Discos for Grown Ups brings daytime dancefloor party to Oxford Town Hall

A daytime disco promising 70s, 80s and 90s dancefloor classics, glitter, mirror balls and confetti is coming to Oxford Town Hall for the first time.

What began as an off-hand remark between husband and wife about the lack of places to go dancing as “grown-ups” has become a nationwide feel-good party experience.

Now Discos for Grown Ups is bringing its daytime disco to Oxford Town Hall on Saturday 15 August, with an afternoon of 70s, 80s and 90s classics in one of the city’s best-known venues.

The event is aimed at people who want the atmosphere of a proper disco without the late night. Dancing runs from 3pm to 6.30pm, giving partygoers a full afternoon on the dancefloor while still leaving the evening free.

The ticketing page also lists the wider event window from 2pm to 6.30pm, so guests should check their ticket for arrival details before travelling.

Why daytime discos are catching on

For founder Simon Stanford, the idea started with a simple frustration.

He said: “My wife and I didn’t have anywhere to go for a dance as grown-ups.

“We started it as a hobby and never imagined it would become so big, but the demand from people was incredible.”

The concept has struck a chord with people who still love dancing but no longer want to queue outside clubs late at night or stay out until the early hours.

Instead of a midnight start and a taxi home in the small hours, Discos for Grown Ups offers a Saturday afternoon of music, lights and nostalgia, with enough time afterwards for dinner, a takeaway or a quiet night in.

Simon said: “People don’t want to be out too late anymore.

“A daytime disco means you can have a brilliant afternoon of dancing and still be home nice and early.”

What music will be played?

The soundtrack is built around classic dancefloor favourites from the 1970s, 80s and 90s.

Expect disco, soul, pop and dance anthems rather than a modern club set. Organisers say the formula has been shaped through hundreds of events across the country, with songs chosen to keep the floor full rather than show off obscure record collections.

According to Simon, one track that never fails to bring people together is September by Earth, Wind & Fire.

The appeal is straightforward: familiar songs, a shared dancefloor and a crowd that is there to enjoy itself rather than stand around looking cool.

Mirror balls, glitter and retro sweets

The Oxford event will not just be a playlist in a hall.

Audiences can expect mirror balls, confetti showers, dancers, lasers, glow sticks and retro sweets, giving the afternoon the feel of a full-scale disco production.

Simon said the response from audiences has been consistent across the country.

He said: “We hear the same thing time and again. People love the mix of music, the lights, the dancers and the atmosphere.

“They tell us they haven’t danced so much in years.”

Who is it for?

Despite the name, Discos for Grown Ups is not restricted to one age group.

Organisers say the events attract a broad mix of people, from friendship groups and couples to solo dancers, all united by a love of classic pop, disco, soul and dancefloor anthems.

The format should appeal to people who remember the music first time round, as well as younger guests who have grown up with the same songs at weddings, parties, family gatherings and films.

For Oxford, the Town Hall setting gives the event a strong city-centre feel, with a large dancefloor and easy access to restaurants, pubs, buses, Park and Ride routes and the railway station.

Why Oxford Town Hall works for the event

Oxford Town Hall has long been used for civic events, concerts, dances, ceremonies and large public gatherings.

Its central St Aldate’s location means people can make an afternoon or evening of the event without travelling out to a late-night club.

The daytime timing also makes the disco more accessible for people who may not want to be in the city centre late at night, or who want to dance and still get home at a reasonable hour.

For an event built around nostalgia, the grandeur of the Town Hall Ballroom should add to the sense of occasion.

Planning your visit

Venue	Oxford Town Hall, St Aldate’s, Oxford, OX1 1BX
Date	Saturday 15 August 2026
Event window	Ticketing information lists 2pm to 6.30pm
Dancing	3pm to 6.30pm
Music	70s disco and soul, 80s pop and 90s dancefloor classics
Tickets	From £21.87, with live prices and availability shown on Eventbrite
Booking	oxforddaydisco.eventbrite.co.uk

Getting there

Oxford Town Hall is on St Aldate’s, close to Carfax, the High Street, Cornmarket Street and Queen Street.

Visitors travelling by public transport can use city-centre bus stops, Park and Ride services, or walk from Oxford railway station.

Parking in central Oxford can be limited and expensive, especially on Saturdays, so visitors travelling from outside the city may find Park and Ride the easier option.

Guests should check event details, travel updates and ticket information before setting off.

FAQs

When is Discos for Grown Ups at Oxford Town Hall?

The daytime disco takes place on Saturday 15 August 2026.

What time does the Oxford daytime disco run?

Oxford Town Hall lists the event from 3pm to 6.30pm. The Eventbrite listing shows the wider event window from 2pm to 6.30pm, so guests should check their ticket for arrival details.

What music will be played?

The event focuses on 70s disco and soul, 80s pop and 90s dancefloor classics.

Where is Oxford Town Hall?

Oxford Town Hall is on St Aldate’s, Oxford, OX1 1BX.

How much are tickets?

Oxford Town Hall lists tickets from £21.87. Live prices and availability are shown through Eventbrite.

Is it a daytime event?

Yes. The main dancing runs during the afternoon, finishing at 6.30pm.

Who is the event aimed at?

It is aimed at people who love classic dancefloor music and want a fun disco atmosphere without a late-night club setting.

Where can people book?

Tickets are available through oxforddaydisco.eventbrite.co.uk.