For over two decades, Pete Chamberlain, founder of the Keep It Schtum Sound System, has been a key figure in the Northamptonshire rave scene. What began as a small underground gathering has grown into a full-fledged movement, mixing raw local talent with headline acts, and offering ravers an unforgettable experience. From secret parties in Geddington Pits to club nights and festivals, Pete’s journey is a true testament to his love for music and community.
Geddington Pits: Where It All Began
It all started 22 years ago when Pete and his best mate Richie pulled together their resources, built a sound system, and took it down to Geddington Pits. “We got a generator, grabbed our crew, and threw a party in the valley,” Pete reminisces. The parties, initially just for close friends, grew as word spread, and soon Keep It Schtum was a name known across the local rave community.
After a brief hiatus in 2012, Pete decided to take Keep It Schtum legal, hosting pub nights, club events, and even one-day festivals like The Yards in Kettering. The event featured headline names like DJ SY, MC Energy, Ragga Twins, and Mampi Swift, cementing Keep It Schtum’s status as a key player in the Northamptonshire rave scene.
End of Summer Gathering at The Rising Sun
As we approach the end of 2024, Keep It Schtum is preparing for its next big event – the End of Summer Gathering. Held at The Rising Sun in Kettering on September 28th from 3 PM to 1 AM, this event promises to be a true celebration of underground music culture. Pete and his team, along with Raveman Promotions, are transforming the garden area and upstairs room to create an authentic rave experience complete with lasers, light shows, and projection mapping.
For Pete, it’s all about recreating that old-school vibe. “I’m an original ’90s raver, so for me, it’s about replicating the big events from back in the day like Dreamscape,” he explains. Expect diverse music styles, talented DJs, and an immersive environment that will take you back to the golden era of raving.
Pete Chamberlain | Stacy-James | Neil Bad Boy
Community and Collaboration
What truly sets Keep It Schtum apart is its dedication to showcasing fresh talent while building community. Pete always works hard to feature up-and-coming DJs and MCs in his line-ups. “I’ve always tried to push as many rising stars as possible by giving them the best platform to showcase their talent,” Pete says. “There’s so much raw talent out there, and this event is a great chance for them to shine.”
This time, Pete is working closely with Raveman Promotions, a duo of friends who are just starting out in the promotion game. “Their passion and hard work over the last couple of months have been tremendous. It’s been great to mentor them and help build their brand,” Pete says.
Raving with a Purpose
The End of Summer Gathering is not just about great music; it’s also about making a positive impact. The event will be raising funds for the Off the Streets charity, which helps provide bleed control kits to tackle knife crime. Pete and his team have put together a limited run of 20 x 2GB USBs filled with DJ and MC sets from headline artists and rising stars. These will be available in exchange for a donation, with all proceeds going to the charity.
“Giving back is important to me and the brand,” Pete says. “It’s not just about the party – it’s about doing something positive for the community.”
Dribbz | Slipcode
What’s Next for Keep It Schtum?
After the End of Summer Gathering, Pete is taking Keep It Schtum to Portugal for one final 2024 event with Invasion DNB before a well-deserved break. But he’s already thinking ahead to 2025. “We’ve got loads of exciting ideas in the works, and we’re looking to raise the bar even higher,” he says. Fans can expect more events, fresh talent, and unforgettable raves as Keep It Schtum continues to push the boundaries of the local scene.
Get Involved
If you’re looking to experience what Keep It Schtum Sound System is all about, don’t miss the End of Summer Gathering on September 28th at The Rising Sun, Kettering. Whether you’re a seasoned raver or just curious to see what all the hype is about, Pete and his team promise an incredible night of music, lights, and good vibes.
For updates, giveaways, and more info on future events, follow Keep It Schtum on Facebook and Instagram, as well as Raveman Promotions. You won’t want to miss what’s coming next in 2025!
