Having started out as a small, discrete party on an isolated farm in 2004, The Rare One has grown to become one of Wales’ most celebrated events.

The brainchild of local promoters Rhodri Shaw, David Soul and Matthew Richards, they quickly gained notoriety for throwing flamboyant and unconventional parties that offered a unique alternative to mainstream clubland.

Opting to throw occasional parties as opposed to regular events their large-scale, themed events routinely sell out and attract a vast array of punters all intent on a wild night out.

That first barn party was supposed to be a small party for friends to celebrate Rhodri’s impending departure for a season’s skiing in Andorra. It took everybody by surprise. Over 500 turned up in the middle of nowhere to hear a mixed night of music, from live punk and ska to firing house and drum & bass. Not only was its success unexpected, but the musical variety on show that night set the tone for every Rare One event since.

Brimming with confidence following this initial success, that inaugural event was quickly followed up in early 2005. Aberystwyth Arts Centre, their home-to-be for the next five years, was transformed into a luscious dancehall for a formal ball. 350 guests were treated to free champagne on arrival, candlelit tables and floral arrangements in return for the formal wear attire that all were happy to adopt. Again, they were treated to live sets from local bands and headline DJ sets from Sonny Wharton and The Beat Monkeys.

In October 2005, The Rare One threw one of the most talked-about events in recent years – The Halloween Ball. Held at the Grade I listed Nanteos Mansion, an 800-strong sold out crowd (each and every one in crazy Halloween fancy dress) were bussed in to enjoy live music and DJ sets through the night in one of Aberystwyth’s most amazing locations. A roaring success, the event is still talked about to this today and set the bar for quality for everything they have done ever since.

Following a three-year hiatus, whilst Rhodri, David and Matthew travelled the world, they returned in 2008 hand-in-hand with leading visual production outfit The Picture Works. A triumphant return featuring house heavyweights X-Press 2 got the ball well and truly rolling again. Ever since, The Rare One has gone from strength to strength.

Over the past few years, a slew of slew of dance music stars have been attracted to the wide and wonderful ride that is The Rare One, including Phil Hartnoll (Orbital), Evil Nine, LTJ Bukem & Conrad, DJ Hype, Scratch Perverts, Fabio & Grooverider, Freestylers, Brookes Brothers, The Loose Cannons and Dr. Meaker to name just a few.

Most recently in October 2011, their warehouse (sorry, “Rarehouse”) party saw 1,500 ravers travel to the remote West Welsh village of Pontrhydfendigaid for a stellar line up featuring none other than the chart-topping Calvin Harris and a supporting cast of some of the best in the business, including Radio 1’s Kissy Sell Out, Sub Focus, SKisM, techno legend Chris Liberator and the ever-spectacular Correspondents – proof if ever it was needed that The Rare One is an event to be taken seriously and a growing institution amongst the Welsh and UK clubbing fraternity.

Throughout this mad-cap ride, their off-kilter events have continued to support and nurture local band and DJ talent to provide an exhilarating and unique experience unrivalled in the UK.

2012 sees the team take on a brand new challenge - the two-day LOVESGROVE FESTIVAL. Taking place on beautiful farmland just outside of Aberystwyth, this first forray into the world of festivals sees them welcome a slew of world class DJ and band talent, including Andy C, Stanton Warriors, 16 Bit, Doorly, Roni Size, Loose Cannons, the returning (and The Rare One favorites) Dr. Meaker, Yes Sir Boss + many, many more!

Visit us at www.therareone.co.uk for more information and details of up-and-coming events and other related nonsense!