The Lowry to bring ‘Sensory-friendly’ club night for the neurodivergent community to Salford

Disco Neurotico is an innovative new club night for people who struggle in traditional club spaces. Held at The Lowry, with a focus on inclusivity, individuality, and sensory-friendly experiences, Disco Neurotico aims to redefine nightlife for the neurodivergent community and those looking for a safer, less frenetic clubbing experience. Get ready for a night like no other as Disco Neurotico takes over The Lowry on August 31st, 2024.

Conceived by a team of artists who have struggled with anxiety and neurodivergent overwhelm, Disco Neurotico is a night out for people who love the idea of clubbing but struggle with the reality. Lots of information will be offered pre-event so people know what to expect plus staff will be on hand throughout the event. Gaming as well as DJs will be on offer so there are always things to do – and we start and finish early so attendees can have a full night out but still catch a tram back into town!

Byron Vincent, founder of Disco Neurotico said: “As an ageing raver with diagnoses of ADHD, autism and PTSD, I spent the 90s reaching for the lasers and having panic attacks in the UK’s burgeoning club and festival scenes.

“Neurodivergent people like me often find club spaces overcrowded, unpredictable, claustrophobic and overwhelming. Stressful navigation, few escape routes and fraught interactions contribute to panic, sensory overwhelm and burnout, marring nights out and leaving us exhausted and isolated. However, the FOMO is real, so we either attend and endure or avoid and miss out. With Disco Neurotico, we aim to provide all the joys of clubbing, with none of the drawbacks.”

This event promises to redefine clubbing, not just for the neurodivergent community and those who struggle in public spaces, but for anyone seeking a safer, more inclusive and sensory-friendly nightlife experience. Disco Neurotico is not your average club night; it’s a haven of acceptance and a celebration of individuality.

Hosted at The Lowry, a fully accessible venue, attendees are encouraged to wear whatever they feel comfy in, whether it’s pyjamas, a ball gown, or EastEnders cosplay. The mantra is simple: “You do you.” Disco Neurotico is about creating a space where everyone feels safe, comfortable and entertained, whether you’re attending solo or with friends. We encourage attendees to bring along their own stim toys, plushies, games or whatever else helps you chill.

Disco Neurotico is not just for the neurodivergent though – it’s for anyone who’s turned off by the chaos and bad vibes of your more traditional club event.

Here’s what’s on the agenda for this ground-breaking event:

• Pre-event venue tour: Arrive early to explore the space, acclimate yourself, and connect with fellow attendees.
• Multiple genres: The silent disco has three channels, the 1st is rave, covering everything from, house to breakbeat and drum n bass. The second is groove, covering everything from funk and disco to R&B and world beats. The third is calming ambient sound for anyone who needs to chill.
• Silent disco space: Dyspraxia? Two left feet? Do you fear the dancefloor? Kick off the night with an optional physical warm-up led by our resident playmaker and MC, followed by an array of fantastic DJs.
• Noisy space: Similar to a standard club/rave space with a PA, but with no strobing lights and a raked seating/dance area.
• Gaming areas: Whether you want to hang out on your own, chill with your mates or meet new people, we have a staffed gaming area with board games, card games and digital options.
• Calm space: Quiet chill-out space with beanbags, projections and a soothing ambient soundtrack.
• Well-being officer and stewards: Have a question? Feeling anxious? Our specialist well-being officer will look after you.
• Recovery room: A space for those who are feeling overwhelmed and need a moment to regroup.
• Other amenities include: A UV doodle wall, a licensed bar, and traffic light bracelets allowing you to communicate your social comfort level to others.

Disco Neurotico is taking place at The Lowry, Salford on Saturday 31st August. For more information and tickets visit thelowry.com/whats-on/disco-neurotico

ENDS

LISTINGS:

Title: Disco Neurotico

VENUE: The Lowry, Pier, 8 The Quays, Salford, Manchester M50 3AZ

Running time: 8pm – Midnight

Dates: Saturday 31st August

Age: This is a club event for 18+

Tickets: from £10

Web: thelowry.com/whats-on/disco-neurotico

Notes to Editors:

About Disco Neurotico

At Disco Neurotico, we create inclusive events for those who, like us, love the idea of clubbing but often struggle with the reality. We offer all the colourful, bouncy fun of a traditional club night, but with enhanced safety and structure for those with anxiety issues, autistic sensitivities and anyone who finds live events a bit much.

Wondering where we got our name? Disco Neurotico is founded and run by neurodivergent artists. The name Disco Neurotico is essentially us mocking the language that has been used to define us. It’s a celebration of our sensitivities. It’s us sticking two fingers up at the language and systems that suppressed, oppressed and subjugated us. It was decided by a group of autistic people and run through multiple neurodivergent focus groups.