On Saturday, the UK got to experience its first socially distanced rave. The event, hosted by UK collective Nitty, was permitted by the local council and took place in a forest near Nottingham.

A lot of people were eager to attend the rave, after the night life has been shut down for weeks. 750 people signed up to the mailing list to request their entry to the event, but only 40 were lucky enough to experience it. For the party to happen, a lot of restrictions and rules had to be made. In order to keep it safe, people had to stay 2m apart at any time, except for those living in the same household, with a special area for the different households. Face masks and hand sanitizers were handed out, the DJ equipment had to be cleaned with antibacterial wipes on a regular basis. Even though a lot of people are excited to have found a legal way to party, some are critizing the idea: When mixmag first published the story and tweeted a link to it, one user replied: “This ain’t raving just sanitised and sterile. Illegals are the alternative now. Sad really but the way it is.”

This ain't raving just sanitised and sterile. Illegals are the alternative now. Sad really but the way it is.

— Craig (@CraigStirling14) June 5, 2020

Sets by artists such as Latmun, Ben Sterling and Dafs were featured. The rave took place as a part of a documentary which explores socially distanced events and parties in the UK and asks how the hospitality industry is going to adapt to new restrictions and rules.

To inform the local public that the event is indeed legal and was allowed by the council, signs were placed around the area to spread awareness. Nevertheless, some concerned locals still called the police multiple times. The organisers of Nitty told mixmag that permission documents were shown to the police and explained that the rave would be over by 10pm. According to the organisers, police were satisfied that everyone was taking care of the social distancing rules and allowed the party to continue, they also said “to have fun.” Organisers also told the magazine that they left absolutely no trace, they had bins everywhere to not leave any trash in the woods, as well as a fire extinguisher.

People are now hoping for more of those socially distanced raves in order to have some sort of party life again.