If you thought clubbing was just for the under-25s stumbling home at 3am, think again.
Day Fever – the daytime disco founded by East Midlands actor Vicky McClure, her husband Jonny Owen, and friends including Jon McClure of Reverend & The Makers – is turning nightlife on its head. And on September 13, this feel good phenomenon is coming to Leicester’s Athena.
Born from a WhatsApp chat, Day Fever offers affordable, joy-filled clubbing in daylight hours. “The first one sold out
in two seconds,” says Vicky, who made a name for herself in ‘Line of Duty’ – the BBC’s smash hit police drama. “We did Nottingham, then Sheffield, then Merthyr and Cardiff—it just flew.”
What started as a playful idea exploded into a feel-good phenomenon, with crowds ranging from their 20s to their 70s. “We’ve had Jonny’s mum sneak in a bottle of gin and stash it in a bush outside in Cardiff,” Jon laughs. “It’s mischief, laughs, and no trouble.”
Vicky gets emotional describing the people it brings together. “It’s mothers and daughters, people on chemo, people grieving. Nurses, teachers, cleaners. These are the people who keep the world turning—and now they’ve got a place to let go.”
One woman told her she hadn’t seen friends outside weddings or funerals—now she’s out every month, hair done, new dress on. “That’s magic,” says Vicky.
Inclusivity is key.
“We’ve had people in wheelchairs come on stage”and the crowd goes wild. It’s electric.“
While the founding team often DJs, most events feature local talent. “They know their crowd, and they’re smashing it,” Vicky says. Music is carefully curated: Northern Soul to start, then disco, 80s bangers, 90s dance—always Whitney. “If Vicky’s there, it’s the law,” Jon jokes.
Local pride is woven in. “Manchester goes mad for Oasis. Nottingham has its own favourites. We tap into that energy,” says Vicky. “It’s about community.”
With the cost of nights out rising, affordability matters. “A normal night out can be £100,” says Vicky. “We didn’t want this to be that.” Jon adds, “It’s for ordinary people, not to rip them off.”
Venues love it too. “We’re done by 8pm—they flip it and run their regular night at 10, It’s a win-win.”
It’s a family affair, too. “Jonny and I are married, Jon’s wife DJs, his brother and best mate help out. Even Jonny’s daughter’s behind the decks,” Vicky smiles.
With a festival in Nottingham this August and growing buzz, they’re expanding carefully. “It’s only 18 months old,” Vicky says. “We just want to protect what we’ve built.”
Because Day Fever isn’t just a party—it’s pure joy in broad daylight.
Catch Day Fever at Leicester’s Athena on September 13.
For tickets, visit: www.dayfever.os.fan
