On 5 June, the White Rock’s Studio 27 opened its doors for the 20th anniversary of Millie’s Nightclub, a space for adults with disabilities and neurodiversity to come together and dance the night away.

Born in 2006, Millie’s Nightclub resulted from frustrations with the inaccessibility of nightclubs for disabled adults such as Charlie, who has cerebral palsy. When they reached the age when others were able to start safely going out, sisters Charlie and Millie were prompted to start conversations about what a safe environment would include – beyond physical accessibility for customers. Having worked with nightclubs before, Millie was able to start hunting for venues and found support with the White Rock, where their monthly events are now hosted.

Having run for twenty years, Millie’s Nightclub has evolved alongside both its customers and the public. Millie herself shared how it’s become a ‘rite of passage’ for the local community, growing the confidence of attendees and the understanding of others. The nightclub has earned its reputation as an inclusive space, going beyond accessibility and aiming to remain as affordable as possible while budget-friendly nights out in Hastings continue to disappear.

Millie’s Nightclub engages with conversations around accessibility in a matter that goes beyond box-ticking. As stories such as the case of Club Tropicana emerge over the country – of venues failing to adequately support disabled customers – Millie’s emphasises safety and comfort. By operating between 7pm and 10pm, considering noise and light levels, and accessible toilets, Millie herself advocates the importance of fluid conversations, not just for themselves, but for nightclubs everywhere. “Nightclubs need an awareness of who is attending, how, and what reasonable adjustments can be made,” she states.

As for the nightclub’s future, Millie’s intends to keep going the way it’s going. It seeks to secure the future while operating as a not-for-profit, continuing to provide a safe space for the local community to come along and dance away. Millie herself suggests doing just this:  “If people are unsure, they should come down and give us a try!”

For more information, visit millies-nightclub.co.uk/events