FOR SEVERAL DECADES, legendary spirits maker Absolut has supported clubbing culture around the world. With events across the globe in countries from China to South Africa, Absolut has a strong legacy in creating exciting and innovative events.

But since 2000, 4 out of 5 nightclubs have shut in Ireland, which can only be described as disastrous and disappointing for all lovers of the Irish clubbing scene. 

However, despite a setback in the form of a global pandemic, the grassroots clubbing scene is rebounding thanks to the dedicated work of activists and club-goers who want to keep dancing.

The work is not yet finished and efforts are ongoing from many stakeholders to ensure the Irish club scene remains a feature of the present and the future, and not consigned to the past.

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Absolut, as part of their longstanding support of club culture, were keen to play their part in the Irish club scene and last month threw a party which showcased all the traditional elements of the club scene, but also gave a glimpse of the bright future awaiting avid clubbers with a whole host of innovative features and installations.

Clubs are great, and we love them dearly. But there’s something about a club space happening in an unorthodox place that really gets the pulses racing. This was certainly the case with ABSOLUT X which transformed a Dublin garden centre into a Mecca for club lovers.

The garden centre in question? Urban Plant Life in Dublin 8, which played host to international DJ Denis Sulta in April, alongside some of the best local acts Ireland has to offer.

A tribute to – and example of – everything great about clubbing, attendees were provided with pioneering custom-built digital installations and the latest in creative technology, creating a night rarely seen on these shores.  

If we were to give a one word summary of the night, we’d go with immersive. But luckily, we’ve a lot more to say about the unforgettable night than just that, although immersive is a good word for it.

ABSOLUT X transformed the garden centre into a vibrant, living dance floor where the crowd themselves controlled the lighting on a giant LED cube in the centre of the room. It would take someone with more technical nous than this writer to explain how it worked in detail, but the crowds dancing influenced the light show and in turn, this brought attendees front and centre at the event alongside the DJs themselves.

Interactive screens also reflected peoples’ dance moves back at them, which although a trailblazing piece of tech that was loved by the crowd on the night, was also a sturdy reminder that many Irish people were gifted with two left feet.

Overall, the use of trailblazing technology on the night gave clubbers a glimpse into the club of the future, with the focus on setting an important part of the experience, alongside a top-quality billing of international and local talent.

Sustainability also played a part with HVO generators to combat energy waste dotted around the dance floor and aluminium reusable cups used at all bars across the venue. The cups are earmarked for reuse at ABSOLUT X Pride, with details of that to be announced soon, so keep your eyes on @absolutirl for the info on this.

The event was a safe and inclusive experience with designated Wellness Representatives on hand throughout the night to provide assistance to anyone who needed it and ensure everyone had a happy and safe night at this unique event.

Although it must be said, we’ll never look at a garden centre again without sizing it up for a club night.

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Check out a wrap-up video of ABSOLUT X here.