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Locals keen for a midwinter lift featuring exercise, healthy snacks and a dance soundtrack from the 1990s and early 2000s should look no further than an early bird morning rave being organised in Warkworth on Sunday, August 6.
From 9am to 11am, the Warkworth Masonic Hall will be transformed for a rave – for the uninitiated, a dance party showcasing DJs or live performers – offering “as much of a nightclub feel as we can generate,” according to organiser Gareth Pring.
“I fully appreciate that at nine o’clock on a Sunday morning people might have inhibitions and not feel comfortable dancing in front of others,” Gareth says. “We’ll do our very best to make it dark, to make it loud, and to make it a nightclub feel.”
Gareth said the event, inspired by similar ones in London, New York and Auckland, would be family friendly, with all ages welcome. It would appeal to people in the area reluctant to go clubbing in the city, which often entails having to organise accommodation in town and arranging childcare at home.
“It can also involve being accosted by drunken people, which some people don’t like on a night out. This will all be done and dusted by 11, so they get all the plus points without some of the negative things that can come with a night out.”
Gareth said there were no expectations around dress.
“If they feel comfortable wearing gym gear and trainers, they’re more than welcome to do that. If they want to dress up they can absolutely do that as well.”
Wellness is at the core of the event. Complimentary fruit will be available, Elemento will provide coffee and smoothies, and 10-minute massages will be available from Halwyn Massage Therapy.
Music will be delivered by DJ Not That Guy – “think Basement Jaxx, Groove Armada and Daft Punk” – and talented local vocalists will also sing over the top of some of the house tracks.
“It will be a nostalgia trip for those who used to go out back in the day,” Gareth said. “People can use the event however they like. Either bring the kids to give them a taste of the best era for dance music, or leave them in bed. Use it as a morning gym session and get the 10,000 steps in for the day, or grab a coffee and smoothie and hang with friends while getting a massage.”
Gareth hopes to develop a community of attendees who can share ideas for future events.
“Winter is a bit of a slog and can have a significant impact upon people’s wellbeing, especially if they don’t get to socialise as much as they would during the summer,” he said. “This is just one event that hopefully will enable people to get out of the house, be among a like-minded crowd and feel better about the day and following week.”
Tickets for the event ($15 for adults, $10 for kids 16 and under) are available at Eventbrite.
