We SALTsters enjoy getting involved in what’s happening in and around our local area of Leeds, and this morning that involvement happened to include attending a unique rave event called Morning Gloryville, which was held at the Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen.

I believe the concept of a booze-free morning rave started in New York, but soon spread overseas and has been embraced by many hip places such as Barcelona, London and Berlin… and now Leeds!

Are we ‘morning people’?

Our days usually start out quietly in the SALT office, as overall we probably wouldn’t refer to ourselves as ‘morning people’. We tend to edge ourselves into the day in a gentle manner, with lots of work getting done, but in a peaceful way until at least a few coffees have been consumed.

However, this morning completely challenged our senses and also our perception of ourselves; when I was throwing some shapes with my glow sticks in a mass of smiling faces, I realised that, actually, perhaps I am a morning person after all. And I want all of my mornings to start this way; with music, and dance, glow sticks, and a pleasingly varied cross-section of Leeds folk.

Fun for all ages

Age is no object at Morning Gloryville; there were babies, older generations, and all those in-between out on that dance floor this morning. Babies and children are provided with noise-cancelling ear defenders for safe raving, and there was also a Kidzone near the entrance for those little ones who fancied a bit of play time.

This looked fairly busy, but all the children and parents I saw in the main rave room looked more than happy too. With free glow sticks being handed out, what’s not to love?

Some of us at SALT.agency raving
Lucy, Martin & Reza (L-R) from SALT.agency, raving at 7:30am

Non-dancing fun

When you fancy a break from dancing, there are free (bookable) massages available, as well as free yoga sessions throughout the morning. Not forgetting a visit to the gorgeous roof terrace for a blast of sunshine and fresh air.

It was there that we came across a very content dog, basking in the sun’s rays… and all the love and attention he was getting from the giddy morning ravers!

Food & drink

If you get peckish during your workout, there is an array of food on offer on the ground floor: hot butties, raw foods and cereals. Gluten free cereal and dairy free milk were available for those of us with food allergies and intolerances.

Drinks are also on hand in the way of free iced water, healthy smoothies, or COFFEE. The lengthy queue for coffee at 7am made me smile!

In case you’re interested, the green mojito-style smoothies we had were delicious, and I also tried a very tasty raw cookie dough ball.

Great outfits

With such a mixed clientele comes an array of outfits that put end to the statement of “I don’t know what to wear”. At Morning Gloryville, you wear whatever you want! Our fave get-ups today included an amazing waistcoat and trousers set patterned with brightly-coloured fruits, and a gent wearing a rather fetching top hat on his head and a baby on his front.

Afterthoughts

As we left the Belgrave at 9am, we found ourselves stood outside in glorious sunshine. A stark contrast to the dark world we have come to expect when leaving a club, and a welcome change.

I noticed I was pretty hungry, which I put down to the exercise, but I had a dilemma due to the conflict in my head: part of my brain wanted ‘clean’ food, such as another smoothie, and the other part of my brain wanted me to stuff my face with all things carb, like I usually would if I’d been out drinking and dancing and wanted to ensure I’d feel ok ‘in the morning’. Morning Gloryville, you’ve confused my brain, but I and all of us at SALT.agency love you for it!

Has our morning rave upped our productivity today? We reckon so. If not it was good exercise, it made us smile all day, and we witnessed a young blind man having an absolutely amazing time with his friends in a safe and friendly environment.

See you next month, Belgrave – we’re hooked! In fact, we enjoyed ourselves so much, it is going to become part of our company ethos from now on – #PayDayRave has been born, and long may it continue.