Having started out as a small, discrete party on an isolated farm in 2004, The Rare One has grown to become one of Wales’ most celebrated events. The brainchild of local promoters Rhodri Shaw, David Soul and Matthew Richards, they quickly gained notoriety for throwing flamboyant and unconventional parties that offered a unique alternative to mainstream clubland. Opting to throw occasional parties
as opposed to regular events their large-scale, themed events routinely sell out and attract a vast array of punters all intent on a wild night out. That first barn party was supposed to be a small party for friends to celebrate Rhodri’s impending departure for a season’s skiing in Andorra. Over 500 turned up in the middle of nowhere to hear a mixed night of music, from live punk and ska to firing house and drum & bass. Not only was its success unexpected, but the musical variety on show that night set the tone for every Rare One event since. Brimming with confidence following this initial success, that inaugural event was quickly followed up in early 2005. Aberystwyth Arts Centre, their home-to-be for the next five years, was transformed into a luscious dancehall for a formal ball. 350 guests were treated to free champagne on arrival, candlelit tables and floral arrangements in return for the formal wear attire that all were happy to adopt. Again, they were treated to live sets from local bands and headline DJ sets from Sonny Wharton and The Beat Monkeys. In October 2005, The Rare One threw one of the most talked-about events in recent years – The Halloween Ball. Held at the Grade I listed Nanteos Mansion, an 800-strong sold out crowd (each and every one in crazy Halloween fancy dress) were bussed in to enjoy live music and DJ sets through the night in one of Aberystwyth’s most amazing locations. A roaring success, the event is still talked about to this today and set the bar for quality that set the bar for everything they have done ever since. Following a three-year hiatus, whilst Rhodri, David and Matthew travelled the world, they returned in 2008 hand-in-hand with leading visual production outfit The Picture Works. A triumphant return featuring house heavyweights X-Press 2 set the tone for the next few years, which has seen The Rare One go from strength to strength. Over the past few years, a slew of slew of dance music stars have been attracted to the wide and wonderful ride that is The Rare One, including Phil Hartnoll (Orbital), Evil Nine, LTJ Bukem & Conrad, DJ Hype, Scratch Perverts, Fabio & Grooverider, Freestylers, Brookes Brothers, The Loose Cannons and Dr. Meaker to name just a few. Most recently in October 2011, their warehouse (sorry, “Rarehouse”) party saw 1,500 ravers travel to the remote West Welsh village of Pontrhydfendigaid for a stellar line up featuring none other than the chart-topping Calvin Harris and a supporting cast of some of the best in the business, including Radio 1’s Kissy Sell Out, Sub Focus, SKisM, techno legend Chris Liberator and the ever-spectacular Correspondents – proof if ever it was needed that The Rare One is an event to be taken seriously and a growing institution amongst the Welsh and UK clubbing fraternity. All the while, their off-kilter events have continued to support and nurture local band and DJ talent to provide an exhilarating and unique experience unrivalled in the UK.
2012 sees the team take on a brand new challenge - the two-day LOVESGROVE FESTIVAL. Taking place on beautiful farmland just outside of Aberystwyth, this first forray into the world of festivals, LOVESGROVE sees them welcome a slew of world class DJ and band talent, including Andy C, Stanton Warriors, 16 Bit, Doorly, Roni Size, Loose Cannons, Dr. Meaker, Yes Sir Boss + many, many more! For full line-up and ticket details, check out the event page:
http://www.facebook.com/events/190208621093567/
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“Thanks to everyone that came down and made The Rare One such a fantastic gig.......mad place, madder crowd! We have to come back!”
Scratch Perverts, UK
“Thanks for a great weekend – my crew had a great time! It really was a right royal rave up with a bunch of real people ready to react to the rare and random grooves. Rock n roll!”
Phil Hartnoll (Orbital), UK
“Always a pleasure playing for promoters that obviously care about what they do as much as yourselves. Everything was taken care of from the hotel to our sound set up, which can sometimes be tricky. We'd love to come back and play again and hopefully catch up with the DJ Tutor!”
Rocky, X-Press 2, UK
“Just want to say what an awesome night at The Rare One! Fantastic vibe and crowd!!! Well worth the drive! It was the first but hopefully not the last time I will be in Aberystwyth!”
DJ Hype, UK
“It was a long drive.....but well worth it! We look forward to coming back soon.”
Freestylers, UK
“Aberystwyth rocked! No idea what would greet us at the end of the epic drive up, but it was banging when we got there and just got more so till we finished. The Rare One crowd fully represented on the dancefloor! Not dying trying to cross the Brecon Beacons on the way home was a bonus too!”
The Loose Cannons, UK
“We really enjoyed the party at The Rare One – great crowd, sound & hospitality. We’re looking forward to going back.”
Drumsound, UK
"Absolutely loved the vibe and crowd at The Rare One! Everything ran smoothly and the sound and visuals were awesome! Really looking forward to playing at The Rare One again soon! Dr. Meaker, UK
“The Rare One was indeed a rare experience! We were treated like kings – large dressing room, beers on the rider, excellent sound technicians, a large stage to move around on and an audience who were gagging for a good time... The ideal recipe for a gig to remember!”
Sicknote, UK
“A very enjoyable gig at a venue which was a theatre by day, rave by night! Professionally organised and top notch hospitality... The Rare One is a must, so don't miss out on the next one!”
Johnny Action Finger, UK
