CLUBBERS reminisced about the past at a special sell-out reunion event for people who used to visit a popular Basingstoke nightclub.

To mark what would have been the 40th birthday of Martine’s, former regulars of the club which closed down 20 years ago, got together for a celebratory event organised by one of the DJs who used to work there.

More than 650 people headed to Plush Lounge Bar, in Wote Street, on Saturday for a night of 80s and 90s music played by DJ Leroy Wilson, with many dressing for the occasion in 80s and 90s attire.

Leroy, who has been a DJ since he was nine-years-old, playing his first set at Martine’s aged just 17, said Plush was full to capacity for the reunion.

He added: “It went down really well. There were eight DJs and everyone came and partied to jazz funk, pop, soul, hip-hop, Motown and rave. It was music from Martine’s era from 2000 down.”

Martine’s, which was frequented by the likes of Tony Blackburn and Grange Hill stars, peaked in the 1990s with clubbers queuing for a chance to get in the hotspot on Friday and Saturday nights.

“Everybody went there,” said Leroy, adding: “It was the main club young people went to in their early 20s.”

Leroy, who followed in his father’s footsteps to become a DJ, said he spent much of the reunion hugging people who remembered him from his years at Martine’s, adding: “The atmosphere was excellent. There was no trouble. The doormen didn’t have anything to do so they had a dance. Everyone came to reminisce.”

The event was so popular Leroy plans to hold another Martine’s reunion night in April.