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A selection from our crowdsourced archive documenting the 90s rave scene in the UK.
The 90s rave scene in the UK was a groundbreaking cultural phenomenon that left an indelible mark on the country’s musical landscape. Characterized by genres such as Drum & Bass, Jungle, and Hardcore, the 90s rave scene transformed not only the music scene in the UK but also had a global influence. This vibrant movement birthed a generation of DJs, producers, and artists who shaped the electronic music landscape as we know it today. Pioneers like The Prodigy and Orbital rose to prominence during this era, continually pushing the boundaries of music production and innovation.
Our archive immerses you in the 90s rave scene: snapshots of Maximes at Wigan Pier, where the walls pulsed with sweat and noise; Bolton’s famous Pleasuredome; and outdoor raves, where fields turned into stomping grounds for a generation lost in the beat.
"Myself and two of my best pals who I grew up with. We were massively into the dance and rave scene from the start. Great memories and times spent travelling around the North to the popular clubs back then. We spent the entire week looking forward to the weekend and deciding where to go - I always wanted to be in three places at once as there was so much going on. Those were great times being young during a fantastic scene. This was taken en route to the Pleasuredrome in Farnworth, Bolton, 1991".
-Andrew Sanson.
"That's me at the age of fourteen in my bedroom in Holloway, North London in 1991, listening to pirate radio surrounded by my rave flyers. I used to play Rush FM loudly and frequently called them to do a shout-out to my friends." - Hanna (Bedroom Raver, North London, 1991.)
"After driving around all night in the Oxford area looking for the free traveller's party, stopping to listen throughout, we had no luck. Then, with daylight breaking, we headed back to Newport. Then we saw some like-minded people who said another one was happening nearby. We then stumbled across this free party under some forestry/woodlands shelter." - Tutti Oi.
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