10,000 fight for the right to party in Bern

The dance demo took place in perfect summer weather Keystone

A crowd of more than 10,000 danced through the streets of Bern on Saturday night, the largest such youth event seen in the capital for 25 years. The partygoers were protesting against restrictions on the city’s nightlife.

The demonstration, organised anonymously through social networks under the slogan “Dance yourself free”, went ahead without official authorisation.

The call to take part was backed by various nightclubs and venues in Bern, left-wing circles and other interest groups.

The police kept a presence throughout the night but did not intervene to break up the demonstration party.

Despite fears of rioters being attracted to the event, no major incidents were reported. A number of buildings, including the parliament building, were spray painted.

The crowd of at least 10,000 people followed mobile sound stages through the streets, starting at the Reitschule – a controversial youth centre and alternative culture hub – and ending up in Parliament Square.

A recent clamp down in Bern on late night noise and street drinking has led to the closure of some clubs, angering many young people in the party scene.