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BBC News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Birmingham to host daytime rave for mums
A rave tailor-made for mothers is being held outside London for the first Saturday, Hockley Social Club in Birmingham is hosting Mums That Rave, a daytime dance party that aims to "smash stereotypes of motherhood and inspire mothers to lead a fulfilling life".It was launched by DJ Nikki Beatnik, after the birth of her child motivated her to prove that motherhood did not mean she had to lose her identity."I, for one, refuse to disappear into a life of school runs, stripy jumpers and school WhatsApp groups," she said. Since the first Mums That Rave party in 2019, there have been 22 events - until now, all in raves attract mothers from 18 to 60, although all women are welcome."It's a safe space for women and mums to claim their space on the dance floor," said DJ Nikki. "As a woman in music - I've been in the music industry my whole adult life - and as a mum as well, I know it's really important that we have these safe spaces."It's really important for mums' mental health, as well, to have fun, to have somewhere to dress up and feel comfortable and dance - it's about community." DJ Nikki said she had long been passionate about giving greater representation to mums in the "youth-obsessed" music industry, continuing to run club nights and tour with the likes of Kelis and All Saints until four days before she gave birth in 2014."When I gave birth, I realised that a few of the big clients and brands that I'd always worked with had gone quiet and more or less stopped booking me," she said. "The only thing I could really put it down to was now that I was a mum."When you're a DJ, you kind of look the same for years - but when you become a mum DJ that puts you in a different category." She decided to create something similar to her previous club nights, but at a time of day which suited women who wanted to get home for their children's bedtime, or who had to get up the next morning."It's the hardest demographic I've ever promoted parties to," she said, "because mums have so much scheduling, they take on such a big mental load."So to take an afternoon off and spend their money with me, I know I'm going to have to make that afternoon absolutely amazing for them."And the vibes have to be brilliant." Guests can expect what DJ Nikki describes as "non-mum-branded" music such as drum and bass, hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall are encouraged to attend in groups or solo, as DJ Nikki said she always made an effort to introduce new faces to regular have been coming to her parties since the start and have forged long-term friendships, she ultimate aim is to show women that motherhood does not define them."Mums that Rave really is a metaphor for the bigger picture of life, of grabbing life by the disco balls, and not thinking that everything's over for you," she explained. "Being able to pivot to another career, or another job, or make new friends."And get out there, dress up and look fabulous." Mums That Rave Birmingham takes place at Hockley Social Club from 14:00 to 18:00 BST on Saturday 7 June, with tickets available on the Mums That Rave website. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Khaleej Times
25-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
What's behind the rise of 'mums' club nights' in Paris?
In a chic Paris nightclub not far from the Champs-Elysees, dozens of mostly middle-aged women hit the dancefloor with barely a man in sight. On a recent Tuesday night, the Raspoutine club hosted a packed event called Diva which is only open to female partygoers, mostly mums. The handful of men who witnessed the enthusiastic dancing and fun were the bar staff and an entertainer. "It's an afterwork concept, from 7pm to 10pm, exclusively for women, mainly aimed at mothers but not only," said promoter Constance d'Amecourt, who organises the parties with two friends. She said it was "for those who want to relax after a workday or the after-school homework-bath-dinner rush with their kids". Its immediate success means the next night in April will take place in a far bigger venue. The concept has gained prominence in recent years, particularly in Germany with events like "Mama Geht Tanzen" ("Mum Goes Dancing") or "Mums That Rave" in Britain. No flirting? For the women at Diva, mums-only clubbing has many advantages, including the family-friendly hours and the general atmosphere. "We party right away. It's efficient, there's no time to waste. We can go to bed early and get back to our husbands and kids," Julie, a 37-year-old communications manager, told AFP. "The fact that there are no men allows us to let go much more easily. We relax very quickly, without judgement, without feeling watched. "There's a strong sense of sisterhood among us. We're not here to flirt or pick up anyone — we're just here to have fun and party from 7pm to 10pm," she added. Isaure, a mother of two children aged five and seven, said that "with men around, women pay more attention to their appearance, worry about being judged, or feel the need to flirt. Here, we let go". Others find it easier to explain to their husbands that they are going to a nightclub without men. "I think husbands are actually quite happy because they tell themselves, 'At least my wife is just dancing,' and they're not jealous," said Diva co-organiser Lucie de Gorcuff. "They know it's just a night out with friends." Ready for bed Security appears to be a big draw too, with devotees not worrying about having their drinks spiked with drugs, for example. "Some women appreciate not being bothered by men," explained Kelly Foret, 32, who works in real estate and launched "Mum and Her Friends" parties in the western city of Nantes. "When I go out, I never take my eyes off my drink for fear that someone might slip something into it. Here, we feel safe," she explained. At Diva, drinks are left unattended on tables. At the bar, guests sip alcohol-free champagne, wine and soft drinks such as iced tea. The entrance fee is 45 euros ($48) which includes drinks and a light buffet featuring salmon, fruit, cherry tomatoes and macarons. At 10pm, late French-Italian pop icon Dalida's classic "Mourir sur scene" (Dying on Stage") plays, bringing the night to a close. "It feels like it's already 2 am," said Indre, a mother-of-two. "But we're neither drunk nor exhausted. By 11pm, I'll be in bed, and tomorrow at 7am, I'll be ready to make my kids' breakfast," added Elisabeth.
