If there was ever any doubt in anyone’s mind that Trance Energy would not live up to expectations, then they will have definitely had to reconsider. The greatest indoor festival returned, amazed and astounded. The spectacular décor, lighting, sound system, organisation and music as well as the unique atmosphere once again proved why Trance Energy has experienced 15 years of success. The buzz in the entrance hall, standing there with thousands of eager trance addicts, was merely a foretaste of what was to come. The arenas stretched out before us, like modern cathedrals of light and sound.

As 10pm neared, the steady flow towards the Mainstage was replicated by 30,000 others. Kyau & Albert had the task of warming up the global crowd. A superb first few tracks including highlights such as Marco DeMark feat. Casey Barnes - Tiny Dancer (Deadmau5 Vocal Mix) and Funkangeda - What The Fuck! (a track to be featured throughout the night!), moving into Stoneface & Terminal - Pictures (Club Mix) later in the hour…it was shaping up to be an unforgettable night. All around were smiles, happy faces illuminated by an impressive lighting display that merely fuelled the already electric atmosphere.

Ferry Corsten’s entrance was one of the most dramatic ever witnessed at Trance Energy. Fireworks that shook the foundations followed by Into The Dark (Ferry Corsten Intro Dub Fix). This is what music is about, sharing that love for uplifting sounds, in a moment, a point in time where nothing else matters but the few notes rushing through the hazy arena air. Seth Hutton feat. Judie Tzuke - Don't Look Behind You (Mike Shiver's Catching Sun Mix), a track highly supported by Rico on his ‘Furthered Horizons’ radio show was up next, followed by perfect euphoric trance including Georgia - Ode To '99, Activa - Remember (Club Mix), and System F - Out Of The Blue (Full On Ferry Violin Edit). The latter, a magical classical interlude from Ferry himself, brought a tear to many. The burning Ferry ‘F’ opitomised the Dutchman’s set. He was absolutely on fire, possibly the finest representation of trance ever witnessed by Rico, with near perfect mixing and a track selection that had hands reaching for the sky. Gouryella – Gouryella was the most fitting ending to arguably the greatest set of the entire event. One Rico and his entourage agreed they will never forget.

Marco V kicked off his set in epic style with Richard Durand - Submerge (Twin Mix), and expectations of a hard techy set were on everyone’s mind. However, he surpassed many with a great display of uplifting tech trance with tracks such as Signalrunners - Electric Sheep and Ronski Speed with Stoneface & Terminal - Soulseeker (Stoneface & Terminal Dub Mix), interspersed with some slightly more forgettable tech nonsense such as SL2 - On A Ragga Tip (Klubbheads Remix) and the disappointing Marc Marberg with Kyau & Albert - Megashira (Original Mix).

Tiesto, seen as many as the main act at Trance Energy surprised Rico with a varied and at times rather more techy set, differing from the usual ‘Tiesto Greatest Hits 1999-2008’ that is often the case from the World’s number 2. Push - Universal Nation (Live Mix) was an interesting choice for a first track and from then onwards Tiesto managed to excite with tracks including Alex Kunnari – Lifter, Onova - Platitude (Sebastian Brandt Remix), Armani & Ghost - Airport and Saltwater - The Legacy (Alphazone Remix). Let down by a few weaker tracks such as Tiesto’s own remix of Klaus Bedelt - He's A Pirate. There were a few rather bland tech tracks that showed Tiesto exploring his tech/progressive side in closer detail, however not necessarily to great affect at an event that was reflected perfectly by Ferry Corsten’s flawless efforts.

With so many dj’s, it was impossible to experience every set. John O’Callaghan performed superbly in the Future Stage, despite the lesser acoustics and poor lighting. Tracks included the immense Aly & Fila – Lost Language, that had hands firmly planted towards the ceiling! Sander Van Doorn didn’t disappoint either with a set that even the most weary legs moving, at a stage of the night where most would have settled for a ‘warm down’ close set.

The organisation of the event itself was as usual, second to none. The sheer numbers involved needed careful consideration of areas such as bars, seating, toilets and access. But the Dutch succeeded again where no doubt the English would have failed miserably. There was no sign of queues for toilets, the variety of food available ranged from fresh fruit and smoothies to Heinz American style hotdogs, and the movement between arenas was easy. Easyjet provided a quick and efficient flight there and back with no problems. A big thanks to everyone that joined Rico on this trip, more important than anything was the amazing group of mates who made the journey, including James who joined at Schiphol.

After 40 hours of no sleep, several hours in a car, 2 planes, 3 trains and a 10 hour rave, I can honestly say that Trance Energy 2008 was bigger, better, and crazier than ever before!