If someone was to compile a global list of the top 10 after-parties in history, there would be no doubt that Circo Loco would head the list. Conceived by Antonio and Andrea Pelino, it soon grew from an underground techno after-party into one of the most exciting weekly events in Ibiza.

Little did the Pelinos know how groundbreaking their little parties would become. When you can pack out an old airport hangar – that’d be DC10 – with clubbers on a Monday and have brilliant DJs like Danny Tenaglia, Sasha and Pete Tong just drop in and offer to play for free, Circo Loco was fast on its way to becoming the stuff of legend.

Circo Loco is Spanish for ‘crazy circus’ and that’s exactly what the clubbers got at Villa. Decorated as a red and white striped big top, the venue filled with hedonistic ringmasters, magicians, clowns and jokers who posed and danced up a storm centre stage. The Perth crowd really got into the spirit of the festivities and the array of extravagant and elaborate costumes on show was staggering. Face-painting was also offered, which helped everyone who didn’t dress up get into character and onto the same vibe as everyone else.

Renowned for showcasing cutting edge techno and house, the DJs at the Perth gig continued this Circo Loco tradition. Ibiza regulars Jamie Jones and Davide Squillace pumped out sexy, deep house to adoring fans. What impressed me most about the internationals is that in this age of CDJs, they still hooked up the vinyl turntable (without assistance from the venue, I must add). I’m a big fan of the traditional art of mixing, so that earned big brownie points from me.

Another factor was Jamie’s ability to draw the crowd onto the dancefloor. When he hit the stage at midnight, there was barely a clown or jester on there but by the middle of his set, it was packed full of nuns, gypsies and lion tamers gyrating away. The circus crowd were just as receptive when Squillace took over the decks.

The melodic grooves continued well into the night and were thoroughly enjoyed by all. The Circo Loco party in Perth may not have been as wild as they are in Ibiza, but the local crowd were just as enthusiastic and totally embraced the crazy circus theme and ethos. In fact, I’m pretty sure the Perth clubbers would have made the Pelinos proud.