The new-style nightclub that's only open in the day

Vicky McClure and Jonny Owen have launched a new-style nightclub that operates only during the day, offering a unique opportunity for those who enjoy partying but prefer daytime activities.

Like to party but can’t stay up late? Vicky McClure and Jonny Owen can help dance the day away.

“You’ll be ready to chauffeur the kids to their clubs bright and early the next morning.

Rather than dancing into the wee hours, it’s all about dancing through the afternoon,” quipped Vicky, star of Line of Duty.

In a playful tribute to the Bee Gees’ timeless party anthem “Night Fever,” these day-long dance events are aptly named Day Fever—where the emphasis is on “all day long” rather than “all night long.”

“It’s essentially an afternoon nightclub tailored for individuals of a specific age group,” shared Jonny, the 52-year-old filmmaker.

“I enjoy socializing with friends, grabbing a few drinks, hitting the dance floor, and indulging in a cheeky curry afterward. I prefer avoiding long waits for taxis and getting home early enough to catch Match of the Day, ensuring my Sunday isn’t disrupted. Nowadays, my focus is on having an extended day out, and I believe there’s a significant demand for an experience with a similar vibe.”

The discos cater to individuals aged 30 and above, with doors opening at 14:00 and the final entry allowed until 16:00. Attendees are encouraged to be courteous and dress elegantly, reminiscent of the times they used to enjoy nightclubs.

Bafta winner Vicky expressed her inclination to dance with friends rather than solo in her kitchen, emphasizing the profound impact of music on creating memories. She values the experience of being on a dance floor with friends, as it contributes to the formation of lasting memories, aligning with the spirit of their dementia choir.

The event features a lineup of DJs, including Vicky herself, Jonny, and Radio 1 presenter Katie Owen, who curate playlists from classic party anthems selected by Jon McClure, the DJ and frontman of Reverend and the Makers.

The inaugural daytime disco event at Sheffield City Hall last month, spearheaded by Vicky and her mother Carol, achieved a sold-out status within 48 hours. Vicky, renowned for her roles in Trigger Point and Without Sin and recently honored by the King, shared that the dance floor initially saw people standing around its perimeter in a classic fashion. However, she and her mom took the lead by being the first to hit the dance floor, prompting everyone else to join in, resulting in a fully packed venue.

Following this success, daytime dances are now confirmed for London, Nottingham, and south Wales, in addition to a return to Sheffield. Organizers are eager to extend their drop-in disco concept to various towns and cities across the UK.

“We would be thrilled to expand it to various cities to ensure widespread access, as we receive numerous requests on our social media urging us to bring it to their locations,” she mentioned.

“The essence is to have it right at your doorstep, near your residence, eliminating the need for late-night train journeys. Our goal is to make it accessible to everyone.

“We must be equitable with ticket pricing, considering the world we live in. People want to enjoy themselves, so it’s crucial to ensure affordability for everyone.”

Vicky and Jonny’s daytime disco brings a dose of nostalgia to the big screens, featuring clips from classic TV shows, films, and retro television adverts.

Vicky, aged 40, confesses, “I’m guilty of falling into a nostalgia rabbit hole, like many of us do when we reach a certain age.”

BBC Newsbeat’s investigation uncovered that over half of all UK clubs closed down from 2005 to 2015. Jonny aims to demonstrate that there’s still a desire for dancing and partying, albeit at an earlier time than before.

Their upcoming events in Sheffield, Merthyr Tydfil, and Nottingham are already fully booked, while tickets for their daytime disco at London’s Outernet in March are also experiencing strong sales, according to their announcement.

“If you’re following the January new year’s resolution path, it’s even better than hitting the gym,” Vicky commented with a smile. “Plus, you’re constantly on your feet, so the movement is non-stop for hours.”