The last Clare Cellars session of the year promised big things and a welcome chance to unwind in the shape of headliner Loick Essien. It was certainly slightly surreal to share the vaulted, Gothic ceilings of the bar complete with a DJ and a tipsy crowd of students wearing anything from clubbing clothes to full white tie.

The night got off to a slow start although this was improved by the seemingly inexhaustible drinks supply administered by the friendly bar staff. The well-stocked bar was accompanied by the ever-popular shots table and its imaginatively named concoctions. Of particular note was the Brownie: a moreish mixture of Kahlua, Baileys and Amaretto.

Four Brownies and a couple of Beards later, we were ready to hit the dance-floor and impress Cambridge with our well-tuned inventive dance moves perfected in Cindies while awaiting the evening’s star attraction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Essien himself, who performed at Girton Spring Ball earlier this year, did not make an appearance until the support act, DJ Lumi, had spent at least an hour churning out songs and preparing the crowd for the music that was to follow. That’s a lots of cringe-worthy dance moves. As always, sorry, Clare.

Loick Essien entered to frantic cheering and launched straight into ‘Stuttering’, a song recorded with N-Dubz, before asking the crowd to help him along. Other songs included ‘Me Without You’ and hit single ‘How We Roll.’ The size of the bar and cellars meant that there could still be a fairly intimate atmosphere and that the crowd could get close to the performers, yet the fact that people were leaving even before Essien’s big moment seemed discouraging.

The organisers clearly knew how to please the crowd: drinks kept flowing and they had guaranteed a major main act to play in a stunning and unusual venue.  The only downside was the length of Loick Essien’s set, which lasted about half an hour - disappointing seeing as he had been advertised as the main attraction of the night. Hopefully the Cellars have similar treats in store for Michaelmas.