‘We’ve missed those moments that unite everyone in a moment of shared euphoria’

The long wait for club reopenings in Bristol is finally over as venues open their doors to dancers as part of the lifting of coronavirus restrictions.

Globally renowned Bristol clubs such as Motion, Lakota and Thekla have been closed for well over a year, although some were able to adapt by holding outside, socially distanced events.

The opening follow Boris Johnson’s “freedom announcement” that Stage Four of his map out of coronavirus easing could go ahead from Monday.

Plans include the removal of mandatory facemask rules in public spaces, lifting of the “one meter plus rule”, and, excitingly for all of those in the entertainment industry, the reopening of nightclubs, and return of gigs and festivals.

There were queues outside Lakota ready for the party to begin at one minute past midnight on Monday morning:

Speaking before opening night, Mike Hollingshead, marketing manager at Lakota, said: “We’re so excited to open our doors and welcome club attendees for the first time in over 16 months!

“It’s been a challenging time for everyone but with summer and the better weather here, things are definitely looking up. To celebrate reopening, we have a two-part series of nightclub shows called: The Rave Returns.

“Part one of ‘The Rave Returns’ begins at one minute past midnight and focuses more on drum and bass, whilst the part two of ‘The Rave Returns’ starts later that Monday evening at 10pm and will feature disco, house, techno and garage.

“We’ve really missed having people free to express themselves on the dancefloor and performers creating those moments that unite everyone in a moment of shared euphoria.

“The team have all worked really hard throughout the lockdown period and have put on some amazing shows at Lakota Gardens, alongside creating the first dance music festival of 2021 – Summer of Love Festival – taking place next weekend.

“The return of the nightclub is something we’ve all been really looking forward to and we know that the first few parties back are going to be extra special!”

Viva la Disco at Lakota Gardens / Photo by: Giulia Spadafora / Soul Media

To ensure that the venue is a safe and enjoyable environment for all, Lakota will be introducing a negative test or vaccination pass entrance policy.

The policy will also apply to Summer of Love and will be carried out by checking the Covid-19 status of attendees on entry by proof of negative lateral flow test or vaccination via an NHS Covid pass.

Also celebrating the reduction in restrictions, Alex Black, general manager at Thekla said: “We’ve got a week of club nights starting on Monday 19th, many of which are already sold out.

“We’re all excited to return to full capacity and our normal business, the sit-down events we’ve been running have been good fun, but I think people are getting a bit fed of not being able to dance by now plus financially these barely cover our costs.

“Our gig calendar is full near enough every day from the end of August through to the end of year too and I can’t wait to work my first gig back. I definitely had gig envy seeing photos of the Download Festival Pilot a few weeks ago!”

Main photo: Giulia Spadafora / Soul Media

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