If you’ve ever thought clubbing was only for the under-25s staggering home at 3am, think again. Day Fever—the unstoppable daytime disco dreamed up by actor Vicky McClure, her husband Jonny Owen, and friends including Jon McClure of Reverend & The Makers—is rewriting the rules of nightlife, one sunlit dancefloor at a time.

What started as a casual WhatsApp chat has grown into a nationwide sensation. This September, Day Fever hits 24 towns and cities, bringing affordable, joy-filled clubbing to daylight hours. “The first one sold out in two seconds,” Vicky beams. “We did Nottingham, then Sheffield, then Merthyr and Cardiff, and it just flew from there.”

The concept couldn’t be simpler. “Jonny said, ‘Have you ever seen how packed those daytime bars are?’” laughs Jon. “So we thought, let’s give it a go — and it went mad.”

Now, the feel-good phenomenon attracts everyone from twenty-somethings to seventy-somethings, all losing themselves on packed dancefloors. “Jonny’s mum once smuggled a bottle of gin and hid it in a bush outside Cardiff,” Jon laughs. “That’s the vibe — a bit of mischief, loads of laughs, and never any trouble.”

It’s that warmth, spontaneity, and inclusiveness that keep people coming back. Vicky lights up when she talks about the crowd: “It’s mothers and daughters, friends reconnecting, people going through chemo, people grieving. These are your nurses, your cleaners, your teachers—the ones keeping the world turning—and now they’ve got somewhere to let go and feel joy.”

One story that’s stuck with her is of a woman who used to only see her friends at weddings and funerals. “Now she’s got a new frock every month, and she’s out at Day Fever. She gets her hair done, goes shopping, and makes an event of it. That’s magic, isn’t it?”

Inclusivity isn’t just a slogan here — it’s the heartbeat of the experience. “We’ve had people in wheelchairs come up on stage, and the crowd goes wild,” says Vicky. “It makes your hairs stand on end. We want everyone to feel welcome.”

While familiar faces like Vicky, Jonny, or Jon’s wife Laura sometimes take to the decks, most events are powered by local DJs. “We’ve been really selective,” Vicky explains. “They know their crowd, they know what gets people moving — and they absolutely smash it.”

And yes, the music matters. “There’s a loose structure,” Jon says. “Start with a bit of Northern Soul, then disco, 80s bangers, 90s dance, a singalong, maybe some indie… but we always have Whitney. If Vicky’s there, that’s non-negotiable.”

Vicky grins. “It’s all about hits across generations. We’ve done themed nights — even Christmas clubs — but when we ask, ‘Do you want more Christmas songs?’ they always say, ‘Nah, just give us the hits!’ You just get a feel for it.”

Regional flavour adds to the fun. “Manchester goes mad for Oasis, Nottingham’s got its favourites — we make sure to tap into that local energy,” says Vicky. “It’s about community, about people coming together.”

Keeping things affordable is key. “A night out can easily cost £100,” Vicky says. “We wanted this to be something everyone could afford.” Jon adds, “From day one, Jonny said it’s for ordinary people — families, people with kids. We’re not here to rip anyone off.”

Venues love it too. “We finish by 8 p.m.,” Vicky explains. “They do a quick turnaround and run their usual night starting at 10. They’re making great takings and reaching new audiences. It’s been a game changer.”

If Day Fever feels like a family party, that’s because it pretty much is. “Jonny and I are married, Jon’s wife DJs, his brother Chris and childhood friend Jamie are involved, and even Jonny’s daughter Katie’s behind the decks,” Vicky laughs. “It’s one big gang — and when people come through the doors, they’re part of it too.”

It’s not unusual to see Vicky herself dancing on stage, posing for selfies, and laughing with the crowd. “Once people realise we’re just there to have fun too—that we’re not on a pedestal—they really let loose,” she says. “And honestly, when else do you get to go clubbing with your mum?!”

With festival appearances at Splendour and Reverend & The Makers’ 20th anniversary show in Sheffield this summer, the movement is growing—but carefully. “We’ve had offers to take it abroad, but we’re being cautious,” Vicky says. “It’s only 18 months old, though it feels like a decade. We just want to protect what we’ve built.”

They’ve even announced their own Day Fever Festival at Nottingham’s Arboretum on 23 August. “We’ve got loads of ideas,” Vicky teases. “But for now, we’re just enjoying the ride. It’s simple — and it works.”

Even with packed schedules — Vicky filming Trigger Point, Jon touring Australia — both say they miss it when they’re away. “It sounds daft,” Jon chuckles, “but Day Fever cheers me up. You walk out feeling lighter.”

And that’s the real magic. Day Fever isn’t just a disco — it’s pure happiness in daylight.


UPCOMING CLUB DATES:
8-Nov-25 Liverpool Camp And Furnace
15-Nov-25 Leeds Project House
15-Nov-25 Nottingham Rock City
15-Nov-25 Sheffield City Hall
22-Nov-25 York Barbican
29-Nov-25 Glasgow BAad
13-Dec-25 Leeds Project House
13-Dec-25 Newcastle The Boiler Shop
20-Dec-25 Liverpool Camp And Furnace
20-Dec-25 Manchester New Century Hall
20-Dec-25 Nottingham The Palais
20-Dec-25 Sheffield City Hall Ballroom
27-Dec-25 Glasgow BAad
27-Dec-25 Leicester Athena

Tickets are available at day-fever.com but don’t wait too long, they’re selling fast!