Once again Canberra showed true festival spirit, braving a wintery December night to support local organisers and talents at Sunsets Music and Arts Festival on Saturday. Disaster had struck the night earlier, as winds brought down the main tent and rain dampened expectations for the day. Somehow the Canberra music community got word around fast for the new start time of 6pm when the rain had ceased, but the temperature had dropped. Though once the music began and that sweet BBQ smell drifted across the Amphitheatre in Commonwealth Park, nothing could stop the small but excited Sunsets crowd from having one hell of a party.

On entering the Amphitheatre one can see straight away why organiser Cris Clucas chose the charming little spot for the Sunsets venue. As you walk down a short path from the entrance to the bar, the area opens up to reveal an open plan perfect for a small festival like Sunsets. Grassy seats rise to the right and a slope down to the left which planes out at the bottom provides the perfect place for the main stage and dance area. This is all surrounded by tall flora and a lily speckled lake. Were it not for the pumping music and gathering people I’m sure it would be quite a nice, serene little place; but what a waste of a perfect party venue that would be!

Every act at Sunsets was an absolute treat. Anyone who wasn’t a part of the small crowd missed out on an intimate experience with some quality music. Talented youngster DJ Bricksta, not old enough to play at the usual spots one would go to hear his brand of house, funk and electro, kicked off the night to an audience of mostly staff and volunteers. At least Bricksta was given the opportunity through Sunsets which was all about showcasing the varied talent in Canberra.

As the sun went down the Sunsets population went up, taking the dance floor finally in some kind of force for local Ministry of Sound stars Aston Shuffle. An unusual twist on the sets we’re used to getting down to, the first few tracks fell into the category of hard style; strange for Shuffle but welcomed by the dance floor nonetheless. This trend changed and before long the Shuffle boys broke into their well known electro sound; highlighting the performance with a mix of Ode to Joy which had everyone laughing and loving it.

Speaking of having a good laugh, live headliners Cellblock 69 had everyone in stiches… Well, anyone that loves a good 80s chart classic like myself. By the time these guys were half way through their set most of the Sunsets crowd were partying on the dance floor like it was 1985. I’m sure their tactic is to catch everyone bit by bit and reel you onto the dance floor; performing a track that makes you say “Oh my god, I LOVE this song”. My weakness was Angel is a Centrefold by the J. Giles Band, but similarly you could have been snagged by their fun covers of The Bangles, Van Halen or even Devo. Laughter and singing voices took over the dance space. Cellblock 69 are fantastic showmen and know how to show you a great time; true cheese style.

The turntables were handed back over to some local favourites to close the cold night. Karton brought us back to modern times with some brilliant drum n bass, Fourthstate continued with dirty breaks and Peekz played what some are calling one of the best sets of ‘07; the man hides his skills from the mainstream clubs, most likely perfecting his act to blow everyone away at the end of the year as he did Saturday night.

A perfect spot, amazing acts, good food… and terrible weather. Sunsets had all the right ingredients for a brilliant end of year celebration, but was dampened by a factor outside the control of any organiser. Fingers crossed for luckier conditions in 2008, this is a party that Canberra wants, needs and will support.