Concertgoers receive unusual keepsake during Harry Styles' 'One Night in Manchester' show

Returning to the stage after more than two years, Harry Styles delivered an electrifying "One Night Only" performance in Manchester, reigniting excitement among devoted fans.

The anticipation was palpable as concertgoers entered the venue — and by the end of the night, they left with more than just memories.

In a unique twist, attendees were given disposable analog cameras rather than relying on their phones to capture the experience, part of a growing effort by artists to bring audiences back into the moment, CNN reported.

Upon arrival, fans were asked to place their phones in recyclable "smart bags" that still allowed basic functions but blocked camera access. In exchange, each person received a disposable camera preloaded with about 20 shots.

The intention was to reduce screen time and encourage fans to fully immerse themselves in the energy of the performance.

"At the end of the day, live music is about connection," concert reviewer and photographer Ali Al Hashimi told CNN. "Feeling a connection with the artist, feeling the connection with the thousands of people that have come there with you."

This isn't an isolated move. Fred Again experimented with similar tactics, placing stickers over phone cameras during shows.

Others, including Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish, Adele, and Childish Gambino, have also urged fans to put their phones down during performances.

"Once you've been at a show where no one is holding up a screen, you understand what's been missing," Graham Dugoni, the founder of company Yondr that helps create phone-free spaces, told CNN.

For many fans, what was once a collective, immersive experience has gradually turned into what Al Hashimi calls "a sea of phones." Instead of watching the performance, audience members often find themselves recording moments they may never revisit.

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This new approach flips that habit on its head. Rather than capturing endless footage, fans receive a tangible memento that requires intention. With limited shots, concertgoers are encouraged to be more selective, present, and creative — focusing on meaningful moments instead of recording entire songs.

There may also be an understated environmental benefit. Frequent smartphone upgrades and digital storage come with hidden energy demands and electronic waste. Promoting less screen dependence, even temporarily, can help shift habits toward more mindful tech use.

More importantly, fans say the experience feels more emotional.

"Everyone else was very much just there living in the moment," Al Hashimi said. "I thought it was really, really special."

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