Big Fish Little Fish: parents rave about kid-friendly club

HAVING children can often mean waving goodbye to a lot of the things you enjoyed pre-parenthood.

The family rave will take place at La Belle Angele. Picture: comp

Exotic holidays and spontaneous nights away are quickly replaced by soft play and countless episodes of Mr Tumble.

But there’s one rather surprising pastime that can still be enjoyed even a child or two down the line – clubbing.

Thanks to the arrival of family rave Big Fish Little Fish, parents in Edinburgh will soon be able to go to a nightclub to get their fix of house, techno, R&B and hip hop music – without the need for a babysitter.

The raves – which boast the slogan “2-4 hour party people” – are designed for mums, dads and little ones to enjoy, bringing families together through a mutual love of music and dancing.

Launched in London less than three years ago, the raves have spread across the country, with Edinburgh’s first one taking place next month at La Belle Angele.

Big Fish Little Fish founder Hannah Saunders said: “We create a proper club environment where both adults and children can have fun together.

“What’s great about using nightclubs is that they have proper sound systems and lighting and dance floors.

“Our focus is on making sure we have good DJs. The music is targeted for the grown-ups but the little ones love dancing to it too.”

Although the DJs may have adults in mind when putting together set lists – whilst making sure any swear words are edited out – the children are top of the priority list when it comes to all the other activities which take place at the afternoon raves.

As well as the multi-sensory dance floors, there are bubble machines, glitter cannons, a chill-out area specifically for babies, face painting, craft areas, pop-up stalls and a photo booth.

“The children thrive on the freedom,” explained Hannah. “They all get glow sticks to play with and the children seem to enjoy the fact that their parents are very happy and relaxed.”

Hannah gave up her career as a senior civil servant in the Home Office when she had her children, Winter, six, and Atticus, four.

She said: “I was spending all my time with the kids, going to baby groups and children’s discos which were nice enough but they were a bit boring.

“I’ve always loved music and even from when they were tiny, I was taking them to festivals and I wanted to capture some of that and bring it to an event that ran throughout the year. I created it and designed it as something I wanted to do with my own family.”

The first Edinburgh rave – which has already sold out – takes place on March 12, but will be quickly followed by a second event on April 24. Thereafter, organisers plan to hold the raves in the Capital every two months.