Rave Culture: A New Era is an electrifying journey into the heart of the rave revolution.
Featuring: Orbital, Leeroy Thronhill (former member of The Prodigy), General Levy, Baby D, DJ Rap, Slipmatt, Uncle Dugs, Goldie, Jumpin Jack Frost, Bryan Gee, Altern 8, DJ Hype, Fabio, Sarah Sandy, The Ragga Twins, DJ Brockie, Bassline Smith, DJ Ron, Master Pasha, Shades Of Rhythm, Nick Halkes, The House Crew, DJ Darren Jay, Junior Tomlin, plus many more…
WHEN SOCIETY FRACTURED, MUSIC TOOK OVER.
Late 80s. In an England suffocated by unemployment and Margaret Thatcher’s policies, a generation found refuge and a voice in music. In abandoned factories and secret fields, underground raves were born – explosions of light and sound where thousands of youth escaped social oppression to the rhythm of a new musical genre: breakbeat. Fusing the raw intensity of Detroit techno, the warmth of Chicago house, and the energy of New York hip hop, breakbeat shattered all the rules. Syncopated rhythms, powerful basslines, and limitless production fueled by samplers and synthesizers gave birth to a sound that was not just danced to – it was an act of rebellion.
An electrifying journey into the heart of the rave revolution, from the first illegal beats in England to its global explosion. Through never-before-seen archival footage, interviews with the most underground pioneers, and a soundtrack that still resonates today, this documentary unveils the story of a movement that transformed music, culture, and the very essence of nightlife.
Eduardo Cubillo Blasco | Spain | 2025 | 87 min + 15 min introduction | Age 15+
Presented in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and the University of Lancashire.
Price Guidance
We are offering this event on a ‘pay what you feel’ basis, with the option to select the price that feels most appropriate to you. Whatever price you choose will give you the same experience.
The price options are: £0, £5, £10.
No proof of status is required – it is self-administered on a trust basis. We hope those who can will pay the standard ticket price, and the affordable options will be accessed by those who need them.
The National Festival of Making is delivered through a combination of public funding, partnerships, sponsorship and ticket income. Revenue from ticket sales is reinvested into Festival of Making CIC to support the delivery of future commissions, workshops, talks and cultural programmes, helping us keep much of the festival free and accessible to all.