Features / Sober spaces
The project creating queer sober events
Bristol Drugs Project has been supporting the city for 38 years, helping the community address drug and alcohol use.
Over time, the organisation has evolved alongside Bristol and the growing interest in sobriety.
Members of Gen Z consume about 33 per cent less alcohol than previous generations.
This shift is influenced by multiple factors, including limited access to nightlife during the Covid pandemic, the cost of living crisis and a growing focus on health and wellness.
Noticing a need for sober event spaces, Jakob Gazzard from Bristol Drugs Project partnered with Lara Brooks from Sober and Queer to create Bristol Sober Queers, an event series designed to bring queer live music into alcohol-free spaces.
The creator of the sober events series Jakub has a passion for live music
“We noticed there was a gap in the music and entertainment industry,” said Jakob.
“When coffee shops closed, there weren’t any social, sober spaces in Bristol.
“Then within the sphere of live music, there’s even less choice.
“The events are for people in recovery as well as people who don’t want to drink on that specific night.
“It’s an opportunity for people to see live music and DJs, but not have alcohol be a part of that.
“You can go home after and not feel terrible the next day.”
The shift toward sobriety is especially noticeable among younger people, including university students.
Jakob explained that queer nightlife is a vital part of the LGBTQ+ community, and Bristol Sober Queers aims to capture the essence of queerness and nightlife in a sober environment.
Gender Criminal will be hosting the next Bristol Sober Queers event
“The LGBT+ community has been very supportive,” said Jakob.
“A lot of people can be anxious when going to their first sober events.
“They don’t have the crux of alcohol.
“However, when attending the events, people just let go, and enjoy the music.”
Bristol’s welcoming queer scene helps create a warm atmosphere at events, Jakob added.
Jakob’s long-term vision is to develop a sober promotion company that attracts bands who relate to and support the ethos of the events.
They said: “I would love for Bristol Sober Queers to be seen as a destination for bands to play.
“I’d love to run sober stages at sober stages at festivals. That could be Bristol Pride, or even Glastonbury.
“I really love putting on our events. I want to continue growing the scene we have built and continue to evolve here in Bristol.”
Sober Queers will return an event on Saturday, March 14, at Loco Klub. Tickets are available here, and more information can be found on their Instagram.
All photos: Bristol Sober Queers
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