Over the past decade, a significant shift has been witnessed in the way people engage at live events. Gone are the days when phones were constantly held up, capturing every moment to be shared on social media. Now, the focus is on living in the present and creating truly memorable experiences.

Why the No-Phone Rule is Gaining Traction

In Manchester, Amber's nightclub has taken a bold step by asking partygoers to cover their smartphone cameras with stickers. Jeremy Abbott, the director, believes that having phones away creates a better vibe and makes people more present. This decision was made to ensure that the music and experience take center stage.In Berlin, where party culture is renowned, the no-phone policy is already standard practice. Popular nightclubs like Berghain have led the way, and other venues such as London's FOLD and fabric have followed suit. This shows that the trend is not limited to a single city but is spreading across the globe.In Ibiza, Pikes, a hedonist's dream set in a boutique hotel, also tested the water with a stickers-on-phones policy. By August, the ban was extended to seven nights a week, highlighting the growing demand for a phone-free environment.Advocates of the ban argue that it allows people to connect with each other and be more in the moment. At 3D Nightclub in Leek, Staffordshire, a spokesman said that the constant presence of phones detracts from the communal energy. By removing phones, they hope to create a more immersive experience.At Amber's, those seen filming or taking photos will be politely asked to stop. If they continue, they will be asked to leave the venue. The response during the launch weekend has been incredible, with everyone respecting the concept and creating a special atmosphere.

The Impact on the Clubbing Experience

When there are no phones on the dancefloor, it allows DJs to express themselves freely. People feel like they can be part of a special experience, and there is a unified energy in the space. As Abbott said, "When you look across the dancefloor and everyone is dancing and cheering without phones, it's a magical moment."This trend is not limited to nightclubs. Schools are also embracing the no-phone approach, with the academy chain being the first in England to go phone-free this September. Additionally, zero tech get-togethers like the Offline club have started in Amsterdam and are now spreading across Europe, including London.

The Amsterdam No Art Festival: A Case Study

This summer, at the Amsterdam's No Art festival, organisers asked festivalgoers to stop filming. At the gates, ticket-holders dropped their smartphones into envelopes and were instructed not to retrieve them until the end of the night. Organisers Bora Güney and Ruud Boymans came up with this policy after being frustrated with guests recording or livestreaming their shows.Next year, they plan to take it a step further by asking people to lock their phones in specially designed wallets that can only be unsealed with a magnet at the exit or the bar. This shows the commitment to creating a phone-free environment and the positive impact it can have on the festival experience.As Boymans said, "Banning mobile phones from the dancefloor has made a tremendous difference. People are in the moment, they talk to each other, and they make friends. The party is back."