On a chilly December night, amidst the vibrant activity of Digbeth, lies a jewel in Birmingham's nightlife. Encircled by historic industrial structures and elevated train tracks,Roller Jamit stands out like a beacon for those in search of something beyond the usual night out with friends. As you step through the main entrance, you can sense the pulse of disco music and hear laughter as people glide past on their wayroller skatesto the rink. The walls are decorated with vivid graffiti while still honoring the venue's industrial legacy. It's a fantastic blend of aesthetics that perfectly suits the purpose of the visitors.
We teamed up with SkateHut’s partner, April Alforque akaGrapeskatesand attended the We Jammin’ event at Roller Jam, which had opened earlier this year. Despite the cold night, the roller skaters seemed to generate their own warmth, carving shapes into the floor and showcasing their moves. This also gave us the opportunity to sit down with April and discuss everything about Roller Skating and Roller Derby.
SH- "This place is amazing! How frequently do you come here?"
AA - "As often as possible! I love the atmosphere here; it's a fantastic place for me to practice roller skating and connect with new people. I recently attended the Stranger Things event here as well and it was fantastic!"
SH - "How did you get started with roller skating?"
AA - Instagram! During the lockdown in the pandemic, I accidentally discovered a group of roller skating influencers and instantly fell in love. I was captivated by how elegant and free they looked and decided to give it a try, and I haven't looked back since.
SH - "What is your biggest challenge at the moment?"
AA - I think it's just finding time to create content. I love roller skating and sharing it on my channel, but it can be quite time-consuming at times, especially in cold weather when you can't really go outside. That's why places like this are ideal. They offer an environment where I can do my thing and share on social media.
SH - "So what moves are you currently working on?"
AA - I'm still trying to perfect skating backwards with a crossover. Some people make it look so effortless, and I would love to reach that level!
SH - "Do you have any big plans for next year?"
AA - I really want to return to Barcelona for the Skate Love event. It's such an amazing city, with everything you could ever wish for, including the beach!
SH - "Tell us about the roller skates you're wearing"
AA - These are my favorites. Moonlight Rollers, and I've customized them with Luminous wheels. They're so comfortable. Have you ever seen the Slades clip-on roller skates as well? I really want a pair!
As the evening progressed, April took to the rink, gracefully weaving through the crowd with herlight-up quad wheels. Although it was getting late, more and more people arrived, a mix of pros and novices all enjoying the night together with a sense of unity; they were all there to savor the freedom of roller skating. We left just before the after-party began, which was set to continue into the early hours.
Roller Jam seemed to be a haven for roller skaters, and it's a fantastic venue for parties, with a well-stocked bar and food available throughout the night. We'll definitely be returning, so stay tuned!
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