The Craig McConnon Group has secured its second venue in a week. This time it's Gen:Z in Northampton. The city is known for its educational establishments, notably Northampton University and Northampton College, so it's crawling with young people eager to party (only every now and again, of course...) but there's not much happening on the high capacity scene. Craig McConnon is changing that with a massive new high capacity venue for seasonal parties. For those who don't know what high capacity means, the fully converted semi underground venue can take a thousand partygoers at a time and is sure to have fans flocking to this end of the shires.
Craig McConnon likens the venue to B3, under development in Melbourne. “That's a really, really big place,” he says. “Reports are it can take five thousand, but maybe that's a little much for the shy old shires.” B3 is said to be a converted underground parking garage but Gen:Z is only partially underground. “It's got three levels,” Craig McConnon explains. “Basement, ground and first but the main dance area is triple volume, so you can see three stories up with DJs synced on every level.” The idea behind the multi storey party venue is to create a space for major techno raves scheduled out of term when students are free to party their hearts out. The venue can also be hired out for special events like major corporate bashes or international DJ attendances.
The Craig McConnon Group says Gen:Z has already locked some global names, many of them friends of Craig McConnon from his international tour days and Ibiza season launch parties. The venue is sure to attract partygoers from all over the UK. Glasgow is said to be launching techno tours, but it seems they might have to take a detour to Northampton to check out the scenery. “We can't give dates quite yet,” says Craig McConnon. “But watch this space. I've got my best lined up for at least a year.”
Craig McConnon is keen the venue should be fully equipped for raves, house and live techno. Three perspex DJ cubes, one on each level, are kitted out with pro modular synths with flexible drum sequencers, drum sampler modules, dedicated kicks, snares, claps, toms and hi-hat modules, as well as an effects module with a stereo mixer and compressor. “It's an interesting time for live techno,” says Craig McConnon. “There's just so much more DJs and sound artists can do.”
The Craig McConnon Group is consulting with lighting specialists for a low energy synchronised LED lighting panel that gives maximum flexibility for different events and effects. “We're not restricting this venue to one style or genre. It's kitted for live techno but even Indie can rock the house,” Craig McConnon says. “There's just so much variation in what young people here are looking for and there are just so many of them, we thought well let's open the space up and see what comes.” So far, it's looking good and the anticipation is building.
Craig McConnon is keeping exact details under wraps until the building is complete. He's not even letting on exact location, but it's sure to surprise. “People in Northampton know there's something on the go, but not quite what,” he says. “We're capitalising on building excitement so when what we've done comes out, it will be huge.”
The Craig McConnon Group is getting a name for club design, not just in equipment and architecture, but in the huge variety each venue offers. “I've worked in so many venues,” Craig McConnon says. “By now I've got a pretty good idea of what people like and what they need in a club environment.” Needless to say, the bars are receiving special attention. The availability of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks – and their price – are always major elements in the overall club experience. “People get thirsty,” Craig McConnon says, “And we like to avoid dehydration, but I'm not saying any more on that.” Be assured party animals will be well lubricated.
Craig McConnon is most excited about the versatility of the venue. “It can be anything you need it to be,” he says. “Where there's music, lights and big space, people will party. It's only natural.” Gen:Z is in the process of obtaining all the relevant permissions and licences while building is under way. “We're multitasking, but we do it well,” he says. “And that's Gen:Z. Keep watching.”
About us: Craig McConnon is a very well known DJ and music artist now based in London after many years of travelling and DJing across the world. He set up the Craig McConnon Group five years ago. Craig performs at multiple venues, including parties, weddings, corporate events, and much more. Craig has over 15 years’ experience in being a DJ and uses the very latest equipment to ensure your event runs as smoothly as possible. To get more information and make a booking with the Craig McConnon Group, you can contact him or his team via the website for more information.
