A Journey Back to 1989 Coventry Through VR
Hey everyone! I’m Junjie Liu, a master’s student in Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation at Warwick. I’m still buzzing from an amazing VR adventure I had a few days ago—In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats.
I went with three lovely university staff members to London, and it threw me right into the heart of the 1989 Acid House rave culture. Even better, this incredible experience is coming to Warwick Arts Centre later this year! I can’t wait to tell you all about it—I bet you’ll want to give it a go yourself.
The London Trip: A Smooth Start
On Tuesday, May 20th, I took a morning train to London with the team. By 11am, we arrived at the Barbican. Spotting the bold event display, I couldn’t help but snap a photo—it already felt like the start of something epic.
Next-Level Immersion: Meta Quest 3 and Haptics
Inside, I was handed a Meta Quest 3 headset, and my first thought was, “This is amazing!” Compared to the Quest 2 and Pico Neo 3 I’ve tried before, the Quest 3 feels noticeably clearer and more comfortable. Paired with headphones and a vibrating vest, the setup was next-level—the vest pulsed with every beat, making Orbital’s “Chime” feel like the rhythm was hitting me directly. At first, I worried about bumping into walls or the others, but the boundary settings kept me safe. Even better, I could see avatars of my three friends, watching where they looked or moved—perfect for a shared adventure!
My Favorite Moment: A Secret Call from the Past
One moment stood out above all: I walked into a small booth styled like a retro public phone box. The walls were covered in layers of stickers, flyers, graffiti, and posters from the era. Old rave maps and party notices were scattered on the counter. Picking up the handset and “calling” for the secret party address felt like stepping into a hidden ritual of the time. It wasn’t just visually immersive—it was emotionally immersive. It captured the mystery, anticipation, and underground energy that defined that generation of ravers.After the session, I couldn’t resist posing for a photo with a life-sized model of the booth, reliving that thrilling moment.
Coventry’s Rave Roots: A Cultural Time Machine
As someone born in the 2000s, I never imagined 1989 could feel so close. But this VR experience truly brought the era to life. It wasn’t just about the partygoers—it explored the perspectives of police officers, pirate radio DJs, and event organizers. Seeing Coventry’s streets, bedrooms, and nightlife from that era made me appreciate how much the city has evolved. What really struck me was the sense of freedom, rebellion, and unity within the rave scene. Everyone seemed to be chasing a shared, euphoric moment—breaking away from everyday limits and finding connection through music.
Coming Soon to Warwick: Don’t Miss This
If you love music, history, or cutting-edge tech, this is a must-experience. The Meta Quest 3’s comfort, paired with haptic feedback from the vest, takes immersion to a whole new level.
Later this year, In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats is coming to Warwick Arts Centre. Keep an eye out for ticket info—it’s a chance to step into a cultural time machine and feel the heartbeat of a revolution. Whether you’re reliving the past or discovering it for the first time, you don’t want to miss it.
See you at the Arts Centre!
Watch the trailer
Enjoy your visit
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