SOBER RAVE

SOBER RAVE 2026, has gone quarterly:

Still on a Sunday, still at the same time, still at the same venue!

We meet to connect, rave, shake it all out and have fun.

The next event is Sunday 2nd August. Falling on Lughnasadh, marking the middle of summer, a time to take stock and have a look at what you've been sowing, physically and metaphorically.

Come and dance however "dance" looks for you.

A few event details:

SOBER RAVE delivers an eclectic mix of music from across the eras and decades via silent disco headphones (provided). Playlists can include anything from Motown to Rock, Pop to Jungle and Garage to D n B. I've been known to throw a Nursery Rhyme or Classical tune in there too - trust me, it works! We'll start slow, speed it up then wind it back down again.

I start and end bringing everyone together and encourage you to connect with your self, each other, grounding into the space & moving your body in whatever way feels good to you. I ask all ravers to introduce themselves if you're feeling it and there is an opportunity to share at the end too. Previous dance experience not required. No expectations on how to move. No choreo! This isn't about performing, it's about being.

Move in whatever way feels best for you. If you need to take a break, take a break. If you want to rave for an hour non-stop, go for it. If you want to try out your best moves, bring 'em along. If you want to close your eyes and let the music take you, do it! I put chairs and yoga mats out too if you need to sit or lie down.

Very gentle guidelines include no phones and no filming so everyone feels free, barefoot is encouraged as it can help you ground feeling freer, no talking during the rave not 'cus am a killjoy but it helps you really go into the music and your experience - you can share moves with the other ravers instead!

Wear whatever you feel comfortable in. I bring the fun with dancing props and a lil fancy dress which is absolutely celebrated (however not compulsory). Singing is very welcome (and sometimes I print out lyrics cus' why not?).

You don't need to be sober or recovered to attend, I just ask you are not under the influence when attending this space. No alcohol or drugs please - plenty of other spaces available for that.

Saint Cecilia graces one of the stained-glass windows at Ilkeston Contemporary Arts (ILKON), and, is the patroness of music. So, it feels very correct to rave here.

You can enjoy the buildings beautiful architecture as well as permanent art collection from all around the world while you dance too.

The café is closed on Sunday's so please bring you own tea, water and snacks.

Some things previous guests said:

“Incredibly freeing, powerful and empowering”

“Very comfy and welcoming space :)”

“Just what I needed”

A little about me:

I am an Empowerment Coach and Facilitator as well as a Trainee Dance Movement Psychotherapist.

I recovered from alcohol and drugs 3 and a half years ago and I now create unaided spaces for you to enjoy.

I hold space to breathe, create, move talk and be. I want to connect you to yourself, other people and nature. I create calm, gentle, fun, nurturing spaces to help you do this.

Also, I am the current Artist in Resident at ILKON too where we are holding our SOBER RAVE.

The venue and travel:

I am very excited to welcome you to ILKON, the home of Ilkeston Contemporary Arts gallery and ILKON café, which is housed in the former Methodist church on Heanor Road, bringing creative arts to the community as well as wider region. The café is closed on Sunday's so please bring you own tea, water and snacks. There are loos inside so no need to worry about that.

I encourage walking, cycling and public transport to the venue if you can. The 14B, 33, 34 and 59 drop very nearby. Ilkeston train station is a 20 minute walk. For those driving you can park on Charlotte Street free of charge right next to the venue though. Please note there is only one or two spaces for on-site parking for those less able to walk.