The first-ever rave was held at Birmingham Council House, and this is what went down

The first-ever late night rave was held at the Birmingham City Council House’s prestigious banqueting suite last night, as part of the Festival of Audacity.

Intent of being creatively audacious and daring, youth organisation Free Radical ensured the city’s Council House allowed young people to hold a music and dance filled extravaganza at the historic venue to conclude a three-day festival of occupying unusual spaces with expressive performance art.

Organised in partnership with Southside Producers, Beatfreeks and BBZ London, the event began at 9pm on Saturday 29th September and finished at 1am on Sunday 30th.

Although the rave was rich in a variety of music and dance, there was no alcohol available at the after-party.

A spokesperson for Free Radical explained:

“We took over the banqueting suite of Birmingham’s iconic building, the Council House, with a sober rave with DJ sets from QTIPOC Collective, BBZ London, playing a mixture of soul, funk house, ballroom, British Hip-Hop and bashment. As well as artwork displayed by BBZ TV.”

The Council House often hosts official meetings, events, and wedding receptions but it is believed this was the first rave to be held on the premises.

The building is the seat of local government for the city, and home to employed council officers, including the Chief Executive, and elected council members, plus the council chamber, Lord Mayor’s Suite, committee rooms and a large and ornate banqueting suite, complete with minstrel’s gallery.