A music enthusiast who has attended 12 concerts alone in six months advocates for more women to do the same and offers safety tips.
As festival season approaches, Nicole Elizabeth encourages women to embrace solo gig-going.
However, many may hesitate due to safety concerns. New research from viagogo reveals that 73% of women have never attended a live show alone, with safety and confidence being primary reasons.
Nicole aims to empower women in music spaces.
Since embarking on solo gig adventures, the 38-year-old from southeast London has experienced a significant boost in self-confidence.
“Attending gigs on my own was a challenge to myself at the beginning,” she said.
“I was tired of waiting for people to go out with!
“The experience has given me such an empowering feeling and has helped me overcome the anxiety of being alone at a social event.
“It is a form of social freedom to be able to strike up a conversation with a stranger and be in a new environment by myself.
“It’s also nice to be alone in my own thoughts.
“At first, it was scary going out on my own.
“I was a very nerve-racking experience and it felt a bit lonely, but I also had an overwhelming feeling of thrill.
“I overcame my anxiety by smiling at others and being friendly with strangers.
“What I’ve learnt is that you can have shared experiences with people you meet at gigs.”
Nicole’s solo journey started when she was unable to find any pals to join her to see Royal Dragon at Royal Albert Hall in November last year.
Now, she never has the freedom to see any show she wants.
Her favorite set? The ultimate girl power band: Spice Girls at Wembley Stadium.
In an unexpected turn, she notes that having “me time” pursuing her passion has strengthened her relationship, given her partner, Carlton Senior, 45, doesn’t share her music taste.
“If she feels particularly nervous, Nicole has various ‘techniques’ to calm herself down, such as asking a friend to be ‘on call’ if she needs to talk while out and about.
“As a woman, she knows that safety is paramount and it can often be a big hinderance for fellow women who want to go to events alone.
“I would recommend apps like Strut Safe [a volunteer phone line] so you can talk to someone if you are walking alone home at night.
“And have your favourite music playlist downloaded offline so that it can soothe you in transit.
“I believe many women would be apprehensive about going to gigs alone due to the safety issue.
“I feel safe when I’ve attended these venues [that I have been to so far], especially with measures put in place such as Ask Angela [a code phrase women can tell staff when they feel unsafe].
“There is still a big social pressure where people may think they might be judged for going out alone.
“But I think it’s getting less taboo to go to gigs or other social events alone.”
Knowing just how difficult it can be to find the courage to go it alone, she has also launched her own women-only music events.
The research conducted by viagogo surveyed 2,000 Brits to gauge their perspectives on attending music concerts solo.
The findings uncover significant barriers preventing solo attendance, with nearly a quarter of respondents citing lack of confidence, safety concerns, or anxiety as deterrents.
Moreover, a considerable portion expressed discomfort with traveling alone or fearing judgment from others. Shockingly, the gender disparity is stark, with twice as many men as women having attended live shows alone.
In response, viagogo is launching its inaugural ‘Solo Socials’ event, tailored to instill confidence and foster camaraderie among solo concert-goers.
This initiative involves collaboration with an NHS doctor and seasoned gig enthusiast, who will provide expert guidance to empower hesitant attendees.
Nicole, echoing the sentiment, emphasizes the empowering nature of solo gig attendance, highlighting the initial vulnerability and eventual sense of independence and enjoyment it brings.
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