You only have to open a newspaper* these days to see a headline about the decline in London's nightlife — pubs and bars shutting at a saddening rate, legendary nightlife hotspots closing for good, music venues unsure of how long they'll be able to continue.
But what if, and bear with us here, it's because the cool kids know that the party now happens in the daytime instead?
Since lockdown, we've noticed a steady increase in opportunities to go clubbing/partying in London during the day, or earlier in the evening, rather than staying up until the small hours. New events have been born, and longstanding events have started offering occasional daytime events, so you can enjoy your usual night out, but still be home at a reasonable hour.
It's not just for more mature clubbers though — if anything, it's opened up London's 'night' life to a whole new audience, such as people living beyond the capital who previously faced the choice of cutting the night short at its peak to catch the last train home, or forking out for a pricey hotel room.
Here's where to look to plan your next day/evening out, and still be home in bed at a reasonable hour:
Before Midnight by Annie Mac
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Leading the charge into the early evening spotlight was former BBC radio DJ Annie Mac. In April 2021, she announced her new club night, Before Midnight, saying "Nightclubbing is not designed for people who need sleep. So I’m shifting the time parameters forwards, and bringing you a fully authentic clubbing experience that starts at 7pm and ends at the strike of midnight".
It's the same as a typical nightclub in every way, except for the hours — it's lights up at midnight, rather than having to wait until the small hours for your favourite DJ to take to the decks.
Dates are still few and far between, and take place at venues all over the country. Keep an eye on the website or follow Annie Mac on social media for updates — the events tend to sell out every time.
Day Fever by Vicky McClure
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Another celeb-backed event is Day Fever, introduced by actor Vicky McClure in late 2023 as "a daytime disco for grown ups who never grew up", and plugged by the likes of Zoe Ball and Jeremy Vine on their respective radio shows.
Rock band Reverend and the Makers DJ'd the inaugural event in Sheffield, and that's been followed by events in other cities including Leeds, Nottingham, Manchester, Glasgow and of course, London: so far, two events have taken place at HERE at Outernet.
Day Fever events tend to take place 3pm-8pm with DJs playing music spanning the years 1975-1995 — think Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, Dolly Parton, Michael Jackson, Queen, Neil Diamond... "A wedding reception without the wedding," is how it's self-described, with singing and dancing along very much encouraged. There is no strict age limit (other than 18+), but the organisers suggest it best suits anyone age 30+.
Tickets for this one are in SERIOUS demand — according to McClure, there were 2,000 people on a waiting list for tickets to events in London in early 2024. You'll need to register on the website to even be in with a chance of getting tickets when they go on sale.
Club de Fromage daytime parties
Club de Fromage is a legendary pop party at the O2 Academy Islington every Saturday evening, 10.30pm-3.30am... and now occasionally on Saturday afternoons at The Scala too. The second Club de Fromage Daytime Party took place in April 2024, for "those who still want to rock hard (not via some celebrity ‘playlist’) and just forget about the world for a few hours, yet still be home well before Match of the Day".
There's a strict over-30s policy at the daytime events. But other than that, it's pretty much the same deal as the late-night shenanigans: pop, rock, disco and indie tunes and a few dance tracks, along with sing-alongs, balloons, hula competitions, dance-offs and all manner of other entertainment for anyone who doesn't take themselves too seriously.
Keep an eye on the Club de Fromage website for upcoming events — we're told that the Daytime Parties are due to become a more regular occurrence.
Age Against the Machine daytime parties
Run by the same team as Club de Fromage, Age Against The Machine (previously known as Coffin Dodgers' Disco) began around 11 years ago, offering regular clubbing nights for over-30s at The Phoenix on Cavendish Square. It's now branched out into daytime parties at other venues, which are strictly for over-40s, usually running 3pm-7pm, with both events playing floor fillers encompassing pop, indie, disco, rock n roll, ska, soul, rock and funk.
Swiftogeddon Early Shows
We're HUGE fans of Swiftogeddon, the Taylor Swift club night, but honestly, those 11pm-3am stints at Troxy were starting to take a toll on our 30+ year old selves. So we were thrilled when they introduced occasional early shows, running at a much more civilised 7pm-11pm. They kicked off at the event's summer venue, Between the Bridges in 2023, and have held a couple at Troxy too. Sign up to the mailing list, or keep an eye on Swiftogeddon social media for upcoming shows.
Afternoon Parties at The Roxy
Soho nightclub The Roxy runs a whole series of Afternoon Parties — events for over-30s, running 3pm-7pm on selected Saturdays, with different themes/music genres/decades each time. Events take place in the venue's basement, and the lights are dimmed and flashing lights switched on to replicate the hardcore clubbing experience.
See upcoming Afternoon Parties.
Big Fish Little Fish family raves
The above events are all for adults, but what about hardcore ravers who see no reason to change their ways just because they've had children? Enter Big Fish Little Fish family raves, which offer the best of both worlds for adults and kids to enjoy together.
Renowned DJs whom you might know from London's grown-up club circuit play club classics — it's NOT a children's party or disco, but has a music policy designed to provide an authentic clubbing experience in a family-friendly environment. That said, there's plenty to keep kids entertained on and off the dancefloor, with giant balloons, glitter cannons, bubble and snow machines, craft and play areas, a chill-out space for the very youngest boppers and face painting, though specifics vary from event to event. There's often a fancy dress theme, too.
BFLF events take place at various locations across London, including museums, festivals, markets and regular night club venues.
Check the Big Fish Little Fish website for upcoming dates and tickets.
*Yes, we're showing our age. But then, we're the sort of people to go clubbing at 3pm, so what do you expect?
