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Having jumped the gun earlier this summer, the Dutch government have finally acquiesced to ease Covid restrictions after excessive pressure from the public and an increase in vaccination rates. The flickers of hope that have dwindled in the eye of every avid clubber now burst into flames of excitement amidst plans of clubs re-opening.

Protests and Parades

As a mark of indignation, protests have gained increasing momentum in recent months. However, these protests are no longer just the anti-vax community, shouting and brandishing libertarian-slogan posters, but now involve a far wider group of people from the music scene and beyond. 

Earlier this month, we bore witness to the ‘unmute.us’ protest events that spread across The Netherlands’ major cities. In the most recent one, Amsterdam saw the participation of between 35,000 and 70,000 individuals who took to the streets for a good old fashion leg shake, with a dusting of political rebellion. The central claim was that the government should cease their arbitrary rulings on large scale events and allow club culture and music gatherings to return. 

People had experienced a whiff of freedom after summer’s flashbang experience of clubs reopening. However, this freedom lasted less than three weeks and was met only with greater disappointment as clubs closed their doors again. This week, an auspicious sun looms on the horizon, as promises of music events reigniting are now solidified as concrete facts.

Politics

The word ‘politics’ in itself now tends to trigger frustration or disappointment after this rollercoaster ride of a pandemic. Governments keeping to their promises has been incredibly difficult due to tumultuous circumstances and incendiary policies that removed vast chunks of people's freedom, regarding movement and interaction. However, the 25th of September 2021 marks a positive moment for the music scene as large scale indoor music events and live music now return, with the slight caveat of having to end at midnight.

While some are exchanging smiles over this positive change, there remains an air of cynicism regarding the closing time of these events. As anyone who has been clubbing before will know, midnight is not typically when things begin to wind down, in fact, it’s quite the opposite. Sadly, all music events must still finish at midnight, and to some, this is perceived as a governmental rubbing of salt in the wound to an already damaged industry. 

Making Do

The roundabout response of these new rules has stimulated an equally new system of clubbing. As with every governmental regulation, there is always a caveat, a loophole or perhaps better, an airhole for people to breathe. In this case, the scene has responded by shifting all events to daytime hours and early evening. In light of this flexibility, events like Amsterdam’s longed-for ADE festival are set to go ahead with all parties taking place before midnight, though the conference will not happen. Many have grinned in response to this news and it might be a change of scene for many clubbers who have been habituated by strictly nocturnal antics in the past.

Lowering expectations

Generally, people have done better throughout Covid by keeping hope close to their hearts, avoiding any real expectation of freedom in the form of government announcements. Despite what some may see as a glimmer of hope in the recent club reopening policy, there is still a great deal of disappointment for those wishing to reignite the old glory days. While the rave scene continues to offer alternative pathways for those willing, the coming weekend will be a significant landmark for the dance music scene and time will only tell how long this freedom lasts. For now, our fingers remain crossed.