The BBC’s latest short documentary Nightclubs: Is the Party Over? explores a question that’s been on the minds of clubbers, DJs, and promoters for years.
Hosted by BBC with interviews from Sim0ne, SHERELLE, I. Jordan, Ahadadream, the documentary looks into the current state of UK nightlife – one that’s struggling to survive post-pandemic.
Since 2020, the UK has lost around 400 clubs – more than a third of the total number. Post covid, iconic venues have shut down (Printworks, The Cause, Sub Club), licensing laws are tighter than ever, and as gentrification spreads, more dance floors are disappearing. Many venues are being replaced by apartments, offices, or commercial spaces, with culture often sacrificed to make way for higher and faster profit.
Clubs are more than venues, as today they are seen as safe spaces for expression, identity, and community (particularly for marginalised groups). SHERELLE (the acclaimed BBC Radio 6 presenter) talks openly about the importance of building alternative spaces that support Black and queer clubbers. Adding: “Clubbing is becoming a luxury, and that’s just crazy.”
Ahadadream brings insight into the power of grassroots events and community led spaces: “There needs to be more of an importance given to these spaces as cultural spaces rather than people just assuming that it’s a place that people go to lose themselves in hedonism.”
Connecting the UK and Croatia
While the BBC’s Nightclubs: Is the Party Over? discusses collapse of the UK clubbing ecosystem, the issues it raises are similar to those discussed during the Rejvitalizacija panel in Zagreb, organized by Tena Sarcevic last year. The themes of shrinking nightlife spaces, rising costs, shifting clubbing habits, and cultural undervaluation are just as relevant here in Croatian cities as they are in London or Manchester.
In Croatia, the closure of long lasting venues, lack of infrastructure, “loud” noise and licensing restrictions show the similar pressures UK nightlife is facing. As it was pointed out in the panel, the centre of Zagreb has become increasingly difficult to navigate for promoters and organizers, especially with growing tension between residents, city authorities, and nightlife operators.
The BBC documentary also showed how there is now more focus on the underground scene – warehouse parties, DIY collectives, and younger crowds building their own spaces. That same energy is visible across Croatia, where small crews are creating creative events focused on quality music and atmosphere.
Both the documentary and the Rejvitalizacija conference made one thing clear: nightlife is often seen as a problem, instead of a cultural and economic asset. Despite connecting thousands of people through music and tourism – in both the UK and Croatia – public policy still fails to support nightlife as a key part of urban life, youth culture, and community wellbeing.
The full documentary is available on BBCs official webpage. Also, check out the Rejvitalizacija recap.
