The Changing Nature of Celebration – What it Looks Like Now

Celebration, everybody loves it, that’s kind of the point, but in the last few years there’s been a shift. Grandiose displays, fizzing a bottle of champagne at an unwitting crowd, they don’t happen so much anymore. We’re gradually swapping prosecco for non-alcoholic champagne, we’ve traded polite rounds of applause for raucous whoops at Drag Bingo Brunch. Across the UK (and beyond), the way we mark the big moments – birthdays, engagements, Tuesdays – is really starting to change. We’re getting more creative, more inclusive, and dare I say it, having a bit more fun.

Booze-Free Brunch and Bubbles Without the Buzz

Let’s start with what’s not in the glass. Alcohol-free celebration is on the rise, with more people than ever ditching booze in favor of sparkling alternatives. The UK’s no-and low-alcohol market hit £380 million in 2024, and it’s still growing. Today’s hosts are offering elegant zero-alcohol champagnes, botanical mocktails, and cold-pressed juices with the same ceremony that used to be reserved for vintage fizz.
What’s driving it? Wellness, inclusivity, and (let’s be honest) the sheer variety now available. It used to be elderflower cordial, perhaps a Diet Coke if you were lucky, or ‘sorry, we only have tap water’. But modern brands like Noughty and Lyre’s are now creating sophisticated drinks that mean you don’t need to feel like you’re missing out. Brunches, in particular, are benefitting. Think avocado toast, playlist curated by the bride-to-be, and a chilled bottle of bubbly – zero proof, 100% fabulous.

Drag Bingo and Party with a Dab

Bingo used to be seen as a game that retirement homes would put on once a week, but bingo has had a massive rebrand. You’re now more likely to see a gaggle of 20 something friends enjoy a Drag Bingo Brunch than a group of elders. Even in the online space, party-themed bingo is becoming more and more popular. What’s behind this new-found craze for daubing though?

A big part of it is atmosphere. Drag Bingo is interactive, inclusive, and truthfully, pretty hilarious. It blends everything our grannies loved about the gameplay with modern celebration culture. There’s glitter, sass, themed mocktails, not to mention a live performance too. Events like Bongo’s Bingo or Dragged Out Bingo draw crowds of literally thousands across the UK, combining singalongs, prizes, and performance into one big party atmosphere, high-energy celebration.

Don’t forget the digital space! The most popular UK bingo platforms are arguably what was originally behind the success of the endlessly popular bingo brunches. They’ve been holding themed nights, party prizes, and even live chat games for more than a decade. This all adds a sense of occasion to what was once a solitary online activity. Players log in partly to win, but also to celebrate: birthdays, wins, or sometimes just Friday nights.

Creating a Little Meaning in Moments for Celebration

One of the trends that we – love – to see is the switch from mad consumerism to pure, unadulterated creativity. Instead of flashy parties where it was all about your outfit and the gift you brought, more of us are opting for pottery brunches, candle-making workshops, cold water swims – inventive things. These celebrations become about being ‘in the moment’ and creating something you’ll cherish forever, rather than just gathering ‘stuff’.