Raindance is a party organisation that sits at the very core of UK (and world) dance culture – they were of course the first people to hold a legal all-night dance event in the UK, paving the way for everything that has happened since. 19 years on, they’re certainly not resting on their laurels, with international tours, collaborations and now their latest venture, “Raindance on Tour” at Luton’s massive Club Home. I caught up with the enigmatic Raindance Man to find out a bit more about what they’ve been up to……

Morning! How’s it going? You must be getting pretty damn excited about this new project?

(raindance man sits and laughs) Looking forward to putting on a legal event in Luton for the first time (say no more!!!)

How did the new “Raindance on Tour” venture come about and what made you choose Luton?

The idea came about due to our very close friend Dj Swan-E, the newly installed promotions manager, and the renewly relaunched Club Home. He approached us about doing a party here and we thought why not. Simple really!

Club Home itself is a phenomenal venue, boasting some of the best sounding arenas I’ve heard in a long time – how are you finding the team at Club Home?

The seem fine to work with, open to new ideas. Hopefully this will be the beginning of a long relationship between the venue, staff and Raindance.

I grew up in Luton so spent many a night sneaking out at the age of 15 to the infamous Exodus parties – the town has a real rave heritage over the years – it must feel great to come here and reignite the fire again? Did you ever make it up to the Exodus parties back in the day?

Sadly not. I used to see them in full swing as I drove up and down the M1 on the way to the Sanctuary, Milton Keynes (sadly another great lost to the Rave Scene, respect to the man whose imagination and energy made it a reality, RIP)

You’ve been at the very top of the game for 19 years – plenty of today’s ravers weren’t even born when you started out. What one factor has been the greatest in ensuring you stay at the top over all that time?

Raindance man is Raver, just like you and I. Going out week in, week out with the same excitement. Raindance parties are a reflection of what Raindance Man looks for as a raver every weekend. Sadly Raindance Man never gets to party at his own main party. (Some of you may have seen him at the after party.....say no more). Raindance, The Original Rave, Run By Ravers For Ravers!!!

Looking to the future and building on the last 19 years, we’re seeing more and more diverse arenas with new sounds at each Raindance party – how important would you say it is to keep reinventing and re-exploring?

Raindance is a reflection of the raving tree. As it grows and new branches evolve, Raindance will reflect this.

Raindance On Tour lands at Club Home in Luton on Friday the 23rd of May – it’s guaranteed to be a storming party covering the full spectrum of dance music – get yourselves down!