A rave for children will be coming to Swindon town centre this month.

While many parents may disapprove of their kids at raves, the event by Raver Tots in the MECA will see kids and their parents partying together.

Organisers say the events appeal to high-energy kids and less high-energy parents equally, as both want to dance but still get an early night.

Saoirse Holland, co-organiser, said: I think people just like the idea of sharing something that they love with their kids. It's something that the whole family can enjoy.”

Her partner Mike Pickets started the events seven years ago to to share his love for rave music in a safe, family-friendly environment - and have toured cities and festivals nationwide since.

(Image: Raver Tots)

There is no lower age limit, and babies even get in free. Saoirse said: “We keep [the music] quite commercial so it's accessible for everyone. A lot of them dance now on TikTok and so on and recognise songs from there.

Saoirse admits her raving days are largely behind her but loves that she can pass the music on to the next generation. But it is not just for the kids. 

Saoirse said: “My partner is sober so it's quite important to have an environment where you can enjoy all the music without the same atmosphere, and not get in at one in the morning.(Image: Raver Tots)

“Most of the parents just come to Raver Tots because no one wants the late night anymore”, she laughs.

She even sees big DJs like the Artful Dodger and the So Solid Crew (no grandparents) coming with their children.

She said: “It's nice to see it going through the generations and see everyone still enjoying it.”

The Swindon MECA event on October 13 will be a Halloween special “playing the best in house, garage & drum and bass”.

It promises a “huge effects show with dancers, performers, cold pyro, bubbles, festival-sized confetti blasts, multi-coloured lasers and lighting, parachute games, giant balloons, licensed bar and face painting”.

“I particularly love the Halloween tour because people just go all out with the costumes. We were in Birmingham at the weekend and I think pretty much everyone was dressed up”, said Saoirse.

“MECA is one of the venues that we've been working with from the start, so it's always nice to go there every year. It's a good atmosphere at that one.”

You can get tickets here.

Help support trusted local news

Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/subscribe/

As a digital subscriber, you will get:            

  • Unlimited access to the Swindon Advertiser website        
  • Advert-light access             
  • Reader rewards             
  • Full access to our app