The Balkan Rally | The Party Rally from England to Macedonia.

This years Underhill Festival is the start to the Balkan Rally and is included in the entry price. The festival has grown since last year to a two day event with 3 music stages and a host of other activities to keep you amused.

Right in the centre of the site will be the Balkan music stage where you will here some of the leading voices in the gypsy music scene. Headliner’s Gypsy Hill (http://www.myspace.com/gypsyhill/music) are an incredible act, and supporting them will be everything from Belly Dancer’s to Balkan magicians and more amazing bands.

On the other stages you will find some of the world’s leading DJs performing and some incredible up-and-coming acts. Artists such as Zombie Disco Squad (http://www.myspace.com/zombiediscosquad), Krafty Kuts (http://www.myspace.com/djkraftykuts), Lone (http://www.myspace.com/lonemusic), Le Jockey (http://www.myspace.com/lejockey/music) and Richy Ahmed (http://www.residentadvisor.net/dj/richyahmed) will all be tearing it up. That still leaves the Mystery Headliner, a man who is frequently regarded as being one of the Top 10 DJs in the world. I cannot name names but this is huge.

As anyone who made it to the inaugural event last year will testify, Underhill is about much more than just music. Arts and activities events will all be laid on over the weekend, as will some delicious food and drink including some local ales and ciders.

On the final day Ralliers will assemble as best they can for the grand see-off from their very own section of the festival site. After a quick speech from the mayor and a ribbon cut by miss Wessex 2011, it’ll be time to head off into the unknown bound for Brugge…

Watch this space for the next instalment where I’ll be telling you what’s in store for the rallier’s in Western Europe

Dearest Ralliers

Underhill Festival:

We are less than 38 days from Underhill Festival – your launch party, marking the beginning of the Balkan Rally and more importantly, the beginning of your adventure. For Underhill, there are only 400 tickets available to the public / those wanting to see you off - get in quick. Early bird tickets are still available at just £18.

Visit Underhill to grab yours now!

Crunch Time: 7 days to confirm your place

Over half of the 118 participants signed so far have paid their deposit, a good number to take on the Balkans. To everyone else,you have just a week to pay your deposit, guaranteeing your place on this years rally.

Pay your deposit now to join us this summer!

Ben Stevenson: Official Balkan Rally Film
When Just Happened is the official production company for The Balkan Rally. They will be filming all escapades from here to well… wherever you end up! Ben and his camera will not however have a car but will be relying on you guys and gals to show him the way - hitchhiking in other words! Therefore, allowing When Just Happenedto create the most exciting and intimate film of this once in a lifetime journey for you all to see and share. 

Do you have an extraordinary story to tell? If you wish to be featured or not as the case maybe, send an email to:studio@whenjusthappened.com or call the production mobile on +447776306603 at anytime day or night between now and the end of the rally!

That's all for now, see you at the launch!

Love and kisses, BR Team

5 places left at £98:

The Kiro Gligorov offer a lot of you have taken advantage of is nearly over. Only 5 places of the 50 we have offered remain, make sure all your team members are signed up – they’ll go in no time. 

We are able to provide details on three of our events this summer. Check the events section for further details on the rest.

Underhill Festival: 30th July 2010

We’re bringing the Balkans to the West country, our launch at Underhill Festival promises to get you in the mood. A one-day festival of Balkan music set amongst Dorset’s countryside. We are teaming up with Scottish club night, Balkanarama to bring you a hot Balkan Instrumental orgy. Later on the music gets a little heavier as we team up with music blog ‘You Can Call Me Pelski’ who will take us into the early hours with DJs playing dubstep, house, techno, and Balkan influenced dance music.

There will be plentiful food and local brews on offer. Try the Cheddar Valley for a really good night… The launch party will be free to all those on the rally, for everyone else, they are able to buy a ticket here. (Website coming shortly...)

The Hague – After Party: 31st July 2010

This year, The Balkan Rally is redefining the after party… You don’t have long to get yourselves from the West Country to the Netherlands, but we don’t mind waiting up. For all those who brake down, miss their ferry and got a puncture – you’re already behind! 

With Amsterdam no doubt on your mind, we’ll break you in to life on the continent. We’re working exclusively with a top promoter in The Hague to offer you a truly unique experience. A huge glass beach house by the sea waits your arrival.

Finsh Party – Lake Ohrid: 12th August 2010

The finish party takes place on the shores of Lake Ohrid in Macedonia – one of the most beautiful corners of Europe, on a beach.

We start with traditional local music. This time showcasing the best gypsy polka the Balkans have to offer. A barbecue will be cooking up the finest Tavče Gravče whilst the bar will be serving throughout the night to keep everyone liquidated.

Later on, the music will move onto some of the Balkan’s biggest beats to keep you going strong until the sunshine appears.