Castle Gym in Nottingham has launched a £15-a-ticket student night out where attendees wear gymwear, take pre-workout shots instead of alcohol, and queue at 10pm to exercise. The event, called Castle After Dark, sold out with 300 students attending, although 500 tried for tickets, and has generated more than two million views on TikTok.
Viral Reaction and Demand
The concept drew mixed reactions online. One commenter wrote, 'The world ended in 2020 and we are in hell,' while others claimed the world had 'gone mad' and one said, 'The kids are not alright.' Another joked, 'Could you imagine how good this would be with alcohol and without the exercise.'
However, some praised the idea. 'Finally, a nightclub where the only hangover is sore muscles the next morning,' wrote one TikTok user. 'Fire concept,' added another. 'They're out being positive instead of potentially being up to no good. I think this is sick.'
Founder's Inspiration
Castle Gym founder Luke Willmott, 36, said the event was inspired by changing attitudes among Gen Z students. 'It went absolutely off the charts,' he told Metro. 'We decided there's a huge gap in the market, because we believe less and less people want to go out and party traditionally where they'd get wasted and feel terrible the next day.'
The demand for alcohol-free nights is supported by data from the Mental Health Foundation, which found that 78% of current university students say they don't have to get drunk to have a good night out. Only 41% of university students drink alcohol once a week or more.
What to Expect
Castle After Dark features blue neon lighting, space for weightlifting, and non-alcoholic refreshments. Attendees can do their own workout or socialise, with student ambassadors running challenges like squat or bench press contests and sled pushes, with winners receiving prizes.
Luke explained, 'You can come and just do your own workout, or you can meet new people and socialise, you don't have to workout.' He added, 'We had our live DJ at the front of the gym, where people can have a dance and a social gathering once they've had their fill with their weights and workout, to keep the vibes going.'
Future Plans
Luke said there will be non-student nights by popular demand, priced the same as the student events. He stressed that this night out is not meant to replace traditional nightclubs but to offer an alternative. 'Nightclubs don't need to go,' he said. 'It's just everything in moderation and giving people another option is what we're trying to provide.'
He added, 'The feeling you get from doing a workout is incredible because of those endorphins and then when you're in a night out environment where you're socialising and enjoying yourself, you feel it twofold.' Plans are in place for Castle After Dark to become a regular fixture at the gym.
