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You'll have to get in quick if you want to be part of the biggest dance party of the millennium - The Gathering.
Tickets for the December 31 - January 2 event at Canaan Downs, Nelson Bays, went on sale on August 19 and sales have been strong, organisers say. Ticket sales are limited to 6000 and currently cost $105. If there are any left by October 1 they will increase to $125.
The Gathering, an international award-winning event, is a festival of freedom, dance, music and participation. The accent is on taking responsibility for the environment as well as having a good time. Organisers insist on no alcohol, no dogs, no glass, and no fires and there's a big emphasis on recycling.
More than 120 disc jockeys, 50 live acts, 100 performance artists and 30 drummers will be in action.
The site for The Gathering is 2500 feet above sea level and can reach 30 degrees during the day before dropping to near freezing at night. The list of suggested things to bring includes: sun block and a sun hat, solid footwar, warm clothing, wet weather gear, camping gear and a warm sleeping bag, a torch (no candles), food, water and containers, a first-aid kit, a bit of money, some clues and a pleasing attitude.
Security will be "nice but tight" organisers say.
The site will offer EFTPOS, security lockup for $5, a huge food marquee with everything from junk to vegan, clean portaloos, hot showers ($2), a general store, Red Cross, doctors and six zones of booming dance culture. The zones include trance/techno, dub/hip-hop/drum&bass/roots, house/funk/garage, happy/hardcore/industrial/hardbag, ancient/ambient/jazz/classical/world and tribal.
Get an early look at The Gathering on the website www.gathering.co.nz. Tickets are available through 0800 2 BOOKIT (0800 226 6548) or can be done online. There will be no gate sales.