skip to main content

London’s First Accessible Club Event for Adults and with Disabilities and Their Carers Opens this November

The event 'Daylight' – which will be hosted by music venue Omeara – is being produced by London-based DJ and mental health volunteer Tony Gurney.

Published: 08 October 2019 | 12:00 AM Updated: 25 June 2024 | 3:00 PM
Photograph of people in a night club
The event will debut with a Jungle and D&B special. Photo credit: Shutterstock

Tony, who DJs under the name 'Groover The Barbarian’ and is currently studying electronic music production, lives with both Crohn’s Disease and Fibromyalgia.

He described his motivation for running the event, "I’m doing it because I couldn't find anyone else who is. It's called Daylight because it's all about getting humans out of the shadows and into some DAYLIGHT”

Having also been a child carer to his older brother who had both Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus and died of his illness in 2000, he has experienced first-hand the numerous challenges that come with going out to a nightclub or music event as a disabled person.

A night club can be a massive challenge for anyone with a disability

Tony explained some of the issues a night out can present:

“In order for someone with disabilities to be able to go to a nightclub for a night time event, they have all the challenges of their disability added to all the challenges of the average night out.

“Anyone who has tried to get a taxi or a night bus at 3-4am knows how difficult that is. Now imagine it’s raining, and the taxi that has turned up is refusing to take you because you're in a wheelchair and the guy will have to get out of his car.

“Add in medication timing, steps, drunk people, getting access to toilets and anything else the Universe chucks in and I think you can see why a night out to a club can be a massive challenge for anyone with a disability.”

Attending Daylight and helping crowdfund for more events

Daylight will be limited to 100 tickets and run for four hours from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the interests of creating the optimum event experience for those attending.

The venue forms part of Flat Iron Square, a casual street food neighbourhood and garden area, which ticket holders are also free to access during this event.

There will also be a Carers Networking Area, hosted by Carers UK, where carers can find out more about their services and take home key resources.

Tony has set up a crowdfunding page in the hope of creating a regular event within London’s clubbing calendar. Help him reach his target and read his full story.

Daylight takes place at Omeara, Flat Iron Square on Saturday 16 November 2019. Tickets are £5, with free carers tickets. Purchase your ticket here.

Are you a member of one of the MU’s Equality Networks?

Members' opinions on equality and diversity issues are vital to the way the MU shapes its services, policies and campaigns.

Find out more about making sure your voice is heard, what our Equality Networks are and how to join one.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Exterior long shot of Caird Hall, Dundee., where Congress takes place.

MU Represents Scottish Musicians at STUC Congress 2025

Last week we attended the annual Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) with MU Delegates Ronnie MacNiven, Ben Lunn and Calum Baird, who discussed the value of music education, fair work for musicians, the need for stability of the arts, and more. All of our motions were passed unanimously.

Published: 06 May 2025

Read more about MU Represents Scottish Musicians at STUC Congress 2025
Close up of violin players on stage.

Empowering Orchestral Musicians: Webinar Recording Available

This webinar, exclusive for MU members, uses recent campaigning at Welsh National Opera as a case study to explore how empowering orchestral musicians in the workplace can drive change — serving as a practical introduction to workplace activism in the sector.

Published: 30 April 2025

Member only Read more about Empowering Orchestral Musicians: Webinar Recording Available