‘It’s just pure adrenaline and euphoria’: Huge healthy rave comes to Bristol

The sound of drum and bass reverberates against the lattice windows of the Trinity Centre as huge speakers inside the building face onto a crowd of eager ravers, sweating to the pumped up beats of legendary Bristol DJ Roni Size.

But this isn’t a Friday night at 4am. It’s actually a Saturday morning at 11:30am. The sun is shining, gym gear has been donned and not a single raver at this party has drunk a drop of alcohol.

It’s one of a growing number of ‘healthy’ raves taking place across Bristol and the UK organised by Fight Klub, as more and more people look for spaces to blow off steam without stimulants.

Launched 21 years ago, Fight Klub has taken off in Bristol over the last few years, with classes in Lawrence Hill, Henbury, Bradley Stoke, Thornbury and their latest opening in Bedminster.

On a recent Saturday, founder and celebrity fitness trainer Troy Dureh keeps the crowd motivated on stage while ravers partake in a mix of high-intensity workouts, blending boxing, kickboxing, and Thai boxing to the beats of DJs Roni Size and DJ Dazee.

 

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The event is raising money for Bristol Sober Spaces, a collaboration between Bristol Drugs Project, Not Saints and the broader Bristol recovery and sober communities, which aims to show that great times can be had without alcohol or drugs.

Speaking about the partnership, creative communities lead at Bristol Drugs Project Sophie Wilsdon, told Bristol24/7 “it was an obvious thing” to do.

“We’re doing the same thing but we come at it from different angles. Our charity organises events for people who want to go to places where there are no alcohol or drugs,” she said.

“You don’t have to be in recovery. There’s a real mix of ages here, but Fight Klub is also full of lots of ex-ravers who have gone for it in their youth and are now living a slightly different life but still want the music, the lights, the reminiscence and want to do it in a bit more of a healthy way.”

“Troy personifies the community aspect of Fight Klub. I have never seen fitness done in a community way like that. He makes everyone feel okay and included, and all of the things which we do.”

Fight Klub’s events combine high energy workouts with rave music – photo: Mia Vines Booth

Queenie Robson, who has been coming to the classes at Lawrence Hill every week for nearly two years, said the event “puts a whole different spin on raving”.

“You don’t need to be off your face until silly hours of the morning, it can actually be constructive.

“It’s such amazing energy, everyone’s on the same level.  We’re all here trying to combat mental health, combat addiction or just have fun.”

Becky Graham is a Fight Klub presenter and hosts the club’s podcast. She joined the club years ago after seeing their videos on social media.

“There’s a lot of people that have gone through a rough time, whether it’s through drugs or alcohol, or mental health issues, and they come to Fight Klub and just find a community,” she told Bristol24/7.

Becky Graham first discovered Fight Klub on social media, and has been part of the team ever since – photo: Mia Vines Booth

“It’s really inclusive, with people from all walks of life and people absolutely love it. There’s no drugs or alcohol involved. It’s just pure adrenaline and euphoria.”

“It doesn’t matter whether you’re into fitness or not, or if you’re just into music. This event at Trinity is a testament to that and how much it has grown.

Saturday’s event sold out in record time, and there was a huge waiting list. Their next event isn’t until November but their classes run every week.

Nick Cowie, an instructor in Bristol, said being part of the events was a” privilege”.

“It’s something quite close to home for me, which is why I was drawn to this scene. It’s a relaxed approach to the sober space. It’s not babying people to live a better life and tell them that they should or shouldn’t do this.

“It’s about providing a space for people to make their own choices. That’s what we’re looking at here. There’s no pressure for anyone to be anything.”

Main photo: Mia Vines Booth

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