Hosted at Nottingham’s iconic Racecourse, Groovebox welcomed a diverse crowd of people from across the UK to see big names including Koven, Turno and Disrupta, and DJs across six stages...
Glittered faces and gun fingers at the ready, the afternoon was off to a banger with El Pabloon the submerged stage, encouraging us all to shout if we love drum and bass. Meanwhile, Martin Beirne provided the house beats at the Cafe Mambo stage, Loco Pops opened up the box set, Jesse Pigott kept it real on the Taste stage, and Harry Crinnion took over the bunker set. Floating between most sets, I realised DnB was so much more than techno’s electronic beats - it was a way of life.
Owner of Taste DJ Eddie Chitnis lit up the Taste stage, alongside Louis Moore’s distinctive house mix. Influenced by the iconic whisper of disco and soul, the signature sound of synthesisers and the repetitive drumbeat had the crowd levitating with energy. I swayed amongst them, moved by the music and the audience’s passion.
Staying sober at a rave was an interesting experience, but I wasn’t jealous of those drinking, instead inspired by their spirit, and their ability to overcome and oversee all of life’s troubles and just to live in the moment. Stood alone at the main stage I shredded my self-awareness for the afternoon and deciding to dance. I was here to observe and to enjoy so I did just that, throwing myself into the crowd of ravers and busting some shapes I didn’t know my body could make.
But it was fine, because we were collective, a group of strangers moving in their own way but as one. I shared their shouts as Turno asked the crowd to make some noise if they were weed smokers. I’m not myself, but their happiness was intoxicating. They showed no judgements as I declined what they offered, just instead taking my hand and throwing shapes with me.
There was a sense of unity and friendship as the sun fell on our faces, raising a glass (of water, in my case) to more days like this. I may have come alone but I didn’t dance alone, strangers from 18 to 55 years old shared their stories, showed me their moves and encouraged me to join in, too. The event became a celebration of what it means to feel human, to feel alive.
The party continued into the night but still with the same fervour. Glow sticks and strobe lights illuminated smiling faces and closed eyes as everybody allowed themselves to be taken by the music. From mild break dancing to feet shuffling, whatever you wanted to do, went.
If you want to feel seen in a place full of people, dance with strangers and have a good time then I recommend you go to a DnB event. The drums from Richy Ahmed may have been loud and the bass booming from Macky Gee on the submerged stage may have been naughty, but the people entertained an attitude of peace, love and tolerance.
Groovebox took place on 27 May 2023 at Nottingham Racecourse.
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