A Nottingham gym is offering students a new social experience with the launch of alcohol-free party nights. Castle Gym on Maid Marian Way introduced 'Castle After Dark', an event designed for students to socialise and focus on wellbeing without alcohol.
The inaugural event, which started at 10pm on a Thursday, featured a live DJ, pre-workout nutritional shots, and full access to gym equipment. Gym owner Luke Willmott stated that 250 students attended the launch, exceeding his expectations.
Students from Nottingham Trent University and the University of Derby were among those who attended. Phoebe Constanta, a second-year student, noted the appeal of a night event not centred around alcohol, but rather on wellbeing and interaction. Willmott believes the event is the first of its kind, offering a night out that avoids hangovers.
Recent data from the NHS Health Survey for England for 2024 indicates that young people are drinking less than previous generations. Approximately 39% of men and 31% of women aged 16 to 24 surveyed reported not consuming alcohol in the past year, compared to about 24% of adults overall.