31 December 2008 (gig)
13 January 2010
Event Review: Highlife NYE Experience, Matakana.
Reviewed By: DJ Dirty Crimes
For full info and line up see
http://www.highlifeentertainment.co.nz/highlife_nye.html
This was an absolutely awesome event. The music was tight, the crowd were buzzing and everything was laid out perfectly. We were treated to a surprise air show and blessed with great weather to enjoy the 55 acres of beautiful park with its farming station buildings integrated into the event.
There was enough music going round for fans of house genres to find something suitable at any given time. Sound and lighting systems were perfect with no noise pollution from the different venues. Occasional appearances of live percussionists and vocalists cranked up the crowd and the right attitude by revellers resulted in the ultimate party vibe.
The open food area was sufficiently large to accommodate plenty of tables and chairs to chill out or enjoy a good selection of festival food. Drinks were reasonably priced and bar queues short-lived.
Plenty of staff were on site ensuring that bottles and other litter were quickly cleared up off all areas including dance floors. Friendly security in all the right places was spot on and bar staff remained chirpy through to the very end.
My only criticism would be that there weren't enough toilets or paper. It was better than a lot of events I've been to, but still room for improvement!
All in all, not only was it the best NYE for me, but also the best outdoor party event ever. Nice one Highlife, see you next year!
Highlife are also running the following dance music events over the next couple of months of 2009:
Sat 24th Jan - Fiesta del Sol @ Stonyridge Vineyard, Waiheke Island.
Sat 21st Feb - Sounds of Summer @ Masonic Tavern, Devonport.
For more details see http://www.highlifeentertainment.co.nz/
