Many of us like to go out and have a good time on the Bank Holiday weekends, but a Manchester DJ was left feeling disheartened after his shift at a local bar didn’t go how he expected
People say they can’t afford to go out as much as they used to (stock image)(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Brits are enjoying a glorious three-day weekend as another Bank Holiday has come around. It is the perfect excuse to make plans with your friends – and many will have enjoyed a few drinks on Sunday (May 25), knowing they won’t have to get up early for work in the morning. However, it looks like many Manchester residents chose to stay in, as a DJ has shared the “soul-destroying” reality working in a club.
On Saturday night, DJ Kris Howarth shared a video on TikTok to say: “I love DJing but this is soul destroying. On a Bank Holiday weekend as well. How’s your weekend going?” The DJ showed his decks, any empty dance floor and one customer at the bar at a Slug and Lettuce in Manchester. One customer also walked out during the video.
Sadly, post-pandemic pressures, shifting habits, and rising costs have all led to a decline of the nightclub industry. Lots of us are going out less as we can’t afford it – and many say it is sad that young people cannot experience ‘going out’ culture like previous generations have.
People rushed to comment on Kris’ video, saddened by the scene. A security guard said: “Worked security for seven years and watched the nightlife die before my eyes. First Friday nights then Saturdays…crazy.”
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One individual shared: “Used to be able to go out with £20 and have a good night about 15 years ago. Now you’re looking at about £70. I think millennials were the last generation to experience going out clubbing every week.”
Another shared that they have swapped going out for drinking at home. They said: “I used to love going out, but drinks were £3.50, tray of shots £10. The same drink is now nearly £8 and the shots are £30. Sadly, I’m now one of those people that will drink at home with my friends because it isn’t worth it.”
Another agreed, and noted: “It’s just too expensive to go out now. I spend £30 on taxis before a drink has even touched my lips. A night out is minimum of £100.”
One other observed: “COVID killed the industry and people definitely drinking less now and focusing on their health. Plus bars and clubs got greedy – £12 cocktails, no thanks, overbearing security and elitist VIP sections etc.”
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One other noted: “It’s the week before payday no one has money for going out.”
Another said it is down to a lack of effort. They suggested: “I think these days have gone people don’t go out out anymore or make any effort when they do.
“When we use to go out it use to be pre drinks at your mates while getting ready in your best dress and shoes doing each other hair and makeup going out dancing the night away till 2am then takeaway on way home.
“Now it’s trainers and hoodies and jeans just popping out for a drink not really a night out anymore. Such a shame.”
In a devastating prediction by the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), the current rate of venue closures could mean all major UK nightclubs would vanish by December 2029. Research from the NTIA shows that three nightclubs per week – more than 150 per year – have shut their doors for good since the pandemic began.
Stonegate, which owns the Slug and Lettuce chain, has been contacted for comment.