by <object object at 0x7f6a2148a580> — last modified 22/01/2026 02:30 PM

No Booze, All Bass: How Bristol Sober Spaces Is Changing Club Culture

by <object object at 0x7f6a2148a580> — last modified 22/01/2026 02:30 PM

Sober Spaces Dry Jan News Item (Ania Shrimpton)

Dry January is in full swing once again and has many people are rethinking what a night out can look like. Bristol Sober Spaces, based within Creative Communities at Bristol Drugs Project (BDP), are challenging the idea that alcohol is essential to nightlife. Ahead of their second annual Dry January Rave at Trinity, we caught up with BDP to talk sober partying, community, and why these events are striking such a chord in Bristol.

First things first... what are Bristol Sober Spaces?

Bristol Drugs Project (BDP):

Bristol Sober Spaces is an events project offering great nights out with one simple twist: no alcohol or other drugs. Whether you’re sober for religious reasons, identify as being in recovery, or just fancy a change of pace, everyone’s welcome.

Why was Bristol Sober Spaces set up?

BDP:

We launched Bristol Sober Spaces in 2022 with a really straightforward mission: to host regular, high-quality, accessible and affordable live events that are completely drug and alcohol free. We originally began with National Lottery funding through Not Saints (the world’s only recovery record label) and are now firmly established within Creative Communities at Bristol Drugs Project.

Some people still assume sober events are niche, what’s your response to that?

BDP:

Our events stand up as great nights out in their own right. People come for the music, the atmosphere and the energy, and then appreciate the added benefits afterwards: no hangovers, saving money, enjoying music with a clear head, and feeling part of a growing community and scene. The audiences are really engaged and present, and that creates a special vibe on the dancefloor.

What kind of events have Bristol Sober Spaces hosted so far?

BDP:

We’ve collaborated with venues and partners including Trinity, Rough Trade, Loco Klub, Jam Jar, Basement 45 and Bristol Beacon. Musically, our events have covered drum and bass, garage, world, hip hop, house, metal, punk and queer club nights, there really is something for everyone.

You’re teaming up with Trinity again for the Dry January Rave, what can people expect?

BDP:

We’re absolutely buzzing to be back at Trinity. This year’s Dry January Rave features an incredible line-up, headlined by drum and bass hall-of-famer Jumpin’ Jack Frost, alongside Savannah and Costlycover. Expect a properly high-energy night of heavy drum and bass and jungle — just without the booze.

Why is Dry January such an important moment for these kinds of events?

BDP:

January can be one of the darkest, coldest months of the year, and people still need spaces to dance, connect and release some dopamine. Our Dry January events show that you can still go out, party, and feel part of something — without alcohol being at the centre of it.

How has the response been from audiences and artists?

BDP:

It’s been amazing. Each event seems to grow, with more new audience members, more artists getting in touch to perform, and more venues wanting to collaborate. Our Dry January Rave at Trinity has seen tickets fly, which really proves there’s a space for sober events in Bristol’s nightlife.

“Bristol Sober Spaces just keeps getting bigger and bigger – more new audience members, more artists getting in touch to perform, and more venues wanting to collaborate. Our Dry Jan Rave at Trinity is looking like it’s going to sell out which just proves there’s a space in the Bristol nightlife scene for sober events.”

— Sophie, Founder, Bristol Sober Spaces

What do people say about attending sober events?

BDP:

The feedback is incredibly positive, from both participants and performers.

“These events are not just for people that are sober because maybe they've had a problem in the past, but also for people that just don't want to wake up tomorrow with a hangover.”

— Event participant

“There's something really special about playing at sober events. People are so engaged and so present.”

— Milly on Air, DJ

“You're surrounded by people that are present and engaged. It's just one of the best feelings being on the dancefloor without alcohol.”

— Event participant