BRISTOL • LAKOTA • TRINITY • 1999-FOREVER
"GlowGadgets.com started off in 2001 as an original idea by my girlfriend Jane. We searched different Search Engines for 'GlowGadgets' and nothing came up, anywhere. It was so original, we went for it."
"When you call GlowGadgets, you're dealing with the Boss, direct. Not some telesales person who couldn't care less about you or your order."
"Doc" is the owner and web slave of GlowGadgets.com. Doc has been his nickname since school (1979). His real name is Chris Taylor. Though, everyone who is anyone calls him Doc... you're someone, aren't you?
GlowGadgets is a thriving family business. Doc wanted to become self-employed so he could be with his two beautiful baby daughters Rosie and Molly as much as possible. He didn't want to miss out on their growing up.
He was there from conception to both births, first words, first steps, first everything. And thanks to GlowGadgets.com he hasn't missed any of it.
GlowGadgets was nothing but a dream for years. He was entertaining in venues around the World and never got the chance to sit down in front of a PC, until 1998. He still performs shows, but he is very choosy where and for whom, and usually likes to get back home in time for breakfast.
Quality Products + Prompt Delivery + Excellent Customer Service + Hassle Free Returns + Reliability = GlowGadgets.com
Our emotional state of choice is Ecstasy. Our nourishment of choice is Love. Our addiction of choice is technology. Our religion of choice is music. Our currency of choice is knowledge. Our politics of choice is none.
Our society of choice is utopian though we know it will never be.
You may hate us. You may dismiss us. You may misunderstand us. You may be unaware of our existence. We can only hope you do not care to judge us, because we would never judge you.
"We are one massive, global, tribal village that transcends man-made law, physical geography, and time itself."
We were first drawn by the sound. From far away, the thunderous, muffled, echoing beat was comparable to a mother's heart soothing a child in her womb of concrete, steel, and electrical wiring.
And somewhere around 35 Hz we could feel the hand of God at our backs, pushing us forward, pushing us to strengthen our minds, our bodies, and our spirits.
Expression, Responsibility and Respect.
The music will never stop. The heartbeat will never fade. The party will never end.
I am a raver, and this is my manifesto.
"I've shown off the Laserpod to everyone that's been to mine today, followed by the words 'go to glowgadgets.co.uk' I was THAT impressed by your service."
"You've been an excellent and attentive supplier, who (rarely these days) seems to know what Customer Service actually means. Thank you!! I would recommend you to anyone."
"One of the trippiest things I've ever seen! Much much better than a lava lamp! Thanks so much and expect purchases from me in the future!!"
"Thank you for being one of few companies that actually go out their way to give the customer a great service and I will be passing your name on to my friends and family."
"You are a superstar!!!!! Have just checked and it was delivered first thing this morning. Been an absolute pleasure doing business with you."
"What a gentleman the Doc is. I ordered the GPS Locator and it arrived first thing the next day. Have no doubts about the Doc or his company GlowGadgets, buy with confidence."
"There are three stages of a male's life:
The First Stage (Early Years) is when he sees things (Gadgets, Toys etc) he wants, but is far too young to afford them. Like at Christmas and Birthdays, waiting for that truly unrealistic, overpriced, pointless toy that no parent in their right mind would ever waste their hard earned cash on. He is always disappointed when he gets a pair of socks. So, he is unsatisfied and bitter.
The Second Stage (The Middle Years) is when he is an Adult, he has money and deep down he hears the sound of the Small Boy asking for all the things he couldn't have. All those toys and gadgets are now bigger, brighter, cleverer, more technical and aching to be owned by that little boy.
The Third Stage? Well, I'm not there yet, but I have friends who are (Old People) who are surrounded by all this stuff and can't remember what it's for. They tell me they probably shouldn't have bought all that pointless crap. But it did seem to make them happy at the time.
"If it makes you feel good, get it. It may seem like crap to other people, but they are not you."
Photos from the Bristol rave scene, Bionic nights, Gatecrasher, and the GlowGadgets stall. 1999-2005.
Doc's honest recommendations for glow products in 2026. Same passion, different decade. Three tiers: Budget, Quality, and Pro.
These are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep the lights on (pun intended). No way I'm doing all that retail again, props to those who do!
Classic 6" glowsticks in mixed colours. Bulk packs for festivals, parties, or just because.
"Same magic we sold at Lakota. Crack, shake, glow. Simple as."
Shop GlowsticksRechargeable LED alternatives. Multiple modes, years of use, better for the planet.
"These didn't exist in 2001. Wish they had - would've saved me carrying boxes."
Shop LED SticksProfessional LED poi, levitation wands, and flow toys. For the serious dancers.
"The fire poi lot at Stonehenge solstice... these are the electric version. Safer, just as mesmerising."
Shop Flow ToysConnector packs to make necklaces, bracelets, glasses. Festival essential.
"Glow Necklaces were £2 at our stall. Still the best value accessory going."
Shop AccessoriesLight-up shutter shades, EL wire glasses, LED masks. Stand out on the dancefloor.
"We had flashing specs back then. These are next level. Cyber raver dreams."
Shop EyewearUV torches, blacklight bulbs, fluorescent body paint. Turn any room into a rave.
"Our stall ran on UV. That glow under blacklight? Pure magic. Still is."
Shop UV GearWant the full range? Check out The Glow Company on Amazon - they've got everything. (Yes, they were our competitors back in the day. Life's funny like that.)
Browse Full Glow StoreGlowGadgets was the beginning. Everything Christian builds now traces back to what he learned selling glowsticks: building websites, community care, making strangers feel famous.
"They thought they buried you. Turns out you were a seed."