In London the Queen and Tony Blair held hands and sang Auld Lang Syne as the clock struck midnight at the controversial Millennium Dome. But Sheffield hosted a far livelier party at the now-demolished Don Valley Stadium, where superclub Gatecrasher put up Tensile 1, an enormous tent intended to be the largest nightclub in the world – 25,000 revellers bagged tickets to dance to DJ sets from the likes of The Chemical Brothers, Paul Oakenfold, Sasha, Judge Jules, Paul Van Dyk and Tall Paul. Here are some pictures from that never-to-be-repeated event.
1. An ambitious venture
2000GC, as the event was called, featured a stage area incorporating two DJ platforms raised 20ft in the air, linked by a suspension bridge. State-of-the-art plasma screens were used in the tent-like structure - the organisers wanted a 'rock'n'roll circus' atmosphere. Photo: Andrew Partridge
2. 'One very special night'
Gatecrasher promoter Simon Raine's aim was to put 'ten years of promoting parties, ten years of production knowledge and ten years of contacts into one very special night'. Photo: Andrew Partridge
3. 'It will always be with you'
Partygoers are pictured here at the big moment itself, welcoming in the year 2000. The slogan for 2000GC was 'It will always be with you'. There was some drama when, after midnight, somebody scaled one of the giant tent poles - police had to step in. Photo: Andrew Partridge
4. When superclubs reigned
The line-up reads like a who's who of dance music in the late 20th century, when superclubs like Gatecrasher were at their zenith. The Chemical Brothers, Paul Oakenfold, Sasha, Judge Jules, Paul Van Dyk, Tall Paul, John Kelly, DJ Sonique, Scott Bond and Matt Hardwick were the 10 DJs who appeared. Photo: Andrew Partridge