- Now heading into its fourth year of operation, Newcastle-born promoter Jaunt has already enjoyed success with seasons in Ibiza and appearances at festivals such as Croatia's Hideout. Its long-time home and birthplace, the 500-or-so capacity rave den Cosmic Ballroom, has undergone a much needed refurbishment of late and, though it's still a brooding, dark and smoke machine sodden dance haven, the layout is improved and there's a much better sound balance. Drawing in the city's "cooler" crowd—think less Geordie Shore and more East London club kids—attendees at the most recent Jaunt, headlined by Nina Kraviz, ranged from starry-eyed university freshers to the most established of party faces, who radiated a vibe that can easily be described as warm, welcoming and up-for-it.
Opening up with a solid punch of acid laden techno, Kraviz delved into driving and borderline erotic basslines, all while displaying her knowing and intoxicating smile. Her set kept the crowd committed from start to finish—with arms up in unison. As at ease dishing out upfront house as the deeper fare, with a raucous remix of Inner City's "Good Life" an obvious highlight, Kraviz's selections were well received across the board.
Overall, the night wasn't maybe as busy as these smaller events once were, but with 350 heads in attendance it was more than full enough to maintain an electric atmosphere until the final minutes—no small feat considering the other huge Easter weekend events on around the UK, including Birmingham's massive Circo Loco party and fellow Newcastle night Shindig's big Easter Sunday party.