I’m gonna come right out and say it. I was a one-man-wolf-pack at this gig. Yeah, I went by myself. My “friends” bailed. I was Miss Nigel No Friends. And to begin with, this concerned me. Dancing (or standing around embarrassed) alone for four hours watching Danny Howells do his thing; talk about lame-o! But when I arrived at the last Garden Party of the season, I realised my concerns were unfounded. Completely. In fact, it was one of the best Garden Party experiences to date.

It wasn’t just Danny Howells. Sure, he played a good set. Sure, he made the soundtrack for the afternoon once-in-a-lifetime. Sure, he had a smile to reassure you that it’s ok to go it alone sometimes. But more than Danny, it was Chinese Laundry and the Garden Party in particular that made me feel comfortable. I was surrounded by like-minded peeps. At these things, you know you can make friends. Everyone is there for a party, good atmosphere and good tunes.

It was a nigh-on perfect day – the sun was out, not scorching, but abundantly warm – and with a few beverages in the garden and a blissful soundtrack it was ticking boxes all over the place. Sure, I was a loner, but sometimes you need “me time”, right? Right…

Arriving a few tracks into Howell’s set, there was a good crowd gathered. There was still room to move and still room for a big night ahead. Everyone was pretty mellow in the early hours, including Mr. Howells. There were a few dance moves going around (along with kitchen utensils), but people seemed to be a little self conscious and honestly, Howells didn’t try to pump it up. He knew he’d have to keep the crowd together and eager for a large four hours. Which just shows he’s a thoughtful (and considerate) pro of a DJ.

As the sun sank, so too did drinks, and with that, inhibitions. The set became a little more banging. The crowd got fired up. Those utensils in the crowd got busy, whisking and ladling away. While mainly a house set, elements of minimal tech and electro were melded in, and to great effect. The best bit, though, was the basslines. There was a simple melodic rhythm in each track to keep everyone nodding along. This set wasn’t as eclectic as he’s been known to play. It was a simple, solid four hours, ending with an epic Halcyon On + On by Orbital (which some of the younger kids didn’t seem to appreciate enough, in my humble opinion. Their loss though).

With cider in hand, perched under a tree, I was content to watch deft hands blending and mixing and tweaking tracks. I was getting lost in the music as well as the ease with which Howells works. Before long, distraction came from a group of boys.

Simple conversation and easy friendliness flowed and I was no longer self conscious about my status as loner. The boys seemed pretty impressed that I’d still go to a gig when I didn’t have company (they also thought they recognised me from an “adult film” though, so I took it all with a grain of salt).

And they were just the tip of the iceberg. The diversity and the camaraderie in the courtyard was delightful. There was a smile from any direction I turned. Being there solo, I realised how insular I usually am. With my “friends” there, I don’t mingle. But from now on I might just pretend I’m alone and meet new people.

I’m glad Danny Howells was a big enough pull to get me out of the house by myself. His set would’ve been worth it alone, but the experience of solo-ing and the people I met, made the night. Give it a go sometime. You won’t regret it. (I can’t and don’t promise that. I mean it’s more than likely, but just in case. Don’t get all litigious if I’m wrong!) And if ever you get the chance to see Danny Howells, do it. I’ll promise you won’t regret that.