REVIEWED: Pier Jam Hastings – Part 3

For one afternoon, a quiet town on the South-East Coast turns into an eight- hour mash up from a roster of well-known electronic DJ’s. From the top of cliffs to the old town, the party can’t be ignored with hordes of people exploring the town centre before the event begins; the sun beats down on the Saxon town as the final installment of Pier Jam Hasting’s begins.

Alternating between Blackpool and Hastings, ‘Pier Jams’ are beginning to take over the country. To understand the significance of the Pier celebration’s we need to look back into its heritage. Dating back to the 1960’s coastal towns like Hastings and Blackpool were buzzing with vibrant youth culture. From Punks, Mods and Rockers, Piers became a very popular live music venue throughout many influential era’s. Groups like The Kinks, The Zombies and The Rolling Stones entertained youth culture along the south coast as well as attracting people from more further afield. Fast forward to 2018, and although the music may have changed the spirit and atmosphere of a Pier celebration shows the simple things should never change.

Voted one of the best Pier’s in the UK, it featured several bars, VIP areas, and several independent stalls. With only one stage it did feel small as everyone was packed in tight together, and long ques at the bar meant pushing; seeing the occasional punch being thrown was not an unfamiliar sight. Pier Jam also employed a non-refundable token system for drink purchasing which was frustrating, as many people were left with useless tokens and felt ‘scammed’ out of their own money.

Nevertheless, featuring artists like ‘Chase and Status’, ‘Matrix & Futurebound’ and ‘Danny Howard,’ Pier Jam targeted all forms of electronic for a line-up delivering on all fronts. Matrix & Futurebound tore through the crowd with overwhelming energy as they blasted through their back catalogues, with a mixture of their number 1’s and tunes you wish you could get your hands on. With seamless transitions and contrasting styles, these two are ones to lookout for at your next event.

Headlining was two of the most exciting producers the UK has ever seen. Hailing from London, Chase & Status have been all over the radio in recent years. Currently promoting their upcoming album “RTRN II JUNGLE” the Drum and Bass heavyweights were the perfect act to finish. With a range of tunes fresh from Jamaica, Chase & Status packed out the Pier and gave the crowd the ultimate jungle workout. As everyone danced the overwhelming History of Hastings Pier continues.