Young people in Lincoln are no longer relying on alcohol to make their nights out fun.
According to a UK survey by YouGov and The Portman Group, 44% of 18–24-year-olds said they drank alcohol alternatives occasionally or regularly. This number has risen 13% since 2022, and 39% of 18–24-year-olds said they do not drink alcohol at all.
The most popular reasons to stay sober on nights out are to avoid excessive drinking and to be able to drive home, with 39% of 18—24-year-olds not drinking alcohol at all.
The survey took place between November 16 and November 17, 2023, and reviewed 2,197 adults.
With more people going for alcohol alternatives, Lincoln hosted its new sober dance event Viva La Rave on January 20, 2024. Viva La Rave was organised by women’s DJ class Mothership DJ and Community Interest Group Dance Free.
One of the organisers of Viva La Rave, Dance Free founder Hannah Green, said about 150 people booked tickets to the event in advance, with others paying at the door.
Hannah said: “In my twenties and thirties I went into the dance scene, and I always loved the music and the uplifting beat. I spent a lot of time clubbing, and then I pulled away from the alcohol and the late nights. But I absolutely missed the music and the wildness that you have when you dance.
“I wanted to bring a rave or a club environment to Lincolnshire where it feels like a night out. I feel like the sober rave is absolutely the way forward, where everyone is a lot more conscious about their health and wellbeing.
“Obviously sober clubbing is happening in London and places like that, but it’s spreading. It’s not necessarily people that just want to cut out alcohol. There are people who maybe still drink a bit, but they want an alternative way to have a good night out, get some good exercise or hang out with friends.
“I think it will become more and more normalised over the next few years.”
The next sober event by Viva La Rave has been planned for Sunday, April 28, between 2 pm and 5 pm.
Photo by Daybreaker.