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DJ Wired talks to us about the Rise of the Hope and parties, ahead of his upcoming set at Tribal Village on 14th January 2022!

David Minns Tells Us Why South London is The Place To Be!

Reported by Macavity / Submitted 27-09-10 06:49

It won't escaped anyone's notice that it's been a turbulent times for London club venues. Over the last couple of years we've lost most of our well loved stomping grounds as the recession and building plans. But it's not all bad news, as the Capital still has plenty of places where we can strut our stuff. While North London has lost well loved haunts such as Bagleys, Turnmills and The Cross South London is faring better.

One such venue is Arcadia (Formerly The Arches) in London Bridge. The four roomed club has been nestled away in London Bridge for 10 years and now it's about to come to the fore. Not only is it rebranding itself to Acadia but it's branching out to include a diverse range of new club nights - including Riot!'s 9th Birthday just last weekend.

One person who should know is, David Minns, The Acadia, events manager - a club formerly known as The Arches that many of you on Harderfaster won't have been to before. He's tasked with bringing more events to the venue and created plenty of memorable nights. Situated in a triangle not far from Vauxhall and Ministry of Sound he believes South London has become the heart of London clubbing.

He also maintains that recession aside it's quite typical for venues to come and go 'As music and time evolves, new audiences look for fresh places to party'. We took a few minutes out of David's day to quiz him about watch it's like to be a South London, venue Event Manager.

Who are you and what's your role?

I'm the events manager for Arcadia. It's my job to look after all the bookings and make sure all the events run smoothly (formerly Arches).



The Arcadia From Outside


We know the role of a event manager is pretty relentless.What were you doing before this interview.Give us an insight into the working life of David Minns?

I've just done a double viewing of the venue, showing the full capabilities of our light and sound in action then answering questions and taking proposals for events. We hire out the venue not only to club nights but also to corporates and businesses so they can host product launches.

Many clubbers may not have been to The Arcadia (Arches) before so tell us what it has to offer, that possibly other venues don't.

It is all housed under four intimate railway arches and includes unique outdoor smoking areas. The lighting and sound alone is cutting edge here which makes for the perfect atmosphere and all round clubbing experience.

You've recently changed the name to Acadia. What's the reason for this. Does this mean the venue will change?

Not at all, in fact the venue is due a massive refit and a relaunch in October and we just wanted to give the club a new name in order to reposition in todays ever changing market.

Explain the layout of the club and the technology?

The club has 4 Arches, of which Arch 1 is the reception room with bar, cloakroom, toliets and access to the smoking Arch. Arch 2 is the main dance arena with over £250,000 worth of intelligent lighting and a whopping 40K of sound system. Arch 3 is split into 2 self contained rooms of which one is fully equipped with light and sound. Arch 4, otherwise known as the garden arch includes another bar, DJ booth, access to a smoking garden and lounge area.

Do you think it will suit the Riot! crowd?

I know the Riot crowd will love it here! On previous parties I have been to Riot at the End and this club has everything and more to offer the faithful Rioters.



Arcadia Main Room


No one can escape the fact that London has felt the pain when it come to losing treasured venues like Turnmills, Matter, The Cross etc. Is this an opportunity for a venue like yours?

I think that clubbing in general works in waves of popularity and although Arcadia has been here under the name Arches for 10 years it is now an opportunity for more people to experience what Arcadia has to offer.

What's the most memorable night you've had down there thus far? eg, Your personal favourite.

The Red Bull BMX event was great, really underground. We host the premier of a new BMX film and had a fantastic party afterwards.

What does it take to run a club. What skills do you think you need to have?

To be a good promotions and bookings manager, you need to be a constant part of the scene, easily approachable, good problem solver and most importantly enjoy parties. You also need to be willing to put the hours in. It's more of a lifestyle than a job.



Main Arch


Is it fun, do you enjoy it?

Oh yes, I'll never hang up my dancing shoes. Having 1,000 + people all in unison enjoying the music and the venue is second to none.

What does it take to run a night. I guess most people think someone opens the door and that's it, but what really goes into getting a venue prepared for a night out.

Decor plays a big part, as does the running order of the DJ's and performers but the biggest part is detaching yourself and reading the crowd from every person's point of view and fine tuning the venue at every available opportunity.

Finally, congratulations on the partnership with Riot.

I have wanted to work with Riot ever since their 1st year of parties. I am so pleased they have found a home at Arcadia (formerly Arches).

Photos copyright David Minns, not to be reproduced without permission.


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Other Features By Macavity:
Ben Coda Gets Ready for Glade Festival
The Tidy Boys are Back To Clean Up London
Russia's No 1 DJ, Bobina Springs into London
Ali Wilson - From Harderfaster to Carl Cox's Favourite Producer
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The views and opinions expressed in this review are strictly those of the author only for which HarderFaster will not be held responsible or liable.
Comments:

From: crazy-frenchie on 7th Oct 2010 06:48.36
Nice interview David! South London is most definitely the place to be for clubbing. Looking forward to checking out this venue Smile

From: ceekay on 14th Oct 2010 09:42.18
Ha, some of my first clubbing nights in London were at the Arches. Smile Looks a lot better in these photos though.

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