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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.

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