Rather than setting a traditional ticket price, Unit Nine will allow customers to contribute whatever they choose on arrival. That could be £2, £5, £10 or nothing at all, it's totally up to the customer.

The venue says the idea is about making live music and raving more accessible at a time when the cost of going out can be difficult for many people.

Jamie from Unit Nine said:

“We know people still want to go out, see their friends and enjoy music, but not everybody has the same amount of disposable income.

“We could simply make the event free, but we wanted to try something different. If somebody genuinely can't afford to pay, they can still come and enjoy the night. If somebody can afford £2, £5 or £10 and wants to contribute, that money will go towards the cost of putting the event on.

“There’s no hiding from the fact that nightlife is incredibly challenging financially at the moment, particularly for independent venues. We believe the answer is to keep adapting, evolving and trying new ideas rather than simply doing things the way they’ve always been done. We’re constantly looking at how we can stay ahead of the game, give people a reason to go out and, most importantly, keep bringing great events to Milton Keynes.

“This is an experiment for us too. If people get behind it, it could open the door to more Pay What You Like events and hopefully introduce a whole new audience to Unit Nine.”

Any money contributed on the night will help Unit Nine cover the costs associated with running the event, including artists, production, security, staffing and the general operation of the venue.

The venue hopes the concept can benefit both customers and Milton Keynes' independent nightlife scene.

“Independent venues aren't cheap to run and putting on quality events costs a significant amount of money. At the same time, we don't want price to be the reason somebody has to stay at home.

“This gives people the choice. Those who can contribute help us put the night on, while those who can't are still welcome. There'll be absolutely no judgement either way.”

Unit Nine also hopes that if the concept proves successful, it could become a way of bringing more events, artists and customers to the Milton Keynes venue.

“We're always looking at different ways of getting people through the doors and keeping independent nightlife moving forward.

“If this works, we'd love to do more of them. More people experiencing Unit Nine means potentially more events, more opportunities for local DJs and promoters, and ultimately a stronger nightlife scene in Milton Keynes.”

Tickets for the event will be released at 7pm on Monday 14th September but a waiting list is now live. You can sign up by clicking here.

Although there is no compulsory ticket price, customers must obtain a ticket in advance to attend.

Unit Nine says the ticket allocation will be larger than the venue's capacity due to the traditionally high number of no-shows associated with free and low-cost ticketed events. Entry on the night will therefore be first come, first served and subject to venue capacity.

On arrival, ticket holders will be given the opportunity to contribute by cash or card, with the amount entirely up to them. There will be no judgement, no questions asked and absolutely no pressure to pay. If somebody can't afford to contribute, they can simply come in and enjoy the event. Those who can contribute are invited to pay whatever they feel comfortable with, helping towards the cost of putting the night on.

For Unit Nine, the concept is simple: make a night out accessible to as many people as possible, while giving those who are able to contribute the opportunity to help support the event and the venue.

Friday 2nd October. Three headliners. Local talent. One simple idea: pay what you like and come rave.