In the beginning, there was Jack, and Jack had a groove. A sentence that could make any music lover rise into a state of dance and happiness. At the beginning of this month, Liverpool did exactly that. The first legal rave took place as part of a government trial to test the waters on getting back to reality in June as planned. 

Whilst most of us sat at home in awe of the videos emerging on social media, 3,000 people got sweaty to the sweet, sweet vibrations of house and techno through a Soundsystem in a warehouse; something that was snatched from us over 14 months ago. ‘Circus’ gifted the lucky ticket holders with a juicy line up including sets from the king, Sven Vath, The Blessed Madonna, Jayda G and Yousef. 

All attendees were required to test negative beforehand and were then tested a few days after the event. There were of course, no social distancing or masks, just good old-fashioned raving. 

Upon watching all the videos and scrolling through social media, I couldn’t help but think “why the hell did I not get a ticket?” The thought of being back in my favourite night club, with my best friends listening to the DJ drop a tune that I hadn’t heard in years and turning to look at my friends whilst my face lights up with joy and my hands in the air. It made me reflect on how fantastic the electronic music scene is and the culture that accompanies it. 

Attendees spoke to journalists that took part in the rave, with some admitting they resulted to tears as the first song played out to the crowd. Whilst the usual suspects took to twitter to criticise the event claiming it would only cause a surge in cases, DJs and sound folk praised the event stating it was a step in the right direction to getting back to the normal lives we have all been itching for.  https://www.instagram.com/p/COZ09A0L-Wh/

The music industry especially has taken a hit by the pandemic for obvious reasons, clubs being unable to open, festivals cancelled, and travel suspended. The government across the UK has failed the industry, dancers and music lovers - in what seemed like an attempt to wipe it out completely. We watched club owners and DJs struggle for months on end, with government petitions with hundreds of thousands of signatures demanding funding to help the music scene keep afloat during these dark months. Again, this demonstrates the power of our music community, working together to support what we love. 

Unfortunately, thousands have jobs have been lost due to the pandemic and 39,000 jobs remain at risk. Save our Scene was created by Resident Advisor to highlight awareness and keep the electronic music scene alive during COVID-19. #SaveNightlife, which is powered by the Night Time Industries Association, is a movement supported by a network of DJ’s, artists and venues to raise awareness whilst supporting the industry and everyone included within it. Their message stresses that it is more important than ever for electronic music to be recognised as an art form in its own right. You can still support both of these campaigns online.

The Liverpool rave was a ray of hope for everyone, and the countdown begins until we can enter a sweaty, dark club with our favourite local DJ playing songs that we haven’t experienced in a crowd yet. Make sure when your local opens its doors, you show it all the love and support it needs.

Link to Save Our Scene 

Link to Save Nightlife