Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve are normally prime dates in the rave culture calendar. As a year like no other draws to an end, it is more than likely that illegal raves will be as prominent on these dates as ever, even with Covid-19 social restrictions in place.
Dr Martha Newson, a cognitive anthropologist at the School of Anthropology and Conservation (SAC), has commented on how rave culture has further flourished during the pandemic and suggests that rave culture is growing. She said:
‘Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic ‘free parties’ and underground raves have been taking place across the UK and mainland Europe. In a world of increasing physical distance, rave culture is growing. Finding people to connect with in 2020 has felt unobtainable through conventional realms. Humankind has a deep-seated need to engage in deeply bonding group rituals – it would be unforgivable, for instance, to deny a child a round of Happy Birthday and a slice of cake on their birthday. The 2020’s rave generation is being drawn in to not just a subculture, but to perhaps the only space left available in which to partake in those rituals we so crave. This year, the combination of Covid-related restrictions and the repercussions of years of austerity have activated our evolved need to turn to others in the face of adversity.
‘Hedonistic revel and revolt is not necessarily the primary goal for ravers; feeling a connection with other people, being part of something bigger than oneself is the motivation. In other cultural worlds, this kind of deep and meaningful connection might be met by religion, by one’s career, or maybe by one’s own family. Global examples are endless: take the crowds gathered on the Mongolian steppe for horse festivals; millions of Muslims’ arduous pilgrimage to Mecca for Hajj; or New Orleans’ vibrant, and territorial, Mardi Gras celebrations. Sport too, often fulfils these tribal desires, with clear territories, near weekly mass rituals, and tribal attire (e.g. football shirts).
‘The chaos of 2020 has already been pitched by many commentators as a turning point in rave, a flashback to 1989’s summer of rave. I predict that we are on the precipice of a major shift in youth culture, with rave just one ingredient in the socio-political cocktail. This is in part due to the fact that we are at the start of another 30-year cycle: from the 60s, to the 90s, to… the 2020s. These cultural periods have all been preceded by long conservative periods, austerity, and slashes to services for young people and the liberal arts. Already, 90s fashion is being emulated, just as 60s fashion was emulated in the 90s. These cultural cycles suggest that a wave of political activism is likely to accompany the surge in rave, harbouring the shared values and ideas of communities seeking a sense of belonging, meaning, and purpose.
‘However, now more than ever, rave costs. While hosts may charge their guests £5 to £30+, the social cost is arguably far higher. The risk of Covid-19 transmission is a big concern, especially in potentially unventilated venues that operate for 12+ hours. Yet, just like mainstream society, not all raves (or ravers) come from the same cast; just as the music varies, so too does the overall attitude. For instance, this summer, some organisers attempted socially distanced parties.
‘During the pandemic, unemployment and mental health issues have soared among young people. Rave is a reflection of this – temporarily remedying their imposed isolation. Most pressingly in the current climate, Covid-related guidelines must be emphasised in relation to the rave citizen’s community values. If we get the community on board, to perceive itself as a viable, listened-to culture that is capable of affecting change – then we could see some extremely powerful, positive social movements born from it.’
Dr Martha Newson
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