“It feels surreal,” said UK based DJ Jayda G as clubbers returned to the dance floor for the first time since the pandemic began.
About 3,000 people with negative Covid test results attended the Liverpool event Friday, part of the government’s pilot on mass events.
The clubbers did not have to wear face coverings or social distance for the first time since lockdown.
Some clubbers told the BBC they had “spent a week” choosing outfits for the event at the Bramley-Moore Dock warehouse.
Liverpool director of public health Matt Ashton said the club event, which will also run on Saturday, was “crucial” for the local economy.
He said clubbers who test positive in the next five days would be expected to self-isolate and would be spoken to by contact tracers.
Scientists will use data on crowd movements and air quality to see whether people mixing indoors at mass events will increase coronavirus transmission.
The night was part of the Events Research Programme, which will also see crowds return to the FA Cup final and Sunday’s music festival in Liverpool’s Sefton Park.
