Save The Rave review: The ultimate 90s party

The 90s are back!... But did they ever really leave? Despite heavy rainfall and train strikes, Southport's Save The Rave festival boasted a large audience of passionate ravers of all ages. The event was part of Southport's annual Seaside Weekender and transported fans back to a decade gone by. From 11 AM to 10 PM various DJs and artists had the field bouncing. Spread across two stages, festival-goers could enjoy some of the best tracks that the 1990s had to offer. 

Kicking off on the main stage was DJ Robbie Edwards, while at the Big Top Marquee, Dillon and Grammy award-winning DJ Roger Sanchez set the tone for a day full of legendary DJs to continuously whip the crowd up into a storm. Liverpool DJ Anton Powers continued to up the ante at the Main Stage accompanied by dancers and smoke machines. The excitement levels rose throughout the day, as did the amount of rainfall. However, no one seemed to be deterred as a sea of neon ponchos filled the park and kept diehard ravers dry.

Lining the field were a number of bars and a wide range of food trucks. The variety of food on offer allowed festival-goers to keep their hunger from getting in the way of the party. The festival also had a VIP area that provided extra seating, 'luxury' toilets and some undercover areas to keep out the rain. Opposite the VIP area was the assisted viewing platform that allowed ravers with disabilities to not be held back and be involved with the acts on the Main Stage.

SAVE THE RAVE ✔️ pic.twitter.com/a1NsrVSmR9

— Lee Butler (@DjLeeButler) July 22, 2023

As a wave of nostalgia washed over the crowd, Marcella Woods, Dave Pearce and 2Funky2 kept up the energy, the latter playing their hit single 'Brothers and Sisters' to a huge reaction from the crowd. Later on, legendary DJ Judge Jules arrived at the Big Top, playing a set which had the marquee overflowing with people eager to get in on the action. By the time Lee Butler arrived on the Main Stage, the field was full and it seemed that the rain had blown over at the festival's peak. Flip N Fill joined Butler on stage, before continuing into their own set with Butler hyping them up.

The final action of the Main Stage saw sets from Ultrabeat, Phats & Small and Angie Brown where iconic classics such as 'Pretty Green Eyes' and 'Turn Around' were played. As the sun set, the lights continued to illuminate the park with the crowd singing along and dancing to some of the best tracks from a decade that lives on to this day.

Class to play Save The Rave Festival yesterday thanks for having me on. And massive respect if you were in that crowd. It’s was pissing down but you braved & raved in the rain !!! Nice one 🪩🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/0OJ7CjFXMH

— Anton Powers (@AntonPowers) July 23, 2023

Nathan Melvin

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.