A new concept has emerged in Brussels, where duo Ethelle and Victoria have created the “Focking Sober” collective to promote partying hard without any alcohol and drugs consumption. For their first event, the couple partnered with the C12 nightclub, which will host the party on 14 September.
We like to party, but as ex-addicts it’s hard to go out in an environment of booze and drugs.
Ethelle and Victoria, Focking Sober founders
As former addicts, the two shared in a social media post that they are struggling with finding environments without temptations that would allow them to still go out and enjoy a good party, so they took matters into their own hands. This is how Focking Sober was born, a nightlife concept for “hard parties alcohol and drugs free”.
“As soon as Focking Sober suggested this project, it spoke to us directly”, Théo Hersart, Financial Director of C12, told Sudinfo. “So we’re offering them the space to organise this major event, which didn’t exist until now.”
The collaborators are inviting everyone to discover and experience new ways to party in September, not just sober clubbers, but also “techno people, punks, rappers, drag, freaks, club kids, rockers”.
Behind Fockin Ssober there is the desire to offer a space that can be as dirty as a usual party, except make it sober.
Ethelle and Victoria, Focking Sober founders
A team of 20 artists have accepted the invitation to explore the concept of drugs and alcohol sobriety and will express what that means for them and society through exhibitions, performances, screenings, tattoos, concerts, drag shows, DJ sets and other artistic performances at C12.
No alcoholic drinks will be sold on the premises that evening, a variety of especially created themed mocktails, soft drinks and, of course, water, being offered instead. The organisers have indicated that there will be no sobriety checks at the entrance, however door staff will be allowed to refuse entry to “every person deemed unable to respect the values connected to the project”. Moreover, staff on the dance floor will be monitoring behaviours and will ask participants breaking the rules to leave.
The event is only open for people over 18 years old. Early bird tickets have already sold out, with regular tickets, costing €9, quickly running out as well. The venue has a capacity of 600 people, but only sells a limited amount of tickets prior to the event, with additional door sale starting when the doors of the club open on the night of 14 September.
