlightening experience – the equivalent of the transmeditational cosmic orgasm we experienced making it. Actually it’s just about falling over and having a good time.” But for those who like things from the faster side of the tracks check out The Jungle Collection Volume II. Featuring the combined spin back talents of Grooverider, LTJ Bukem and DJ Rap, the mix covers everything that is lumped under the increasingly inaccurate jungle tag from well established to underground acts.

Fantazia have also kindly contributed 3 copies of each collection on CD for Hot Press readers to win. All you have to do is answer the following unfeasibly difficult teaser.

Fantazia hold the record for the largest ever outdoor legal dance event, which rocked over 25,000 party goers. Where did this party take place?

a. Castle Greyskull

b. Castle Donington

c. Blarney Castle

Pop your answer down on a postcard, stating whether you want the Jungle or House CD and send it to: Fantazia Competition, Hot Press, 13 Trinity Street, Dublin 2. May the force be with you. Closing date: December 7th.