Between the clear skies, 40 degree temperatures and a bill featuring some of the biggest names in dance music today, it was clear that it was going to be a hot day – both in temperature and music at Adelaide’s premiere NYE event, Summadayze.

After rocking up without having to wait to get in (a pleasant surprise), I managed to catch the end of Sneaky Sound System, though the crowd was obviously growing at the Magenta stage to see international superstar, Snoop Dogg.

Rocking a Portland Trailblazers NBA jersey and enough bling to fill a few jewellery stores, Snoop played crowd favourites like Sweat, Young, Wild and Free and even a hair-raising rendition of House of Pain’s massive hit, Jump Around, much to the delight of the crowd. Not lacking any energy, Snoop’s interaction with the crowd bordered on insane, commanding audience members to jump around, put our hands in the air and, of course, drop it like it’s hot during his hit of the same name.

Snoop Dogg definitely makes for a hard act to follow, but the job fell to one Ruby Rose. The TV presenter, media personality and now DJ took to the decks, spinning and remixing current pop, dance and RnB hits with unique style. While much of the crowd slowly disappeared to fill up on drinks and food or to catch another act, the VIP area offered a perfect view of the intimate crowd below, still loving what Rose had to offer.

Over at the Scarlett stage, American hip-hop star Spank Rock was on. Spank Rock played a set laden with hits, Bump and Energy standing out in a tracklist that also heavily featured songs from the new album. The first time I’d caught Spank Rock live, I was pleasantly surprised with his slower and tenderer sounds alongside the high-energy tunes I’d expected.

Making my way back to the Magenta stage for local drum and base group Pendulum, I had a quick look at the boutique Teal stage, which was banging with electro and house hits that had the remarkably large crowd loving every tune.

Judging by the size of the crowd, Pendulum was on everyone’s ‘must see’ list – and they didn’t disappoint. Their energetic DJ set was full of classics and fresh hits, the crowd head-banging and foot-stamping along for the full hour and a half long, sweat-filled set. Standouts were the track The Island and a jumping remix of the Bloody Beetroots hit song Warp.

But the highlight of the night (at least for this reviewer) was at the Scarlett stage, where hip-hop/mixing DJ Grandmaster Flash produced one of the most exciting and unique sets I have ever witnessed.

Spinning tracks from every era, from Sweet Child of Mine, through Eminem’s_Lose Yourself_ to the Black Eyed Peas and Rihanna, every chart topper you could think of was featured in the set. Flash had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand; whether it be putting their hands up, signing along or jumping around, everyone was living on his every word. The thousands in the crowd chorusing Sweet Child of Mine was hair-raising and the thumping beats of Lose Yourself saw everyone in the crowd embrace their inner Slim Shady.

But bringing in 2012 with fireworks, cheers, beach balls and for the lucky few, a kiss, was French duo Justice, hitting the wheels of steel for the first set of the year. The crowd had disappeared somewhat, but the few who stuck around were treated to a mixture of new tracks such as Civilization and Audio, Video, Disco and On’n’On along with classics, such as a crowd pleasing D.A.N.C.E mix.

What better way to say goodbye to 2011 and hello to 2012 than with your friends, some sun and great music? Summadayze gives Adelaide the NYE that it has desperately needed: an event to attend with your mates, bringing world-class music to a neat venue where you can dance your way into the New Year! Bring on New Years Eve 2012.