Have a raving good time - and still be in bed by 9pm with new Bury club scene

Ravers nostalgic for the club scene and the sounds of Ibiza now have their own version of the Ministry of Sound in Bury. Promoter and DJ Ged Birch (56) is running a series of "Day Raves" catering for those of a certain generation who love their house and dance music. “The reaction has been fantastic so far,” said Ged, a former Bury firefighter.

“There wasn’t much on offer in Bury for people of my generation – it’s either the pub or a restaurant. I realised there was a gap in the market, which is why I began organising the day raves. (Image: Danny Crompton) READ MORE: Ex Bury firefighter hosts sell-out pet friendly laser and light show Bury's Club Den thrusting old-school heavy metal and rock in spotlight “People like the fact that they can enjoy six hours of raving from 2pm and when they leave it’s still light.



"They can be back at home for 9pm instead of trying to get back from Manchester in the early hours and having to write-off the rest of Sunday to recover from a hangover.” The three-day raves he has staged so far have been enormously successful, and he expects the next one, planned for Saturday, June 7, to quickly sell out all 220 tickets. The raves are held in Club Den , located on the first floor of a converted mill in Wellington Street.

(Image: Danny Crompton) Its location adds to the old school nightclub atmosphere, as do the lasers, the video wall, the four DJs and club hits by the likes of N-Trance and Faithless. “Everyone is so happy to revisit their younger days,” said Ged. “Even the security staff walk round smiling.

“Virtually all the clubbers are in their 40s and 50s. Their kids have grown up and so they’ve got the freedom to go out and enjoy themselves without worrying about getting babysitters. “It makes a change to see children picking up their parents after a club session.

” The events are a real family affair. (Image: Danny Crompton) Ged’s wife, Sharon, also a firefighter, is a member of the door staff. Even his 79-year-old mum, Carol, travels up from her home in Anglesey to hit the dancefloor whenever there is a day rave.

“What’s interesting is that you don’t see any mobile phones,” said Ged. “People are too busy waving their hands in the air and having a brilliant time. “It’s a real nostalgic vibe and they love being able to re-live their clubbing days.

” Tickets are available from https://www.skiddle.com/g/decade-of-dance-events.