Bristol Nightclub Defends Bank Holiday Rave Taking Place During Queen’s Funeral

A nightclub has defended its decision to host a “free rave” on the day of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, arguing that the cost-of-living crisis and a decline in business has meant that they are unable to shut. 

Titled Godspeed, the all-night party hosted by Motion is set to take place on Sunday (Sept. 18) and will conclude in the early hours of Monday morning—roughly six hours before The Queen is laid to rest. It comes after the Bristol nightclub was forced to cancel two after-parties during the Tokyo World festival when trips were made “impossible” and shuttle bus services to Eastville Park also pulled out.

A spokesperson for Motion said: “We were due to host the after parties for the Tokyo World Festival this week, however, due to the perfect storm of Brexit and Covid-19, First Bus has cancelled the planned transport from Eastville Park to the venue in BS2. In light of these being cancelled, and with wages, increasing power costs plus multiple other factors of life in 2022, we felt we were not in the position to keep the venue shut.”

They added: “As with everyone else we were truly saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on September 8 and wish the new King all the best in his new role—God Save The King.”

Boasting the top-tier bass performances from local Bristol DJs, the event was first advertised on Motion’s Instagram page.