For a generation of young adults living in Southampton, it had become a rites of passage - getting the coach from the town centre to Bournemouth for Slinky.

The Slinky 25th Birthday Opera House Reunion took place last month and, to mark the occasion, the Daily Echo looks at more pictures of Slinky nights from the past.

Although usually at the Opera House these pictures were taken at the Slinky Winter Ball held at the Bournemouth International Centre in 1998.

Bournemouth-born Slinky is one of the biggest trance brands of all time, enjoying global success and helping to put the UK trance scene on the map.


Read more: Pictures of clubbers raving at the Manor in the 1990s >>>


But it wasn’t just down to the sales of CDs or merchandise – it was because they put on some of the best parties with many of the biggest DJs.

Slinky’s original home was at the Opera House – now o2 Academy Bournemouth – but their fans also got to enjoy nights at the BIC, and later at Halo.

Daily Echo: Slinky Winter Ball at the BIC in 1998.

Slinky made a return to the 02 Academy last month – its spiritual home – on February 4, 2023, when legendary DJ Paul van Dyke ensured the night went off with a bang.

These pictures were taken at the Slinky Winter Ball in 1998.

Daily Echo: