Photo by Jacob Morch/Pexels
The pulse of the UK’s nightlife scene has been silenced. Or at least, that’s what the new BBC documentary, Nightclubs: Is the Party Over?, explores with haunting clarity. Now streaming on iPlayer, the film brings to the forefront the profound effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the country’s club scene, spotlighting the harsh reality faced by nightclubs, DJs, and party-goers alike.
Through candid interviews with prominent figures like sim0ne, SHERELLE, and Ahadadream, the documentary paints a vivid picture of a once-vibrant culture struggling to survive. As club closures surge, with over a third of UK nightclubs shutting down since 2020, the film probes the seismic shifts that have left the dancefloors empty and the decks quieter.
In one of the film’s most striking moments, SHERELLE, the acclaimed BBC Radio 6 presenter, cuts through the noise of speculation: “Clubbing is becoming a luxury, and that’s just crazy.” Her voice resonates with the pain of a culture on the brink, a reminder that music, connection, and shared experiences shouldn’t come with a hefty price tag. “You should be able to listen to music at any time you want,” she continues, urging the need for spaces where communities can gather freely, beyond the barriers of expense and exclusivity. For SHERELLE, the answer lies in rediscovering DIY culture and taking action beyond the digital realm. “If we’re not physical about creating these spaces, then nothing will get done,” she warns, a call to arms for all who long for the raw, unfiltered energy that once flowed from every club night.
The stark reality is also underlined by sobering figures from the NTIA (Night Time Industries Association), revealing that the number of nightclubs in the UK has plummeted from 1,240 in March 2020 to just 835 in November 2024. But beyond the numbers lies the cultural impact. Ahadadream articulates this sentiment beautifully: “There needs to be more of an importance given to these spaces as cultural spaces rather than people just assuming that it’s a place that people go to lose themselves in hedonism.” It’s a reminder that nightclubs are more than venues – they’re vital cultural hubs that shape communities, foster creative expression, and offer solace in times of uncertainty.
Nightclubs: Is the Party Over? serves as a poignant reminder that the dancefloor isn’t just about the escapist thrill of a good time – it’s about belonging, history, and a collective memory of music. As the documentary unfolds, it offers an urgent plea to preserve and revitalize a space that has given so much to the UK’s cultural landscape.
You can watch Nightclubs: Is The Party Over? on BBC iPlayer here.
