A secret location free silent disco day rave is happening in Liverpool

A free silent disco day rave with a hands-on art session is happening at a secret location in Liverpool this weekend.

The event, on Saturday November 8, is being organised by artist and podcaster Graham Cullis to highlight the benefits of art for mental health.

He’s inviting anyone interested in taking part to message him, and they’ll be sent the location within 24 hours of it beginning.

Once everyone’s gathered together, people will be given headphones for a silent disco of classic tunes, followed by meditation and a chance to join in Graham’s performance art … by covering him in paint and turning him into a human artwork!

Graham says he realised how therapeutic art can be during lockdown when he was struggling with his own mental health.

He said:

“Painting was like a gift from God that I discovered. It helped my own mental health so much that I felt like I wanted to give back and since then I’ve set up a CIC, Your Art Connect, which offers young people and adults therapeutic art spaces, either free or very heavily subsidised,”

“It’s for all different kinds of people, neurodivergent, neurotypical, all genders, anyone who wants to come and relax and enjoy some creativity for their mental health.”

With the aim of creating supportive communities across the country, Graham has been visiting towns and cities around the UK on a ‘Stand Against Loneliness’ tour.

Most previous dates have been beach locations, but he says he felt he had to do a city-based one here.

“I’m driving around the country with the tour, this is my 12^th stop, and I did one at the Lake House in Crosby a few weeks ago. After that I was due to go to Scotland but I had an intuition that I needed to come back to Liverpool. 

“Liverpool is very special to me, I used to live here, so I wanted to come back and offer it here.”

People wanting to get involved can either contact Graham via What’s App or text to have the location revealed.

All we know so far is it’s going to be in south Liverpool, and somewhere public, so he says he’s also expecting to attract quite a lot of curious walk-ups on the day.

“I think because of where it is, when I set up and it all starts happening there’ll be passing traffic and people will just join in.

“I’ll have my van pulled up and open from 12pm, and we’ll have a QR code people can scan or sign up to get headsets for the silent disco.

“We’ll start off with a 50s and 60s playlist because you can’t go wrong with that era, it’s a chance for everyone to meet and greet each other and I might throw in a couple of icebreaker games.

“Once we’ve got a group together, we’ll have some local organisations speaking about how they can be supported. I’ve connected with The Recovery Group CIC and Chasing the Stigma who’ll hopefully be coming down to talk about what they do, and anyone else in wellness/mental health can bring their information and talk to people.

“After that I’ll play a meditation from my podcast, then we’ll have an ecstatic dance set, play games, and dance around. 

“Finally I’ll do some performance art where I put a massive plastic sheet down and invite everyone, kids and adults, to launch paint over me!”

Those taking part will also have the chance to contribute to a Liverpool scene which will go on display next year.

“We have a blank canvas and I get everyone to splat the background,” he explains. “I personalise the pieces from each event, and I’ll hold an exhibition in London where charities can also come and talk about what they do. 

“I’ll then tour that exhibition to five regions, including Liverpool, so everyone can come along and see all the artworks.”

Graham says the silent disco and art gathering in Liverpool is free, and he hopes people take something positive away from the experience.

“I want people to make connections, discover community, have fun and try some things for their mental health.”

What’s App or text Graham on: 07799 850146.

Find more events across Liverpool on our calendar.

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