Fabric's soundsystem will once again be tested next month, when the breakbeat community gathers for its annual awards bash.

Breakspoll, now in its seventh year, will take place on Thursday 22nd February at the Farringdon venue, and this year thousands of breaks fans from around the world are expected to vote online for their favourite DJs, clubs, labels and producers, as well as for loads of other categories.

"Breakbeat is looked upon, even now, as the poorer, younger brother of house or drum & bass," said Breakspoll organiser Mike Hogan.

"But worldwide, breaks is one of the most popular genres of dance music and its influence is everywhere.

"Breakspoll is your chance to give recognition to the best of the scene."

Last year, nearly 50,000 breaks fans voted for their favourite breaks faces, a figure that Mike expects to be smashed this year, not least because breakbeat is continuing to gain popularity on a worldwide level.

"Breaks used to be just a UK and US thing, but in the last few years so many more countries have started getting into it," commented Mike.

"Breaks is massive in Spain at the moment, and there are big raves every week.

"Then there are places like China, where all the big breaks DJs play regularly.

"Eastern Europe has been bang into breaks for ages too."

Last year, Krafty Kuts won the gong for best DJ.

And this year DJmag is sponsoring the award for best club event, which last year went to Plump DJs for their Eargasm parties.

But Mike stressed: "We want people to vote for the artists and DJs who really did it for them this year, be it an unknown producer or a resident of a small club night.

"It's about supporting the scene, not just the superstars."

Vote now at www.breakspoll.com

Last year's winners

Best DJ – Krafty Kuts

Best Producer – Plump DJs

Best Album – Atomic Hooligan

Best Single – Dopamine 'Hold You'

Best Label – Fingerlickin' Records

Breakthrough Producer – The Rogue Element

Breakthrough DJ – NAPT

Outstanding Contribution To Breakbeat – Meat Katie