Oggy Oggy Oggy: Hull’s Funfair Fuels the Rise of Donk-Tacular Dance Music

Hull Fair‘s Waltzers: More Than Just a Ride, It’s a Cultural Hub

Hull, England – The annual Hull Fair, one of Europe’s largest traveling fairs, is currently captivating visitors wiht its dazzling lights, thrilling rides, and the irresistible aroma of fairground treats. However, beyond the usual attractions, a unique subculture is thriving within the spinning confines of the fair’s waltzers – a vibrant music scene that’s drawing in crowds and redefining the fairground experience.

Spanning 16 acres and boasting over 300 attractions, the fair is expected to welcome approximately 600,000 attendees during its week-long run, concluding on Sunday. while the UK’s tallest fairground ride undoubtedly draws attention, it is the waltzers that consistently reign supreme as the main attraction, so much so that the event’s opening ceremony featured a bell ringing on one of these iconic rides.

The Rise of the Waltzer Rave

The waltzers are not merely a source of dizzying thrills; they have become a breeding ground for a distinctive musical subculture. DJs specializing in high-energy dance music – encompassing genres like hardcore, donk, and bounce – collaborate with Master of Ceremonies (MCs) to orchestrate impromptu parties on the rides, complete with extraordinary sound and lighting systems.These setups transform the waltzers into what many describe as “mini-raves” or “mobile nightclubs.”

Hannah Taylor, a DJ who performed on the Hell-Blazer waltzer last year, recalls her experience as a “bucket list” moment. Growing up in Warrington, she remembers the waltzers at the local fair being the epicenter of exciting music. She now plays that same music, carrying forward a tradition deeply rooted in working-class communities.

Competition and Showmanship on the Rides

Approaching the Hell-Blazer waltzer, the thumping bass and freestyle rapping of MC Willy G are promptly apparent. Willy G, who has been performing for up to 11 hours a day, emphasizes the showmanship intrinsic to the scene. “It’s unique what we do,” he states, his voice roughened by countless performances. “There’s real showmanship involved.”

The fair’s free entry policy makes this experience accessible to many, providing a platform for young people and those with limited financial resources to enjoy live DJ sets and MC performances through powerful sound systems-Willy G claims his reaches 70,000 watts-creating an atmosphere akin to a live club. Spectators, riders and non-riders alike, gather around, embracing the pulsating rhythms. “All of us working here were brought together by music,” Willy G explains. “When the lads are spinning those cars, and we create the atmosphere that we do, people get goose bumps, chills, and hairs stand up on the back of their neck. This ride is the fastest and the finest.”

Competition for the title of the best ride and party is fierce. Joe, also working on the Hell-Blazer, confidently declares, “…but there’s only one winner.”

over at Albert Evans’ Atmosphere Creator, the rivalry continues. Evans acknowledges a friendly camaraderie among the ride operators, but admits that competitive spirit takes over once the generators are switched on. He dismisses claims about hell-Blazer being the fastest, encouraging fairgoers to “have a go on each one and make your own mind up.”

Ride	operator	Key Features
Hell-Blazer	Willy G & Team	high-wattage sound system, Freestyle MCing, Emphasis on speed
Atmosphere Creator	Albert evans	Competitive sound system, Focus on visitor experience

A Cultural touchstone for a New Generation

Increasingly, the DJ lineups are as much of a draw as the rides themselves. Critically acclaimed house and techno artist I Jordan recently performed at the fair as part of the Hull arts festival, Unthinkable. Jordan, who hails from Doncaster, describes the fair as their first exposure to hardcore and donk music.

“you would go on the waltzers just to hear these tracks,” Jordan explains. They view this corner of dance music culture as vitally vital,notably for communities ofen overlooked. “It’s probably frequently enough overlooked as of classism,” they say, “But it’s really critically important to raise the profile of these sorts of things.” Jordan’s set featured “in-your-face, loud sounds,” fitting for the waltzer environment, characterizing it as a “northern thing.”

The performance proved deeply moving for Jordan, who noticed young attendees captivated by the decks, filming and photographing the setup. “I saw so many kids when I was DJing who were looking at my decks and were mesmerised and taking videos and photos,” they say. “I was thinking: ‘This was literally me 20 years ago.’ It felt really special and I was quite emotional at times. It feels really full circle to reconnect with it as this is basically where it all began. So I’m hoping I planted some seeds for those kids.”

Everyone involved expresses a sincere passion for this unique aspect of electronic music and its impact on people’s lives. “What we do takes people away from the pain and sorrows of life,” Willy G states passionately. “It’s like a big wonderland. And if we can create that for people … what more can you do?”

Did You Know? The waltzer ride originated in Germany in the 19th century and was initially a slower, more elegant dance-based attraction. Its evolution into a high-speed, music-driven experience is a testament to the power of youth culture and adaptation. According to the Showmen’s Guild, fairgrounds contribute over £5 billion annually to the UK economy, supporting thousands of jobs.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning to visit the Hull Fair, wear comfortable shoes, dress warmly, and be prepared for crowds. Consider bringing earplugs if you’re sensitive to loud music!

Frequently asked Questions about Hull Fair Waltzers

• What makes the waltzers at Hull Fair special? They’ve evolved into a unique music and cultural hub, featuring DJs and mcs alongside the traditional ride experience.
• What kind of music is played on the waltzers? Primarily high-speed dance music, including hardcore, donk, and bounce.
• Is the Hull Fair free to enter? Yes, the fair itself has free entry, even though rides and attractions have individual charges.
• What is the atmosphere like at the waltzers? it’s described as a “mini-rave” or “mobile nightclub” with a high-energy, immersive experience.
• Is competition fierce between the waltzer operators? Yes, there is meaningful rivalry to create the best ride and party atmosphere.
• How has the waltzer scene influenced artists? Artists like I Jordan credit the fair as their initial introduction to dance music.
• What is the economic impact of fairs like Hull Fair? Fairs contribute over £5 billion annually to the UK economy and support thousands of jobs.

What are your experiences with fairground culture? Do you think these unique subcultures play an important role in preserving musical heritage?

How did the unique atmosphere of Hull Fair directly contribute to the growth of donk music’s sonic characteristics?

The Hull Fair Connection: Where Donk Was Born

hull fair, the annual travelling funfair held in East Park, Hull, isn’t just about thrilling rides and sugary treats. For a dedicated subculture, it’s ground zero for donk music – a uniquely British genre of electronic dance music characterized by its heavy basslines, sped-up vocal samples (often from UK garage tracks), and a distinctly playful, often chaotic energy. The origins of donk are inextricably linked to the fair’s atmosphere, specifically the sounds emanating from the rides themselves.

* Ride Sounds as inspiration: The repetitive, distorted sounds of the fairground rides – especially the Booster and the Waltzers – provided the initial sonic palette for early donk producers.

* Early 2000s emergence: Donk began to coalesce as a genre around 2002-2003, largely within a network of teenagers attending hull Fair and sharing music online.

* DIY Production: Early donk wasn’t created in professional studios.It was born from bedroom producers using basic software like Fruity Loops (now FL Studio) and readily available sound samples.

Defining the Donk Sound: Key Elements & Characteristics

What is donk, exactly? It’s a question that often stumps those unfamiliar with the genre. Here’s a breakdown of its core components:

* Tempo: Typically between 130-150 BPM, making it faster than traditional UK garage but slower than some forms of hardcore.

* Basslines: The defining feature. Donk basslines are often heavily distorted, sub-bass focused, and designed to physically vibrate the listener. Think “wobbly” bass.

* Vocal Samples: Chopped, pitched-up, and heavily processed vocal samples, frequently sourced from classic UK garage anthems. Artists like Artful Dodger and MJ Cole were common sources.

* Fairground SFX: The inclusion of sounds directly sampled from fairground rides – sirens, mechanical noises, and crowd chatter – is a hallmark of the genre.

* Energetic & Playful: Donk isn’t meant to be taken too seriously. It’s about energy, fun, and a sense of youthful rebellion.

Key Artists & Labels: The Donk Pioneers

several artists and labels were instrumental in shaping and popularizing donk music.

1. DJ Threat: Widely considered the “Godfather of Donk,” DJ Threat (real name Mark Taylor) was one of the first to consistently produce and DJ donk tracks. His early releases helped define the genre’s sound.
2. Sticky: Another pivotal figure, Sticky (real name Chris Ward) helped push donk into wider recognition with tracks like “Bibs and braces.”
3. S3RL: A more recent artist who revitalized interest in donk in the late 2000s and early 2010s, bringing a more polished production style to the genre.
4. Donk Records: The label founded by DJ Threat, serving as a central hub for donk artists and releases.
5. Bassline Junkies: Another important label that championed the sound.

The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again?) of Donk

donk enjoyed a period of significant popularity in the mid-2000s, particularly in the North of england. Though, its mainstream appeal waned towards the end of the decade. Several factors contributed to this:

* Over-Saturation: The rapid proliferation of donk producers led to a perceived decline in quality.

* Media Scrutiny: The genre was sometimes unfairly associated with antisocial behavior, leading to negative press coverage.

* Shifting Musical Trends: The rise of dubstep and other electronic music genres diverted attention away from donk.

However, donk has experienced a significant resurgence in recent years, fueled by:

* Nostalgia: A wave of nostalgia for the early 2000s has led to renewed interest in the genre.

* Internet Culture: Platforms like TikTok and YouTube have played a crucial role in introducing donk to a new generation of listeners.

* Revival Events: Dedicated donk nights and events are becoming increasingly popular, attracting both original fans and newcomers.

Donk Today: Festivals, Online Communities & Future Trends

The donk scene is thriving, albeit in a different form than its early days.

* Dedicated Events: Events like “Donk Fest” and dedicated donk arenas at larger festivals demonstrate the genre’s continued appeal.

* Online Communities: Active online communities on platforms like Facebook and Discord provide a space for fans to connect, share music, and discuss the genre.

* Streaming Platforms: Donk tracks are readily available on streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, making it easier than ever to discover the genre.

* Hybridization: Contemporary donk producers are experimenting with blending the genre with other styles, such as drum and bass and house music, creating exciting new sounds. Expect to see more donkstep and donk house emerging.

* **Sample