WITH more than a decade headlining major dance venues around the world, Eddie Halliwell knows what he is talking about.

So when he says Creamfields is one of the bestfestivals going, it’s probably worth taking notice.

The Wigan resident expects big crowds at the 2013 instalment on August bank holiday weekend despite last year’s cancellation due to severe flooding. He said: “I look forward to coming here because it’s a festival on your doorstep “Cream is a massive worldwide brand but as last year proved, you’re reliant on the weather.

“It’s definitely one of my favourite festivals to play and it’s up there with the best in the world.”

Affiliated with the Cream label for most of his career, Halliwell is a veteran of trance music and has seen residencies at clubs on most people’s DJ bucketlist – Amnesia in Ibiza, Gatecrasher – and regular appearances at Creamfields including headlining the Fire It Up Arena in 2012.

His first DJ of the Year title in Mixmag came in 2002, with another title three years later and he says the ability to change is ‘critical’ in staying successful.

“If you’re not prepared to change, it holds you back.

“As a DJ you need to be far more creative.

I’ve always been developing musically, butthe technical side of things have changed massively.”

Always keeping a beady eye on new talent(and competition), Halliwell says D.O.D, who recently won rave reviews from Mixmag, and tech house DJ Kryder are two to watch this year.

But with talent emerging allthe time, is Halliwell concerned at being eclipsed?

“Initially, I wanted to be an architect. I was interested in music, but didn’t think you could make a career out of it.

“So would I rather be a DJ, for however long, or an architect?

“One hundred per cent a DJ.”

- Eddie Halliwell performs at Creamfields in the Super Me and You Arena on Sunday, August 25.

For tickets go to creamfields.com.