As some of you may know, the Sanctuary in Milton Keynes, England was a legendary venue for many rave events such as Helter Skelter and Slammin Vinyl. It was closed down a few years back for an Ikea amongst other things.
Through facebook, fans of the sanctuary organised to hold a reunion in Ikea.
Here is the story:
ASTONISHED shoppers in an Ikea homestore were left open-mouthed when 300 apparent customers performed a five-minute spontaneous 'flash' rave arranged on Facebook.
Families browsing the textiles section of the store in Milton Keynes stood amazed as the ravers broke in to dance in a show of 'remembrance' for popular nightspot 'The Sanctuary' - which made way for the Ikea store, an Asda and the Milton Keynes Dons FC stadium in 1995.
The social networking site hosts a group called 'Sanctuary Reunion 2008', with almost 2,400 members dedicated to a 'group of people showing love for a place, the way they always did. Five minutes of raving in Ikea, in remembrance.'
The ageing ravers, who turned up at the store on Saturday at 3.30pm, were politely told: "We’re asking for everyone to make a purchase, and to treat the staff and customers with total respect.
"We really need to not overcrowd any exits or passage ways, scare children...or do anything negative!"
Stephanie Clifton was one rave fan who turned up.
She said: "The store was surrounded by police and the store had hired security - there was obviously extra staff as they may have expected some trouble.
"I walked in, in my full raver gear twenty minutes early and the police lady just smiled.
"I noticed that there were many shifty people just casually looking at wardrobes and plates, though as time drew closer the textiles department began to fill and the police gathered around."
She added: "People were still trying to act normal by saying 'hmm that's a nice rug.'
"Then as it hit 3.30pm, the ravers pulled out their high visibility jackets and whistles to the sound of one loud horn. Everyone went crazy, whistling and screaming.
"Ikea stopped its regular customers going through and everyone was laughing...it was legendary."
Web group 'The Sanctuary Music Arena Memorial Group' states: 'Even though it's been demolished the memories will always stay with the people that raved there.'
