A sober rave for women to feel 'empowered' and 'confident' will take place in Stockport next month. The event, hosted by Caroline Kelf, also known by her stage name DJ Flourish, is aimed at women who are done with hangovers, late nights and clubs, but still want to have fun on the dancefloor.
Using disco headphones to create an 'intimate' and 'safe' feel, the rave, which takes place just after Valentine's Day, will be held in an 'urban' warehouse in Cheadle, and promises to take guests on a 'musical journey' spanning baselines, old-school classics and feet-stomping bangers.
As well as a silent rave, the three-hour event will also feature neon face paints, a chill-out zone for people to relax and connect with other attendees and non-alcoholic drinks supplied from a local juice bar.
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Talking about the inspiration for the sober rave, Caroline, who describes herself as a Wellbeing & Female Empowerment DJ, said: "I wasn't very happy in my old job as an executive assistant and was on a mission to find my joy. I was a big clubber back in the day and it was on my list to try and be a DJ and as soon as I pressed the play button, it was like I came alive.
"Over the last ten years, I've also really got into personal development, wellbeing and women's empowerment and I wanted to do something where I could help other people, whilst still being fun. I sometimes feel the wellbeing industry can be a little boring with all the meditation and mindfulness.
"During lockdown I was offering these online raves, bringing in elements of mindfulness and a creating a community for women. Then I started with in-person events and this upcoming rave will be my biggest yet.
Taking place on Thursday, February 16, the rave will kick off at 7pm, but solo-ravers are encouraged to arrive fifteen minutes earlier so they don't have to arrive into a room full of people. A big sell of the event is the sober element, but Caroline also says it's a chance to promote connection between women and empower them.
"The reason I wanted to do this as a sober event is because when you're intoxicated, you're not really your true self. I think in our culture there's a belief that unless you have a drink, you can't have a good time.
!I want it to be an event when people leave feeling really relaxed, happy and good about themselves. Unfortunately, alcohol doesn't do that, it only achieves that in he moment.
“I am really excited about this event. I’ll be taking everyone on a journey of beats, basslines and old-skool classics whilst feeding your body, mind and soul with confidence, empowerment and the belief that you are frigging awesome just the way you are!"
The Self Love Rave takes place from 7-10pm on Thursday, February 16 at the Assembly Warehouse in Cheadle. The dress code is 'anything goes', while those who want to dress up are encouraged to wear white or neon. Tickets are priced at £29 and can be bought via Eventbrite.
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