Clubbing Subloaded Eighth Birthday

DJ Pinch's motto is "If your chest ain't rattling, it ain't happening", and Subloaded is where that principle reaches its logical conclusion. It's as much about the physical effects of low frequencies at volume – soothing, punishing, tenderising – as it is about music. Celebrating its eighth birthday on Saturday, Subloaded was Bristol's original dubstep night and, while it admits a wider variety of beats these days, its bass fixation remains.

Released early this year, Pinch's mix compilation for Fabriclive embraced techno, electro, UK funky and even experimental music without sacrificing any of the eyes-down intensity you'd expect from the best dubstep. Undoubtedly one of Bristol's all-time great selectors in any genre, he's joined tonight by a fantastic line-up of local, national and international talent. Some of these will be familiar to most, not least Addison Groove, whose infectious re-tooling of Chicago juke and footwork on 2010's Footcrab signalled a sea change in UK bass music. The other big name here is Distance, whose take-no-prisoners industrial take on dubstep has made him one of the genre's most distinctive producers for many years.

Further down the bill is Kahn, whose releases for labels like Bandulu, Soul Motive and Punch Drunk have marked him out as a Bristol producer to watch – equally adept at turning out meditative head-nodders and frothy garage anthems.

As always, roots and dub reggae will provide a perfect compliment in Room Two – with Passion Radio and Dubkasm selector DJ Stryda leading the charge. Previous Subloaded dances have been held at established venues like The Black Swan and Motion, but this one is at Exchange, a brand new three-room party warren on Old Market run by the team from The Croft. This should be the perfect test for its acoustics. Let's hope the foundations are sound too.

Nifco UK won the coveted Processor of the Year trophy, with PIA judges commenting on its “new and impressive state-of-the-art” manufacturing facility, adding the firm was a “shining example of success in the domestic automotive industry”, and noting ambitious plans which were already in place for a new site alongside the company’s recently-opened plant.

Other award recipients included designers of a scaffolding board that is both safer than the traditional wooden variety and is made from 100% recycled plastic and producers of a recycled polymer derived from old refrigerators and used in a High Street retailer’s ‘green’ gift range.

Industry veteran Gerry Moore picked up the Personal Contribution Award to the Plastics Industry for his long-standing commitment to the sector.

Guests at the award ceremony heard about collaborations between all parts of the plastics supply chain which had resulted in energy efficiencies, reduced waste, improved safety and higher profitability.

PRW publisher Steve Crowhurst said: “Once again we received a really high standard of entries from companies and individuals whose expertise and vision have helped to develop products which push the boundaries of what can be achieved in manufacturing.

“It was a really uplifting evening, which celebrated the versatility of plastics and the innovation driving our industry forward. The winners are to be congratulated on their achievements.”