Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Charity disco for over-30s that promises you’ll be ‘In bed by 9’
DISCO divas from a Women’s Institute group in Somerset have organised a night out with a difference – with a promise you’ll be home in your pyjamas by 9pm.
Members of Bleadon Women’s Institute have organised an ‘In bed by 9’ disco at Weston-super-Mare’s Loft nightclub in aid of Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).
The ‘daylight disco’ on April 20 runs from 2pm to 8pm, with a strict rule that only women and men over 30 years old will be allowed through the doors.
One of the organisers and committee member Kate James, 51, said: “I love the idea of going to a disco but most of the clubs don’t open until 10pm and most of the younger generation don’t go out until midnight.
“This event gives people of a certain age a chance to get out, have a dance and a drink, grab a taxi or bus home and be back at home in their pyjamas by 9pm.
“My daughter is 25 and she’s gutted she can’t come.”
Kate and her fellow committee members struck on the idea after hearing about the initiative ‘Day Fever’ run by actor Vicky McClure and her husband Jonny Owen.
Line of Duty star Vicky and Jonny created the club night that opens in the day but shuts early, allowing revellers to be home for Saturday night TV.
“We thought it was such a good idea we would do one for charity,” said Kate.
The Loft, which has a capacity of up to 600 people, has given the venue for free with the entertainment being provided by Enhanced Entertainment who be will providing the tunes.
The Queens Arms at Bleadon has also agreed to provide a hog roast and there will be a photo booth at the club for people to capture their memories of the night.
“It’s a real chance for people to revisit their youth without missing out on their sleep and raising money for an incredible cause at the same time,” she added.
Members of the Women’s Institute, which meets at the village’s Coronation Hall each month, will also be popping on their dancing shoes for the event.
The group, which has been running for 15 years and is one of the largest WIs in the county, is hugely popular and has a 105-strong membership and a waiting list of 25 people eager to join.
Each month the group enjoy trips and a range of activities including talks by a variety of speakers.
The group, which ranges in age from 40 to people in their 80s, was inspired by the work of CHSW after visiting CHSW’s Charlton Farm hospice in Wraxall.
“We had a talk by the charity which then led us to being able to visit Charlton Farm,” said Kate.
“Being able to see the work of the charity inspired us all and we agreed we wanted to do a fundraiser.”
The daylight disco is already proving popular with revellers with more than 200 tickets having already been snapped up.
Advance tickets start at £10 with tickets on the door costing £15. VIP tables have already sold out.
Tickets for the event are available at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/in-bedby-9-tickets-831711360067
Charlton Farm opened to families in 2007 and is currently supporting almost 200 children and young people from the local area living with life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses, meaning that it is unlikely they will live into adulthood.