Interview: Cream Anthems hits Preston

First off, tell us a bit about Cream Anthems and where it fits into the whole Cream family.
Anthems, past, present and future! The Cream Anthems Tour is a showcase of the world's most recognised dance brand in all its historical glory. The all time classics, the dance floor gems you had forgotten about, the tunes you had always wanted to hear in a club and now have the chance.

This will be Cream's first ever event in Preston. What does it mean for the city for such an iconic, global brand to throw a party there?
In the words of Ron Burgundy - it's "kind of a big deal".  Once upon a time Preston had its very own 'super club' called Feel, which ran from 1993 - 2006. However since then that regular 'big room' experience has been missing. The new generations of Preston clubbers and recent Central Lancashire uni students probably won't know that the likes of Carl Cox, John Digweed and Prodigy have all performed in their city. This event marks the return of large scale dance events in this neck of the woods. And the fact that it is Cream is huge!

Preston has quite an appetite for electronic music and a rich clubbing culture. How do you think the city's dance music fans will respond to Cream?
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. There's something for all types of clubber - anthems in the Main Room and underground house in Room 2. Last year The Zoo Project came to Preston and people flocked to the event - it was a great night. So a historically huge brand such a Cream really does give people much to be excited about.

Cream resident Anthony Probyn will in charge of the music. Tell us a bit about him and what we can expect from one of his sets?
Anthony has been playing for Cream for two decades - having made his debut as a 19 year old - and had attended the club as a punter since the 90s so he has a real grasp of what music makes Cream so special. His residency has seen him play all over the world for Cream with gigs in Canada, Egypt, India, Andorra, Bulgaria and of course Ibiza, where he plays every year at Amnesia. Anthony is a versatile DJ who plays warm up or peak time sets for Cream, so expect to hear plenty of new house groovers with some classic tracks thrown in for good measure.

Why did you choose Rumes as a venue? What is it about this place that fits with the Cream experience?
BBC Radio One held their sell-out Big Weekend after party at Rumes. If anyone has been to Rumes they will have seen the potential of this venue. It genuinely is a super-club waiting to happen. A huge auditorium style main room with a massive stage and circular balconies that gives it that classic old-school big club feel. Think Cream Ibiza only with a few less Spanish (laughs).

Which three Cream anthems can we definitely expect to hear on the night?
Laurent Garnier, 'Man with Red Face'
X-Press 2, 'Muzic X-Press'
Nalin and Kane, 'Beachball'

Can you sum up in three words what the night's about?
Massively. Going. Off.

Thanks Ste, see you on the dancefloor!

Tickets are no longer available for this event