After selling out only weeks after tickets were released, the flagship Fuzzy event which annually takes over the Domain returned again for its fifth instalment. The event sold over 20,000 tickets and is by far the biggest dance music event in Sydney. In recent years Fuzzy has developed the event and diversified the music on offer to include DJs pushing a greater variety of sounds across the events three stages. Despite this the event remains a predominantly breaks and house party, with a set list absolutely packed with huge names, both international and local. This year punters who secured themselves a ticket were treated to DJs such as Bob Sinclar, Derrick Carter, Roger Sanchez, Tiefschwarz, Stanton Warriors, Soul of Man, DJ Format and many more. The day is known to Sydney clubbers as a day where you can relax, take in the sunshine, and catch up with mates whilst surrounded by non stop quality tunes. The only difficulty lies in the fact that it happens directly after biggest party night of the year: New Years Eve, and this no doubt was felt by many (tugs collar nervously).

After taking on the Fat Boy Slim/Field Day Fuzzy double header, getting to the event when planned was always going to be challenging. However no one could have predicted just how difficult it would prove to be with the temperature soaring by midday to painfully hot levels. New Year’s Day 2006 in Sydney was the second hottest ever recorded in Australian history, reaching a scorching 44 degrees in the city. We finally made a move from the cool surrounds of a swimming pool and managed to park relatively close to the event without too much hassle. We arrived at about 3pm fearing prolonged sunstroke inducing queues, but luckily walked straight into the event and quickly walked around the venue to get ourselves oriented (and find the best bit of shade).

Joyously we discovered the water mist tunnels and the air conditioning tube which were a godsend after the walk from our parking spot. After slapping on a heap of sunscreen we made ourselves comfortable in the shade near the Killer Stage we took in the tunes on offer from Tiefschwarz, who were punching out a tasty set full of interesting eclectic tunes. We caught a short part of Stanton Warriors who were playing some storming tunes on the breaks stage, however it was simply too hot to stay. Much respect to the handful of people actually up on the dance floor during the hottest part of the day. As the day rolled on we made a move towards the main stage where Roger Sanchez was just starting his set. This set was without doubt the most fun set of the day featuring a stack of cheesy and ‘commercially approved’ party tunes all mixed with precision and class. The crowd was absolutely lapping up this set however it was still much too hot to dance. Some of the memorable tracks Sanchez played included classics such as: Donna Summers – I Feel Love, Roger Sanchez – Feel The Vibe, Eurythmics – Sweet Dreams and Deep Dish - Say Hello.

At about 4.30pm we decided to line up for a pass out wristband and go for a walk down to the road to a pub on the bottom of William St to sit in the air conditioning for half an hour and sink a few beverages to escape the unbelievable heat wave. We returned to the event eventually to catch Infusion on the concert stage, and they played another memorable set. The sun was finally setting and the crowd slowly grew bigger as the shade in front of the stage increased; whilst people at the front were cooled off by water hoses and girls with super soakers. Unfortunately this set seemed to fly by very quickly due to their short 45 minute allocation.

Next up we took in some of Derrick Carter’s set from the sidelines as the sun disappeared and the crowds began swarming towards the dance floor. This legend played a great set full of cool house tunes, grooving basslines and some acid house thrown in for good measure. This was a highlight of the day in my opinion but was probably too layered for many in the crowd; however fans of Carter would have been pleased. The onslaught of internationals continued with Bob Sinclar continuing on to lay down a tight set full of huge party tracks and electro house with some tech thrown in during the second hour. His set featured huge tracks such as Black Legend - Trouble, Pryda - Aftermath, Technotronic – Pump Up the Jam and the epic Love Generation to finish his set. Due to the approaching storm front and strong winds the breaks tent had to be closed and Krafty Kuts & Dynamite MC played on the main stage. This pleased many breaks fans in the crowd however the tracks just didn’t seem to be doing it for us so we decided to finally make a move back home after a very long and taxing day. I heard from a mate, however, that to close the event a Kiss cover band played the rock classic Rock & Roll All Night for a unique Field Day closing moment.

Overall, it was another well planned and perfectly organised event, so props to Fuzzy for pulling it off yet again. Many people including myself will have mixed memories of the day due to the almost unbearable heat throughout the main part of the day, however it must be said organisers did all they could to help comfort the crowd and keep them safe. As usual there were plenty of hotties around with short shorts as far as the eye could see, however some of the usual glamour of the event may have been lost this year with most people walking around with saturated clothing and dripping with sweat. Sound was top notch (considering noise regulations) and lighting and visuals looked amazing, especially after the sun set and people finally filled the massive dance floor. Good work to all those who made it and now we only have to wait 12 months till we can do it all again, so bring on Field Day 2007!