Socially Distant Parties – Yes or No?

I know what you’re thinking… socially distant parties? Doesn’t sound particularly fun does it? Well, I had that same opinion in the summer of last year when I saw some new parties advertised by Night Tales, an events brand based in East London. 

The pandemic has really taken it’s toll on Europe’s nightlife, and it’s been a very tough time for the events industry as a whole. Many clubs have now been closed for nearly a year. Whilst we are currently experiencing yet another lockdown here in the UK, some event brands started up some new socially distant parties with attendees being seated at tables in groups of six maximum, table service and a limited number in the venue as a whole. 

Night Tales is a cool, industrial-style hangout in Hackney, East London. As you walk up to the venue, there are fairy lights  decorating the entrance and you can hear the progressive music playing. I was excited!

I went along to the first party at Night Tales in October with Jordan Suckley playing on the decks for an open to close set. I was a bit concerned about the measures that are in place and whether we’d have to be seated. But the event was really well organised, meaning everyone was set to their six person bubbles on benches or booth.

We were able to dance around the tables too which was such a wonderful feeling after not being able to dance for so long. The music was amazing throughout, open to close events are often great because you get to hear a journey through the music from progressive style to harder style of trance. 

The service at Night Tales was was fantastic, we could buy pizza and drinks which were brought to our tables with table service. We wore masks to and from the bathroom, but we had no issue with that and overall it was just a really well organised event. A really nice surprise and well worth it!

The second event I went along to was also at Night Tales, and another open-to-close night – this time with DJ and ‘Skullduggery’label owner, Greg Downey. The night took place in December whilst London was placed in a ‘tier 2’ lockdown, so the regulations were stricter and certainly the event this time felt a lot quieter. The atmosphere and vibe was still great though and it was wonderful to enjoy time with friends in a safe environment.

Overall, I’m really hopeful that we will get to go to more of these events once restrictions are eased in the UK. It’s a lovely way to be able to experience live music and socialise in a safe environment. I’m keen to hear from others – would you go to a socially distant event? I’m also really hopeful that other brands will host parties like this too! Let’s hope that lockdowns allow us to dance together soon.