Are we too old for nightclubs?

[Leafyleaferson]

Meeting up with uni friends soon in Birmingham. None of us know the city very well but it works out as a good central location to meet.

We're almost 40 but want to go to a night club- are there any in central Birmingham that won't make us feel ancient? I haven't set foot in a night club in over 10 years so I'm certain I'll stick out like a sore thumb!

Also what does one even wear to a club in 2024?!

AIBU to think there must be somewhere in Birmingham that suits us- more into rock/retro type songs than newer stuff, although maybe the sort of music we danced to back at uni is what is considered retro nowadays...

Great ideas here but definitely more rocky, depends what your vibe is

https://www.reddit.com/r/brum/comments/125xh5x/good_alternative_clubs_in_brum/?chainedPosts=t3_16ocjjy

I really wish there were clubs for every age

I'm in my 70s so went out through the Disco era and I love dancing as much now as I did then (but to 'my' music not what 18 year-olds will be dancing to)

There's a huge gap in the market out there...

Hints and tips for older clubbers:

Limit shots at the bar.

Carefully consider your footwear. At 55 I have permanent Achilles tendon issues because I love a good dance and seriously overdid it on one occasion.

Make sure you have Ibuprofen in the house for the morning after, especially if you're a rocker and succumb to headbanging. See also careful choice of pillows when you get to bed. And water. Lots of water.

Also, if you're headbanging, finding a spot close to something you can grab onto that isn't a terrified punter because sudden vertigo can be helpful.

Most importantly have fun.

I'm a 40-something who went back to Birmingham for the first time in years for a big night out recently.

Can highly recommend Albert's Schloss, followed by some late night (early morning?) bars in the gay village.

The former is a bit more mature, might have some live music on - but then if you want to dance to some club classics, move on to the village. Missing bar I found had a very good atmosphere.

I’m not sure which area you are in but there are clubs out there that either have one of nights or specials in music from certain eras. When I was 18 I used to go to a specific Motown club so it’s not a new thing either.

I’d second popworld. I’ve been to a few of them around the country and it’s always a laugh. Always a good range of ages and they tend to play mix of pop songs from the 90s and 2000s. It’s got a decent sized dance floor and security are pretty hot on chucking out any trouble makers. I’ve never been made to feel like an old lady. There is one in Birmingham

I like djs so my fav in Birmingham is Lab 11 I'm 45 lots of kids in the clubs but I'm not bothered

There are lots of places that are for a more mature crowd especially for soul/disco/funk/house.

Im 58 and most weekends I go out dancing. Its mostly daytime/early evening now but the over 40’s (and that’s well over 40 in most cases) music scene is huge.

I recently went to a boat party on the Thames where the headline DJ was celebrating 55 years in the business, the crowd was all 50+ and they didn’t stop dancing all day.

Many of the people attending these events are the old soul weekender crowd from the 70’s/80’s as well as the 90’s ravers. It’s still about the music and age doesn’t matter.

I was reading a feature yesterday which said all the young people were wearing trainers / comfy shoes to nightclubs and wearing heels is a sign that you are old. I see lots of young women wearing chunky stompy boots.

You are not too old! But you may find a pub with a good covers band on will be more your thing. I've been to a few in brum but my knowledge is pre COVID so too out of date.

And ps not in brum but we went to a club in Bristol in our 50's! Reggae night, was not the older but may well have been the palest however nobody gave a hoot, so friendly.

40% of nightclubs have closed since 2020, and at the current rate of closure, they will cease to exist by 2030.
So I'd go now before they become a nostalgic memory.

If you want proper fun go to Reflex on Broad St. 80s-tastic.

I have been to Snobs once since it moved to where it is now. Ten or so years ago. Nearly fell down some very badly carpeted stairs and was found asleep on the floor outside by a bouncer and dh. It started as a good night but ended up with me being carried to a taxi and I sprained my ankle. I think it has moved again since though, hopefully with better fitted carpets!

Also yes to the gay village. Or some places in the Arcadian, I think that is still quite a dressed to go out place if that's what you're after.

I’m going out to 3 clubs in Dec
although it’s catered to a certain music and overs 30s generally
it’s great night out
roll in around 5am like in my youth
and waking up with a half eaten kebab somewhere 😂

For the local high street Ritzy maybe but absolutely not for the many clubs aimed at an older audience around the country

I'm mid 40s and love a good night out at a club. Actually I'm going to Cardiff for the first time soon, any recommendations for somewhere good?

Hi, I'm 37 and live in Birmingham. My friends and I also like rock/retro music. I don't get out a huge amount anymore as I have a toddler and I'm tired , but here's places with that sort of vibe where you won't feel old:

The Night Owl Digbeth (lots of northern soul amongst other things)
The Jam House Jewellery Quarter (live music)
Snobs is a Birmingham institution but I've got no idea what it's like these days. It's always attracted a mix of people.
I haven't been to Dead Wax, Digbeth at night but they have live music, goth, metal etc.

Not in the centre, but not far in a taxi: Hare and Hounds King's Heath. They have some fantastic club nights.

If you are into alternative music, I would avoid Broad St, arcadian, reflex etc. The Gay Village never had alternative music when I was younger, but may have changed.

Day Fever has day clubs in Brum, London and other big cities. Starts at 3pm, finishes at 8pm. 70's, 90's , 90's tunes. Perfect.

I’ve been to a few of the Day Fever events at local nightclubs - they start at 3pm and finish by 8pm. Only for over 30s. Absolutely rammed and non-stop 70s, 80s, 90s disco party bangers. Bloody brilliant. These are going to save a lot of venues from closing as it’s only us oldies that know how to even dance.🕺

I'm not sure "night clubs" exist but there are plenty of late night drinking venues with the style of music you might like and no you aren't too old for them.

Club scene has changed a lot since the 90s and 00s. I'm 46 and still go out until 1am occasionally.

Try and find clubs that cater to an older crowd. Nothing worse than trying to fit in with a bunch of late teens/early 20s.

I loved it when I used to see more mature clubbers, gave me hope for when I was older that I didn't have to stop doing things I enjoyed.

We've got just as much right to go clubbing or whatever as everyone else. So 🖕 to anyone saying you're too old. Miserable twats. Theres something so liberating about being in my 40's I genuinely do not give a shit what anyone thinks.

go and have a fab time 😃

Last time I went to a Saturday night gig in Brum we ended up dancing at the Hare and Hounds until 3am, it was great. I am 51 and if I was out of place I was having too much fun to notice.

But you're not trying to 'fit in', whatever that means, you're there to dance and have a good time with the people you're with. And my experience is that that kind of joyful energy transmits and if anything, makes other people delighted to have you there and dance and chat alongside you.