An inclusive rave is being hosted in Salford this summer which is designed to be accessible for everyone – including those who struggle at traditional clubs.
The Lowry will be transformed into a night for all by the team of creatives behind Disco Neurotico, many of whom are neurodivergent themselves.
Byron Vincent, Disco Neurotico founder, is trying to break down the barriers for those with anxiety and the neurospicy.
Vincent said: “Our needs aren’t really considered or met.
“I’m one person doing my best to try and make events a little bit kinder for people with my sensitivities, but really what needs to happen is a broader cultural change.”
A neurospicy night out
One distinctive thing about Disco Neurotico is their use of the term “neurospicy”. This is the new term on the block that’s used as an alternative to “neurodivergent”.
Disco Neurotico events are designed to be inclusive to people who consider themselves neurospicy through a zero tolerance discrimination policy when it comes to clubbing etiquette – including recognising boundaries and dancing respectfully, with no unsolicited touching or staring.
Most club nights aren’t like that – as reported by the BBC, women in the north west felt violated after being secretly filmed on nights out and the footage uploaded on social media for trolls to comment on.
Which brings us to another benefit of a Disco Neurotico: no cameras on the dancefloor.
So you have the freedom to let loose with no worries someone will upload your epic dance moves to the internet.
Growing up in the emerging rave scene, Vincent wanted to participate but found he had difficulties with the large crowds and social interactions.
He said: “Selfishly I thought about how I might begin to redesign a night that suited someone with my sensibilities.
“It’s not just autism I have – I’ve been collecting neurodivergent diagnoses like Pokémon since the nineties.”
Vincent and his team provide different spaces and activities to cater to different needs. There’s a calm space, a silent disco, tabletop games and even a virtual tour of the space prior to going.
Partygoers are encouraged to bring items that will improve their experience such as ear defenders and sensory stimulation toys.
On arrival, ticket holders are given a ribbon which identifies how they would like to be interacted with: green meaning up for interaction, yellow for those who would prefer less interaction, and red for those needing space.
“It’s just as fun as a traditional event”
Stefan Mohamed, Disco Neurotico’s joint CEO and DJ, plays the same music as he would at any festival and explained the silent disco is a big part of what makes the event accessible.
He said: “It’s just as fun, musically exciting and varied as a traditional club event would be.
“We’re not treating the audience with kid gloves and thinking they can’t handle the kind of dance music you would find at a traditional club.”
Thanks to the silent disco, clubbers can choose what they listen to and change the volume or if they want to chill out they can play the ambient channel.
There’s also a warm-up event, led by Simone French.
Thankfully, it’s not the sort of warm up you’d find in the gym – it’s a way for people to get used to the space and find their groove, especially if they have come on their own.
French said: “We always try to start with closing your eyes and centering oneself and then feel how you are in the room.
“Energising the dance floor – that’s really what my role is.”
Adjusting the bar
Everyone is welcome at Disco Neurotico events – not just those with disabilities – but a big part of the need for this sort of event is because of accessibility barriers that stop disabled people from enjoying nights out and festivals – even though they could be fixed.
Disabled people also report higher rates of loneliness and isolation compared to people with no disabilities.
As a wheelchair user, Zara Beth, content creator and disability advocate, has previously had to cancel going to outdoor festivals when waterlogged ground made access impossible.
Zara Beth said: “People overlook disabled people when it comes to fun things, but because people assume that we can’t do it, they limit our actual abilities.
“We could do so much more and enjoy all of these things if there were changes put in place.”
Even drinks bars can be a challenge, as few venues have a till point at an accessible height.
A lack of soft drinks on offer can also be a barrier to disabled people as alcoholic beverages can exacerbate issues such as stress and chronic pain. Zara Beth also acknowledged how this limits options for people who are sober.
After attending Latitude festival this summer Zara Beth praised accessibility options in place such as a golf buggy that could transport her and her wheelchair across the large site.
On reading about Disco Neurotico Zara Beth said: “It looks great, the quieter room options and the headphone options as well – that is a really good idea, then you can adjust the volume for yourself.”
When asked what he hopes for Disco Neurotico, Vincent said: “I want it to feel like our space, a space you can walk into and have a good time without that feeling of stress and anxiety that live events can often bring people like myself.”
How to get involved
Disco Neurotico is bringing the party to The Lowry, Salford on Saturday 31st August, 8pm until midnight.
The team highlights that the event is for everyone including those with no disabilities and welcomes feedback on how they can improve.
More information and tickets can be found here.
Featured image: © Copyright David Dixon and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
