Following a sold out show in London, we are pleased to announce that Gok Wan MBE will be bringing ‘Isolation Nation’ to Digital Newcastle on Friday 28th Jan 2022, yeah I'm done after that. gone solid gone. mix was sweet 2021-11-27T02:36:30Z Comment by lindsay murrray Japan’s health ministry defines a hikikomori – a term coined in the late 1990s by the journalist Tamaki Saito – as someone who has remained isolated at home for at least six months, shunning school or work and rarely interacting with people outside their immediate family. Exercise is important for not just physical, but mental health too. Keeping fit can bring people together but funding constraints and soaring bills have shut a wave of leisure centre and swimming pools. An estimated 85 public pools have closed since 2019.

What were your own musical influences growing up? At which point did house music ‘speak to you’ as such? Working men’s clubs were once the beating heart of towns and cities. But figures from number crunchers CGA show 1,390 sports and social clubs closed in the past year alone. That equates to almost 27 every week – and 3,256 since 2019. There are many reasons why, such as soaring energy bills, labour and other costs through to declining member numbers. Among those closed in recent months were St Saviour’s Club in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, the Towngate Social Club in Leyland, Lancs, and the Holyrood Social Club in Watford, Herts. Having played some of his favourite DJ gigs in Leeds, Gok couldn’t think of a better city to stage his first large scale virtual Isolation Nation event. With three of Yorkshire’s most prolific events companies soon onboard, the party began to take shape.I’ve played numerous events in Leeds and the people are incredibly warm and really know how to party. Feeding Britain are by far one of the best things to come out of 2020 and we really need to raise as much money for them as possible. So, my advice to you for Saturday 22 nd August would be to get our favourite drinks on ice, tune in, dance, have fun and most importantly, dig deep. It’s going to be the party to end all parties!’’ Leeds’ most reputable leisure PR and events company Pink Gorilla Hairy Lemon assisting with the event management and PR. With an impressive portfolio of clients including Harvey Nichols, Top Shop and Roxy Leisure, they have organised some of the most legendary events and parties in the north of England.

The pandemic has been devastating for DJ’s and artists; however, it has also allowed myself and other performers to grow in other ways. Gok has always been an inspiration to me and his weekly kitchen discos have really kept my spirits up. It’s an honour that he chose Leeds to launch this amazing event and I cannot wait to play alongside him, Kudo & Fish and The Roscoe Brothers.’’ The technological tools that enabled people around to function during the pandemic have also contributed to a growing sense of isolation. “The pandemic made us realise that teleworking, remote learning and home deliveries are very useful,” Ikeida said. “Many of these lifestyle changes remained even after Covid-19 passed.”The high street is key to many communities, bringing people together and giving local areas a buzz – but the tally of boarded-up premises tells its own story. Since 2019, more than 12,300 shops have closed, according to data from the Centre for Retail Research. The collapse of Wilko – which has 400 stores – last week shows the ever-present danger to retailers. Like many industries, the impact of COVID has been brutal to those working in events. Our whole business is about bringing people together and the reality is that is not going to happen any time soon. In response to that, we looked to diversify our businesses by offering virtual events with a creative edge and we’re over the moon to be working with Gok.’’ They say that challenges are what make life interesting, and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. In the case of Gok Wan, a quote has never quite carried so much relevance. To add another branch to his ever-blossoming career tree during ‘normality’ is one thing, but to do so during a global pandemic, gives a real glimmer of insight into the psyche of a man who has swapped teaching people ‘ How To Look Good Naked’ for a musical education on ‘How To FEEL good, clothed.’ From sold-out shows across the country to over one million streams online for his hit single ‘Let Me Be Your Fantasy’, the renowned fashion guru, much-loved DJ, and all-around national treasure gets set to scale things up with a very special return to Birmingham. Written by Lukas Rafael Hespanhol Ruiz, Adam Kershen, Andrew Polychronopoulos, Cesar Souza, Elise LeGrow & Brian West