In the name of fundraising for a good cause a friend of mine and I headed to Residency, a hard dance night in Cheltenham. I dashed down from Birmingham by train, where I was picked up by Lorraine and whisked across to Enigma. From the second we arrived we were made to feel welcome by security, venue staff and clubbers alike.

Talking of security, when we did arrive we witnessed a group of undesirables being refused entry in what must be the friendliest manner I have ever seen. Security remained pleasant, even when faced with a bit of defiance from those being refused. Security also made sure that a female that didn't really seem like a hard dance person knew what the music policy was so she didn't pay to find out that it was something other than she expected.

Security chatted in a friendly manner to people in the queue and as they searched them, and then remained low-key all night. They were present but not in people's faces, and they didn't barge through people nor give an air of superiority that sometimes makes you feel like they're looking down on clubbers.

From the door, you go up stairs and walk straight onto the dance floor, meaning that the atmosphere hits you right away. This is a great idea. The dance floor was then overlooked by a balcony on two sides, which included a bar and the DJ box. A quick wander round also found a chillout backroom with comfy seating.

James Ellis, one of the three promoters and residents at Residency, came bounding along upon spotting Lorraine and I. He recognised our faces from playing at Sundissential recently. James explained a bit about the history of Residency and that practically everyone knew each other.

This certainly showed, but not in a cliquey way that could possibly be imagined from a very close group of clubbers and friends. Rather, everyone was friendly, happy and smiling throughout the night - they couldn't be nicer. We were welcomed with open arms by the Residency faithful, and almost everytime we spoke to someone they would introduce us to friends of theirs.

One thing I've noticed missing from clubland recently is this level of friendliness. It wasn't all that long ago when a smile or a nod towards a fellow clubber, whether a friend or a stranger, would see a shaking of hands, a hug, or at least a "Having fun?" type comment. This was definately present at Residency, and it all helped towards what was a great night out.

The laser was on early, and the music was loud from the start. Each DJ managed to raise the roof a couple of times, and Rob Tissera certainly had practically the whole club stomping for his entire set. Nick Rafferty also helped out taking a bucket around for a charity collection after his set, a great gesture in this team effort.

Residency really is a team effort, and that's why it works. The effort is made by clubbers, guest DJs, residents, the venue, security and crew alike. It makes it what it is, and gives it that extra "something" over many other events.

Residency is going weekly Saturdays from the 5th February, and this is a challenge that the promoters seem to be looking forward to. They're working on several ideas to take an already great night to even newer heights. It's an exciting time to be a clubber in Cheltenham, and for anyone thinking about making the trip to visit I would highly recommend it. For anyone that says the hard dance scene is dieing or unpopular, I say visit Residency. Cheltenham has been holding a secret that I'm sure clubbers would love to experience and enjoy as much as we did.

Review written by @Bukey for ClubTheWorld

UPDATE: The night raised £1,057.23 for the Tsunami Appeal.