Firefly is hosting a dinner where you eat blindfolded in the pitch black

Not Quite Light festival kicks off this month, and its first event is a dinner in the dark.

It’s not a new concept, in fact it dates all the way back to the 18th century, but it’s certainly a novel one – and has long been used as a way to promote awareness about blindness due to the way it makes diners reconsider the way that they rely on and use their senses.

Blindfolded guests will enjoy a specially-prepared two course dinner in a darkened room, and will have to put their faith in staff throughout the course of the night.

They will also be treated to a glass of wine or beer as part of their meal.

As the night goes on, diners will gain an understanding of what life with a visual impairment is like as their own sight is temporarily removed.

Waiters will be on hand to explain and assist as the evening unfolds, with guests encouraged to draw their awareness to the ways in which their senses and heightened and changed as part of the process.

Taking place at New Bailey restaurant Firefly on Thursday 26th March, tickets are priced at £45 a head with all proceeds going to Henshaws.

“Studies have shown that 80 percent of people eat with their eyes,” says Helen Rowe from local charity Henshaws, which provides expert care, advice and training to those affected by sight loss and other disabilities.

“So with that sense eliminated, the theory is that the other senses – namely taste and smell – take over,” she explains.

Vegan and gluten free options are available on request and there is a discount available to groups of six or over wishing to book together.

TICKETS