Disco Neurotico was created in response to a need - a need that the vast majority of people probably don’t even think about.
To most neurotypical people, club events are always done broadly a certain way, and can only be done that way, for better or for worse. It’s very easy, especially if you don’t have much contact with neurodivergent people, not to consider why such spaces might be problematic in their traditional form.
For a long time, Disco Neurotico founder Byron Vincent wasn’t even sure why he found them problematic. Byron is an artist, activist and documentarian with decades of experience in the UK’s cultural sector, but before all that, he was a raver. A DJ and promoter, immersed in the vibrant, chaotic club and festival scenes of the 1990s. He loved the music, he loved playing out, and he would never skip a night due to the overwhelming FOMO - but at the same time, he found these spaces to be intensely difficult to navigate, frequently having panic attacks for reasons that eluded him at the time.
It was only after late in life diagnoses of ADHD, autism and PTSD that Byron realised how much of his struggles in clubs could be attributed to sensory overwhelm, from claustrophobic crowds to confusing social interactions and complex noises. So he started wondering if there was a way to create a space where he and people with similar sensitivities could enjoy the good parts of clubbing without the stressful bits.
And Disco Neurotico was born.
Building on several years of research with focus groups, academics and - most importantly - experts by experience, Disco Neurotico was designed as a safe space for the nervous, the neurodivergent, and anybody who has historically found themselves overwhelmed, unwelcome or otherwise marginalised in club spaces. It’s an attempt to broaden the idea of nightlife beyond just getting off your face in a sweaty cupboard (though obviously no judgement if that’s your bag).
As well as an eclectic selection of DJs playing every party sound under the sun, our nights have curated tabletop board gaming areas, arts and crafts, and a UV doodle wall where attendees can contribute to an evolving art installation unique to each event. We have sensory calm spaces and specially trained wellbeing staff, and aim to cultivate a general vibe of safety, comfort and free expression, so attendees can interact exactly as much as they want, experiencing each space as they see fit. Our DJs also play over silent disco equipment so those who are sensitive to volume can completely control their own experience - but we will also sometimes include a ‘chaos space’ where you can scream and thrash around in a cacophany of strobe lights and nosebleed drum’n’bass.
Because ‘the neurodivergent community’ - a phrase that is itself far too generalising - is not a monolith. Neurodivergence is an incredibly broad spectrum, and while we don’t claim to have a provision for every possible nuance of every possible condition, our nights are an earnest and empathetic attempt to create a space where as many people as possible can feel comfortable and accommodated, and have a fun, fulfilling experience.
The project is an ongoing dialogue, always open to feedback and conversation - our team is made up of neurodivergent indviduals and anxiety sufferers who understand how challenging it can be to navigate these spaces. But we also understand how isolating it can be not to attend. Disco Neurotico is fundamentally about community building, encouraging movement and interaction among historically marginalised groups, and we plan to continue evolving in conversation with the communities we serve.
Visit the Disco Neurotico website to find out more about their upcoming events.
Creativity and Wellbeing Week takes place from 19th May - 25th May 2025, and this years theme is 'New Horizons.' To find out how you can get involved, visit the website.