Sober Session Beach Club Party
Guests partied to their heart's content at the last Sober Session Take Over Beach party at Kismet Cabana.
Despite the lack of alcohol at the pop-up beach bar, people danced and mingled, enjoying fantastic alcohol-free drinks. The team at Kismet set up the bar and paella on the beach at Ouaisne.
The party watched the tide go out, the colourful sunset and the beautiful moon rise, all whilst playing games on the beach and listening to music, including acoustic sounds from El Musico at the start of the evening, followed by the Sober Session resident DJ Steve Ferbrache with a silent disco. The view was out of this world and certainly something you would not want to forget.
Photos by Guest and photographer Ben Young
I chatted with the party guests and shared my story with those who hadn't heard it before; some opened up about their relationship with alcohol, and others explained that they'd never been interested in drinking alcohol. They said how refreshing it was to come to a party without the expectation of getting drunk, explaining that even in a work setting, there was always the pressure to drink alcohol. I had a few messages from people the day after saying how nice it was to speak openly about the topic, something that can still feel taboo to talk about and something I am on a mission to change through my work.
It was a mid-week gathering, so great to get out on a sunny evening and socialise without the dreaded hangover or beer fear the next day.
Some people voiced how anxious they were when they first arrived at the event, but the fear quickly dissipated as they met others who'd been in their shoes at previous events, welcoming them with open hearts and minds. The more we push ourselves outside our comfort zone and get comfortable with being uncomfortable, the easier it gets. Each event proves that nothing terrible happened and that we had fun. There was a real mix of men and women, young and old(er), and this didn't seem to phase anyone; it was more about bringing like-minded people together.
The food tasted amazing, and guests complimented it with a selection of tasty alcohol-free drinks. Andy from ClubAF was a sponsor at the event and was there to speak with guests about the different products available:
ANON Drinks a Pimms alternative
Kismet AF Rum Punch
Lyre's Spirit Co Italian spritz
Jersey Virgin Sippin Gin
Cider 0%
BrewDog Nanny State beer
Everyone said how quickly the evening went (time flies when you're having fun!) It was great to see people connect, let go and dance on the beach with smiles on their faces.
People even posed for a photo booth with festival-style props (usually something done after a few alcoholic drinks). Still, they felt comfortable being themselves and being silly without judgement.
Sober Sessions events are not only for the Sober Community; they are for anyone who is sober curious or for a mindful drinker looking for a night out without the alcohol.
When was the last time you went out without alcohol to give you a false sense of confidence? Would you feel confident going out and meeting new people without using alcohol to shift your state and give you courage? Some might read this question and be confused by it as they could easily choose whether to drink or not as it's not an issue for them, but others may read this and know that they haven't tried to go out without alcohol because it's a habit and always been a crutch that they have never questioned.
The next Sober Session Take Over will be a Christmas Party at The Salty Dog on Thursday, 24th November - pop the date in your diary. More details are coming soon!