After heading up to Birmingham on Friday we decided to get the party started straight away by making our way down to The Rainbow for the Circo Loco pre party. The event was headlined by Adam Shelton and the crowd was fresh and ready for the weekend partying ahead of them. There was definitely a good buzz in the air and the great crowd made for a wicked night. We spoke to a few people with varying taste in house and were happy to hear each of them were attending Circo Loco in anticipation of seeing a variety of the DJ’s. I was surprised to find out the majority of people I thought were locals were all from London making a house music pilgrimage. 

Held on the Saturday, Circo Loco took place in The Arena which was also the launch for Birmingham’s alfresco space. Adam set the day of to a great start with the true all day ravers arriving in time to hear his set. Luna City Express graced the decks first in Arena 2 with Norman Weber warming up the crowd perfectly. Playing some uplifting, vocal house it was smiles all round for everyone that had just arrived.

As to not miss a single DJ we circulated throughout both arenas from beginning to end. Moving back to the main stage Dyed Soundorom had taken to decks and the arena was starting to fill up nicely. With little breaks of sun through the clouds, the atmosphere was very upbeat as Circo Loco began to take off. Stepping up next was French producer and Circo Loco resident Dan Ghenacia. Providing the crowd with hand raising moments and vocal climaxing house tunes, Dan warmed up the crowd perfectly for the main artists due to follow.

Taking place in Arena 2 at the same time as Dan Ghenacia was The Martinez Brothers. Bringing a wicked vibe to their set, the boys most definitely gave those filled in the 2nd space exactly what they wanted to hear. Arena 2 at this point wasn’t completely full which was nice as people still had enough room to dance without feeling too restricted. We tweeted a video live from arena 2 of The Martinez Brothers which you can view here on our Facebook page.

As the sun begun to set, house legend Kerri Chandler was next up to take to the main stage. 1hr into his set, the Arena was well and truly packed with ravers taking in the deep sounds he played. Kerri’s set was without doubt one of the bests of the night as his 20+years of Djing skills were illustrated during these 2hrs. With fire cannons, smoke and confetti Circo Loco really did take everything into account giving their ravers an interactive experience between them and the djs. To see a short clip of Kerri’s set you can also view it here on our Facebook page.

Bringing a female touch to Circo Loco was Cassy in Arena 2. By now it was a one in one out system as it was so busy and was definitely frustrating for those trying to get in. Able to skip the queue we went in to find ourselves having to squeeze our way through to the front. Cassy had the crowd fist pumping and looked herself to be having a great time. With her Circo Loco family Dyed Soundorom and Dan Ghenacia on stage with her, it was clear to see that not only the crowd, but Djs were enjoying themselves fully. To see the short clip we took of Cassy click here.

Back to the main stage, one of the most anticipated sets of the night for most was Jamie Jones. Arguably the man of the moment, Jamie brought his signature Hot Natured sound to Circo Loco in The Arena. Faces covered with sunglasses and arms in the air, Jamie threw the crowd completely into the deep end with no intention of bringing them back. You can view a clip of Jamie Jones set here. At the same time in Arena 2 was Maceo Plex. For me he was also one of my favourite sets as his energy and enthusiasm carried through into the crowd creating a wicked atmosphere. At one point we got to experience a true DC10 moment as the crowd sat down, waiting for the tune to drop before they all jumped up again. Was interesting to see those that understood what was going on, in comparison to those who just looked puzzled!

Finally one of house music’s true pioneers, Dj Sneak closed Circo Loco in The Arena on the 2nd stage. As it was late into the night and the 2nd arena was near residential homes, the music wasn’t as loud as throughout the day which was a real shame. However his signature funky filtered disco-influenced house and tough jacking beats was all brought to the mixing table. The chilled back approach to when he was djing gave a true aura of someone who has already made a huge impact within the house industry. It was as if he could of done it with his eyes closed, which is what made this set a moment to remember. You could feel the level of respect and anticipation for Dj Sneak as the crowd was excited for him to get straight into it.

Our last trip back to the main stage was to witness Matthias Tanzmann take over from Jamie and carry the crowd right through to the bitter end of the event. Standing next to one of the speakers near him it was clear to see he loves a bit of bass as I could literally feel it vibrate through my whole body. At this point most of the Djs that had played where all up on stage enjoying the music, whilst the crowd where still going strong and showed no signs of moving till the end.

We asked our readers to quote us on how they found the event. Here’s what they had to say:

Sean Howe on Facebook: “Circo Loco smashed it, as good as raves come! Line-up was immense!”

@LizzieGoesLoco on Twitter: “I’m stil in shock at my #Circoloco experience…The whole thing epitomised y I have fallen hook line & sinker 4#HouseMusic!”

@shellyg86 on Twitter: “#Circoloco was awesome I didn’t let queuing stop me from having a rave! Wicked line up @themartinezbros smashed it!! X”

To view Circo Loco the House and Heels way, then watch our official video of the event:

The after party also had a lot to offer with a anticipated appearance from Jamie Jones and Lee Foss back to back. As many have said before they are a unique duo and they have the ability to work together, combine and produce a spontaneous set to be rivalled with. Richy Ahmed got the crowd going way into the night for the Hot Natured after party. We also had the chance to rave in a intimate crowd to Davide Squillache.

Check out our official video of the after parties here:

Our exclusive pictures from the event coming soon!