UK party-goers were offered a brief glimpse of normality this weekend, as the government trialled club nights without social distancing measures. After over twelve months without nightclubs, Liverpool’s Circus — held at Bramley Moore Dock Warehouse — opened their doors to 3000 dancers on both Friday the 30th and Saturday the 1st. With a line up boasting the likes of Jayda G, Lauren Lo Sung, Fatboy Slim and Hot Since 82, there’s no doubt there were plenty of emotional moments on the dancefloor.
Attendees were required to provide proof of a negative lateral flow test before arriving at the venue, which would then be validated against their ticket. They were also required to have a Liverpool post code, but once inside the venue — it was an oasis for the day. No masks or social distancing measures were required, and attendees were asked to take a test after the event.
The events have received largely positive feedback, with excited ravers sharing scenes from inside that most of us can’t even imagine at the moment. Spirits and emotions were high; between the punters, DJs and all the crews involved, I doubt there were many dry eyes in the house. Despite the positive feedback, there has been widespread criticism of the bookings of Sven Väth and Solardo, both of whom have been playing at events in India and Tulum respectively; places which have been devastated by the pandemic, with India currently suffering on a scale incomparable to anywhere else in the world.
The parties were part of a wider, ongoing Events Research Programme, which also saw a 5000-person outdoor festival held at Sefton Park on Sunday the 2nd of May. Whether or not the events have affected the COVID-19 case figures is yet to be seen, but attendees and promoters alike seem optimistic that this could begin to pave the way for clubs reopening — hopefully on the promised date of June 21st.
