Sunrise Sessions – Start your weekend with music, movement and connection
A brand new event for West Yorkshire is bringing together music, movement and meaningful conversations
Sunrise Sessions are sober morning raves that create a place where people can have fun, meet others, and explore a healthier lifestyle.
The sessions launch on Saturday 15 August at Palmer’s Plants in Pudsey, transforming the garden centre’s greenhouse café into an uplifting dancefloor for an hour of music, followed by optional coffee, cake and conversation.
The idea came from Zoie Murch, who wanted to create something for people to kick-start their weekend: “I’d seen similar events elsewhere and thought it was such a good idea,” she said. ” I wanted to create something that everyone could enjoy, including people in recovery, people who are sober curious and the wider community.”
Rather than focusing on alcohol or nightlife, the Sunrise Sessions offer a different way to spend a Saturday morning. From 8am to 9am, DJ sets, live vocals and clubercise will get everyone moving, before the pace slows between 9am and 10am for refreshments and the chance to chat.
Helping bring the idea to life are singer and DJ Lola Dutton, clubercise and zumba instructor Brianne, and a growing team of supporters from local organisations and community groups.
“It’s for everybody,” Zoie explained. “We want people to enjoy some music and start their Saturday morning feeling good. If someone wants to come and dance, that’s brilliant. If someone wants to stay afterwards for a coffee and a chat, that’s great too.”
While the events are designed to be fun first and foremost, they also provide an opportunity for people to find out more about wellbeing, recovery and safer drinking in a relaxed, informal environment.
Representatives from organisations such as Forward Leeds and other local partners will occasionally be on hand to offer information and answer questions, but only if people want that support.
“I don’t want to ram it down people’s throats,” Zoie said. “It’s about giving people a choice. If someone is sober curious, wants to cut down, or is looking for fun things to do without alcohol, this gives them another option.”
Initially, the sessions will be open to people aged 16 and over, giving adults a space where they can have open conversations about recovery, alcohol, drugs or mental health if they choose. Family sessions may be introduced in the future.
Although the first event has yet to take place, interest has already exceeded expectations. Venues across West Yorkshire have been asking to host future Sunrise Sessions, with locations including Bingley, Shipley, Saltaire, Guiseley and Halifax already expressing interest.
“The response has been incredible,” Zoe said. “We’ve already got around seven venues wanting to be involved, so it’s looking like we’ll be running them more than once a month.”
The long-term ambition is for the Sunrise Sessions to become a regular fixture across the region, bringing together communities through music, movement and connection while showing that socialising without alcohol can be welcoming, enjoyable and full of life.
Whether you’re in recovery, sober curious, supporting someone else, or simply looking for a positive way to start your weekend, everyone is welcome.