Ravers in Belfast are to be given a chance to relive their youth as an award-winning VR experience transporting them into the heart of the Acid House movement comes to the city next year.
In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats is an internationally acclaimed experience created by Darren Emerson and produced by East City Films which brings audiences back to a time when the scene was in its infancy.
It tells the story of the creation of the rave culture through a multicultural tale of collaboration and unity that celebrates music, friendship and the joy of youth.
The experience of tracking down and arriving at an all-night illegal warehouse party at the height of the rave scene in Coventry, 1989 puts audiences into the shoes of rave culture pioneers.
Viewers are taken on a multi-sensory joyride into the past, bringing to life the stories of the promoters, police officers, pirate radio stations, and secret warehouse rave-goers, whose rivalries and relationships drove a revolution in music and society.
The film features euphoric rave anthems such as Chime by Orbital and Energy Flash by Joey Beltram.
Belfast will welcome the show to Carlisle Memorial Church from February 24 until March 26 next year as part of the city’s XR Festival.
Director Darren Emerson said Belfast felt like a “must” for the show.
“What other city could connect to the unifying nature of dance music culture more than Belfast?” he said.
“Because take away the technology of VR and this is what Beats is really all about; it’s about DIY culture, bourgeoning friendships, and disparate communities coming together to connect and dance till dawn.
Pic: David Rowan
“I see Acid House as a vital moment of revolution at the end of a fractious decade; a non-violent protest in the face of the things that would seek to separate us.”
Deepa Mann-Kler, Director of Belfast XR Festival, said they were ecstatic to bring the show to the city.
“Beats celebrates a unique moment in music cultural history that has a particular resonance for audiences locally,” she said.
“When I talk about Beats being an experience – it really is that – so from the moment you enter Carlisle Memorial Church, you’ll feel the same excitement and trepidation of entering a rave.
“This is really a one of a kind sensory experience that will linger.”
Sarah-Jane Meredith, Manager, UK Wide Audiences at the BFI , who supported the project, said it had the potential to reach audiences who had not yet engaged in VR.
“As well as thrilling new audiences, the project sets out to create a legacy at participating venues, as their staff will be better skilled and equipped to showcase other VR work in the future,” she said.
“All of which chimes with the ambition set out in our current strategy, Screen Culture 2033, to support the evolution of broader screen work in the UK.”
In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats will run at Carlisle Memorial Church in Belfast from February 24 2025 until March 26 2025. For more information visit their website.