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Review: Sober Spaces, Trinity Centre – ‘Unfiltered, grounded and unapologetically alive’
As the crowd swayed in ecstasy, bodies moving to the frenetic bass line, brows glistening with sweat, one thing was clear – this was a space where music and movement were enough. No artificial high was needed.
The energy was electric, but grounded. The goodwill radiating from the crowd was palpable, fuelled by a lineup that featured the cream of Bristol’s music scene – true heavyweights who turned up the heat without compromise.
The maiden Sober Space Rave got off to a rollicking start as the inimitable Nicky Blackmarket took to the decks, dropping high-octane beats under the sweltering afternoon sun.
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Set in the outdoor marquee of Trinity Centre in Old Market, the crowd began to swell, drawn in by the thumping drum and bass lines. Revellers sipped on mocktails and alcohol-free takes on well-known alcohol brands, creating a refreshing contrast to the typical party fare.
Grounds of Trinity Centre was the venue for the maiden Sober Spaces rave – photo: Milan Perera
Participation came in many forms: some were totally immersed, moving with trance-like focus; others exchanged knowing smiles and nods with fellow dancers; while a few kicked back on benches, soaking up both the heavy basslines and the summer sunshine from a comfortable distance.
It was an atmosphere of collective joy – unfiltered, grounded and unapologetically alive.
While Trinity Centre has hosted several sober evening events in the past, this marked the venue’s first-ever full-blown sober rave, a high-energy, seven-hour “raveathon” presented by Bristol Sober Spaces in collaboration with Trinity Centre. The event was bookended by two titans of the Bristol music scene: Nicky Blackmarket and Roni Size, who closed the night with a thunderous final set.
Attendees were able to enjoy the rave with non-alcoholic beverages – photo: Milan Perera
In between, a powerhouse lineup of DJs kept the energy sky-high, featuring the electrifying talents of Milly on Air, Steven Stone, Discobobulator, Josephine Gyasi and MISNEACH.
The artists were fully invested in the vision of the event, each bringing not just their music, but genuine support for the cause. Nicky Blackmarket, known for swapping post-gig pints for a cup of tea and a biscuit, has long been a supporter of the sober rave movement.
Meanwhile, Roni Size, a bona fide Bristol icon, fresh off a whirlwind of tour dates and commitments, generously carved time out of his packed schedule to perform, underscoring the event’s significance and his belief in what Sober Spaces is building.
Since 2022, Sober Spaces has been hosting sober events in Bristol, but this was the first designed specifically for those who still crave the energy of raving but prefer to avoid alcohol or drugs.
Nicky Blackmarket who opened the rave with the earlier slot speaking to a section of the attendees – photo: Milan Perera
Organisers identified a sizable group: former ravers in their 20s – 40s who miss the music and community but not the substance culture. Traditional late-night club formats perhaps don’t suit them, so a 2pm–9pm dance under the sun in Trinity’s outdoor area, wrapping up in time for an early, restful night sounds like the perfect plan.
Musician and a figurehead at the Bristol Drugs Project Sophie Wilsdon has been instrumental in Sober Spaces’ music projects over the past three years, and this is no exception.
Josephine Gyasi behind the decks turning up a notch – photo: Ania Shrimpton
Speaking to Bristol24/7 Sophie said: “We’ve been running Sober Spaces since 2022, and what we’ve learned is that there are a lot of ex-ravers out there—people who loved raving in their 20s, 30s, 40s, or whenever—but stopped going out because of their drug use or because the scene no longer felt right for them.
“There’s still a huge group of people who love dance music—both the old-school sounds and the new—but don’t want to be in clubs until 5am, especially in an environment fuelled by alcohol or drugs just to see the headliner at 4am.
“It gives people a proper day out—you’re outside in the sunshine, dancing with friends—and by the time it ends, it feels like you’ve had a real workout,” said Sophie Wilsdon from Bristol Sober Spaces – photo: Milan Perera
“So we’ve put on quite a few sober raves and club nights over the past few years, and they always sell out—wherever we host them. The idea of a daytime rave came from wanting to expand that.
“It gives people a proper day out—you’re outside in the sunshine, dancing with friends—and by the time it ends, it feels like you’ve had a real workout. Best of all, you’re home and in bed by 10 or 11, without missing out on the energy and experience of a great party.”
Another key message from the Sober Space Rave is the drive to normalise raving and clubbing without the use of substances. Sophie highlights that many foreign students arriving in Bristol are eager to experience the city’s rich and vibrant rave culture but often feel apprehensive due to the typical association with alcohol and drugs.
Sober Spaces aims to create an inclusive environment for anyone who consciously chooses not to consume alcohol or drugs—whether for health, cultural, religious or personal reasons, ensuring that no one feels excluded from the joy of dancing and live music.
Bristol24/7 caught up with one of the artists setting the decks alight with her eclectic blend of house and trance, captivating the crowd with every beat – Milly on Air.
“There’s something magical about playing to a crowd where everyone is present, conscious and really dancing because they feel it,” said Milly on Air, celebrated Bristol DJ and creative entrepreneur who was behind the decks for the rave – photo: Milan Perera
Milly on Air is no stranger to Sober Spaces, with this rave marking her third appearance following a day party at Trinity Centre in 2024 and a gig at the Jam Jar in January.
Actively involved in Bristol’s creative scene, Milly is not only a DJ but also a creative entrepreneur, podcast host and coach. Through her acclaimed podcast Back 2 Life she explores powerful themes such as addiction, music, recovery and healing, offering a unique voice that resonates deeply with listeners navigating similar journeys.
She said: “I’m nine and a half years sober and clean, and I’m out in clubs every weekend. So in one sense, it feels very normal for me to be in a rave, club, or even a festival environment completely teetotal.
“But what’s really exciting is how much more normalised it’s becoming — I keep meeting more and more people who are also sober. It feels like a real movement.
“There’s something magical about playing to a crowd where everyone is present, conscious and really dancing because they feel it. There’s a deeper sense of connection and presence when you know everyone is there fully, without the influence of substances.
“And for me, there’s an added beauty in knowing that others in the crowd are also in recovery. There’s a kind of unspoken understanding — we know the darkness we’ve walked through to get here. So to be able to celebrate life, feel joy and dance in that shared freedom is incredibly powerful and deeply moving.”
The chilled space, hosted by Mez Olivia (left) and Phöebe Hares, was catered for those would like a moment to relax and reconnect – photo: Milan Perera
If the pace of the rave became a little overwhelming, there was a dedicated chill-out space where revellers could pause, take a few deep breaths, and unwind with a cup of herbal tea or cacao.
For those seeking deeper healing or reflection, the area offered opportunities to practise gentle yoga poses or get creative with some drawing.
Thoughtfully decorated with soft tones, cosy cushions, and the calming scent of incense, the space provided a soothing retreat from the dancefloor, the sensory lounge designed to provide a calming space for neurodivergent individuals.
It was hosted by Phöebe Hares, a psychologist and trauma-informed yoga teacher, and Mez Olivia, a trauma-informed massage therapist and yoga practitioner.
The Mercury Prize-winning DJ and producer Roni Size brought the rave to its culmination – photo: Ania Shrimpton
“It’s a very chilled space. We’re creating a sensory lounge with a variety of beautiful teas and cacao which is the unrefined version of the cocoa bean. Cacao releases oxytocin and dopamine, helping us feel really good but also grounded,” explained Phöebe .
“Sober spaces can sometimes feel overwhelming or overstimulating, especially for neurodivergent individuals. So, we wanted to create a calm, safe environment.”
“The space is run by me and my friend Mez – we’re both trauma-informed yoga teachers with backgrounds in psychology. It’s a place where people can relax, chat, enjoy a cup of tea, do some drawing if they feel like it, or simply just be – unapologetically.”
The grounds of Trinity Centre allowed a variety of activities for the attendees during the rave – photo: Milan Perera
Mez added: “One thing sobriety has really taught me is how much I need to slow down. I’ve come to realise that I used to take substances to escape the social anxiety I already felt.
“Now, I understand that if I show up feeling a bit uncomfortable in my body, that’s okay. These kinds of spaces are really valuable for that.”
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“It’s normal to feel overstimulated or overwhelmed, or even to turn up not knowing anyone. What’s beautiful about sober spaces like this is the ability to ground yourself—whether that’s through chatting to someone, doing something with your hands, or simply sitting quietly.
“When you’re used to going on nights out and constantly putting substances in your body to manage those feelings, it can be a revelation to find ways to reach those highs naturally—and to realise it’s okay not to feel on a high all the time.”
Sober Spaces’ goal remains clear: to normalise nights out without alcohol and to create a space where sober people don’t feel othered, but included.
A figurehead in Bristol’s drum and bass scene Nicky Blackmarket behind the decks for the opening set of the rave – photo: Milan Perera
The maiden Sober Space Rave could well be a game changer, not just for Bristol, but for nightlife culture more broadly.
It brought the raw, unfiltered energy of a classic night out, but stripped away the usual crutches of alcohol and drugs.
The maiden Bristol Sober Space rave brought the raw, unfiltered energy of a classic night out, but stripped away the usual crutches of alcohol and drugs – photo: Ania Shrimpton
Main photo: Ania Shrimpton
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