Silent Disco

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The silent disco is a clubbing concept where dancers are provided with personal wireless headphones which can be tuned in to listen to a DJ (unlike a flash mob silent disco where the participants would be listening to personal music via portable devices). The concept of a silent disco earns its name because any outsider walking into the event would see a venue full of people dancing, yet hear no music, hence silent disco. Overall this makes for an experience like no other, strange at first but simple to get involved with.

1 Orgination
2 Festivals
3 Beyond the festivals
4 References

[edit] Orgination

The idea of a silent disco has been around since the when eco-activists found that the easiest way to get large numbers of people into certain areas, such as a forest that was being logged, was to put on a party. However a party could cause distress to animals living in the area as the noise generated by such an event could be wholly disruptive. So a solution was needed for particularly sensitive areas, a solution that could incorporate a party whilst limiting impact upon local wildlife. A suggestion of playing music over headphones would not only limit sound disruption; but also give those attending the opportunity to experience a new form of party. Thus the concept of a Silent disco was born.

[edit] Festivals

The silent disco was trialled at Glastonbury ^[1] in 2005, as a response to noise restrictions ^[2]. Silent discos are being more regularly used in festivals all across the globe and taking festival goers by storm. Silent discos are specifically successful at festivals as they provide an alternative party which can continue until late without much disruption to locals in terms of noise.

In June 2008, the silent disco will feature for the first time at the download festival in the UK.

[edit] Beyond the festivals

The concept is generating great response from its audiences and demand is stretching beyond the festival scene. Silent discos are popping up in all manner of venues across the globe. The silent disco concept seems to be very much a favourite amongst the student population with a wide number of student unions hosting events on regular occasions. Venues all over are continually attempting to offer their audiences new and exciting events, and the silent disco is proving to be amongst the most popular in this genre.