Raving Mad

So, yesterday I had an exciting meeting with a massive, internationally renown venue in Central London to discuss putting on a big ol rave and performance event designed to cater to the needs of neurodivergent people. I’ve been partying at raves and festivals since 1990. I love them, but they can sometimes be problematic for me.

Festival type spaces can be pretty difficult and triggering, especially for people with autistic spectrum sensitivities and anxiety disorders, but that doesn't mean we don't love a dance and some good old fashioned glittery arts wankery.

The event won’t exclusively cater to the neurodivergent, everyone will be welcome, but I want it to be particularly utopian for anyone that feels unsafe or overwhelmed at more traditional events. I don’t think this needs to mean less stimulus. I’m thinking gradients of sensory provocation is the way to go. I’m thinking soundproofed dark dens and mesmeric light cubicles to escape to when things feel hectic. I’m thinking rooms and performances with increasing degrees of immersion and interaction. I’m thinking trauma-informed, MH trained ushers and door staff. I’ll be holding focus groups and talking to anyone who's interested in attending this type of space alongside neurodivergent designers, artists and performers. Let me know if you’d like to be part of those talks, but for now, I’d love everyone’s opinions about what you think a night like this might benefit from. What are the things about clubs and festivals that make you feel unsafe or just don't sit right? Is there anything you need when you’re having a wobbly minute that isn’t currently provided? I really want to do this right. Also, this wouldn't just be a London-centric thing, once we've nailed the formula I'd hope to open it up across the UK and beyond. Sorry for the essay and thanks in advance for any comments and suggestions.