FOLLOWING a successful summer in the sun, the duo behind Lancashire's best-known fortnightly event, Feel, return to the University of Central Lancashire next week for their ninth year of mayhem.

Over the summer months, both George Thompson and Tim Pearson have blessed the White Isle with their presence, Tim promoting a Monday event at El Divino while George has hit the decks at both Amnesia and El Divino.

And now George is preparing to prove those who think regular club nights are becoming a thing of the past wrong as he and Tim set out to make this year at Feel the best yet when they kick back on September 21.

Since Feel's last night back before the students went home for the summer, both Cream and Gatecrasher -- clubs George was on the roster at -- have cancelled their weekly events. Gatecrasher has gone monthly, while Cream is focusing on one-off events.

George said: "I think what has happened with them is that they became big corporations and the night was just a small part of what they did.

"The people who created nights at Cream moved away to London and the focus became more on record sales than the night itself.

"For us, Feel is still the most important thing. We put our heart and soul into it and I think that is what makes the difference.

"Look at places like Tribal Sessions in Manchester. Full every week."

George first picked up the headphones in 1992 and less than a year later was resident DJ at After Dark in Skipton. It was in 1993 that Feel was formed when he went to attend the University of Central Lancashire and met Tim.

The first night was held in January 1994 and its reputation rapidly grew. Names like John Digweed, Dave Seaman, Paul Van Dyk, Carl Cox, Paul Oakenfold and Graeme Park have all graced the venue, playing alongside George, whose reputation continues to rocket.

But George and Tim have also developed a knack of spotting someone just before they become huge. One of Paul van Dyk's first sets in the UK was at Feel, last year James Holden played the venue and is now being tipped as "the next big thing".

And Junkie XL performed at Feel's eighth birthday last year -- just months before they released the Elvis-inspired Little Less Conversation which went to number one.

George laughs off the suggestion that he has the Midas touch, but said: "It's just about keeping an eye out for trends. For a DJ to become big these days, they have to build up a reputation as a producer first and that is what James did. We had him come here and now everyone is after him.

"We see a lot of people out in Ibiza and if we can get them, they come here.

"People do know of us but appreciate that we are a progressive venue, so we aren't just going to break from that.

"No-one has said no to coming to Feel, it is just a case of matching schedules."

George's sound is described in his website biography as "fusing dark-Tenaglia inspired Garage with driving progressive House". Fancy descriptions aside, it is that sound which keeps bringing people to Feel every fortnight and to the one-off events such as Funktion in the Ribble Valley earlier this year.

Last year, Feel continued to attract big names, with the likes of Sander Kleinenberg, Lee Burridge and Timo Mass.

George, who lives in the Ribble Valley, lists writing a hit record among his ambitions and is spending more time in the studio working on production. He is also a familiar face at Northern Ireland's leading house night, 'Lush' at Kelly's in Portrush.

"There are other things on the horizon and we are hoping to do more with Cream," said George.

George and Tim were also responsible for progressive house label Pacifica Recordings, which went on to be one of the best-respected labels in its field before the duo decided to wind it up in the summer to make way for The Personal Theatre. A press release from the new company states that the concept differs greatly from anything the duo has previously tried to do.

Initially it will take the form of a record label, but Personal Theatre events, merchandise. radio shows and such will follow. The first release, from new signings Mango and called Urban, is already providing popular with the likes of Adam Freedland, Lee Burridge and Timo Maas. It also includes a remix from Australian outfit Infusion, who incidentally are on the bill for Feel's opening weekend next Saturday.

George said: "We have Dave Seaman in as well. We think Infusion will be huge. They have done a world tour and are up for five Australian Grammies. They are a bit like Underworld and we think they will be massive."

One change for the new season at Feel -- apart from a state-of-the-art sound system -- is the abandonment of advance ticket sales.

"We sell out every time, no problem," said George. "But if people have tickets they don't arrive until after 10.30pm.

"So what we are doing is opening a hotline where people can ring and say they are coming and they will get preferential entry as long as they are in before 10.30pm.

"Because we put everything into Feel, we've kept a vibe going that means it is full every time."