{
  "id": 17251973,
  "title": "Inside the St Paul’s ‘raves’, which are nothing like you think",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/30/inside-the-st-pauls-raves-which-are-nothing-like-you-think",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-30T15:54:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "City AM",
    "slug": "city-am",
    "url": "https://www.cityam.com/inside-the-st-pauls-raves-which-are-nothing-like-you-think/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "St Paul's Cathedral is hosting a series of 'raves' that are far from what one might expect. These events are not your typical pulsating club nights, but rather serene affairs filled with atmosphere and elegance. The first of these collaborations took place last night, with the renowned Fabric nightclub and the Cathedral teaming up for an electronic music experience.\n\nContrary to tabloid rumors, the crowd at these events was not rowdy or dancing wildly. Instead, attendees sat quietly in their chairs, watching the music respectfully from the pews. Despite some criticism from the president of the Nelson Society, who feared \"dancing on Nelson's grave,\" the events have been praised for bringing in new audiences and providing a unique experience in such a historic setting.\n\nThe musicians performing at these events are members of The Cinematic Orchestra, playing atmospheric, low-fi electronica fused with soul and groove. The result is sophisticated, grown-up electronica that makes one sit and think, rather than the loud, chaotic music often associated with clubs. The show at St Paul's was described as mesmeric, with the Cathedral's roof bathed in changing hues of light that matched the music.\n\nThese 'raves' are not just limited to St Paul's. Similar events are taking place in Bristol, Guildford, Peterborough, and Canterbury Cathedrals as part of the 'Silent Discos in Incredible Places' tour. While these events do not bring in state funding, they do generate significant revenue for the venues, which often struggle with rising costs and limited financial support. Tickets for the St Paul's Fabric collaboration evenings range from £25 to £35, generating around £87,500 with a capacity of 3,500 attendees. It's a promising development for these historic buildings, potentially allowing them to thrive in these challenging economic times.",
  "summary": "The St Paul’s ‘raves’ are an exquisite evening of culture: ★★★★★ There was the sound of cans being cracked open between songs, but those cans were filled with water… And beers had to be left at the door: about the most rebellious thing I saw at the St Paul’s Fabric ‘rave’ last night was two [...]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}