Disco never died, and funk never left. Despite decades of shifting musical fashions, the dancefloor appeal of a great disco or funk record remains as potent as ever. The UK has a thriving scene of club nights dedicated to these genres, from purist vinyl sessions playing original pressings to high-energy events mixing classic and contemporary disco and funk edits. If you want to dance to the best music ever made for dancefloors, here is where to find it.
The UK disco and funk scene today
The current UK disco and funk scene benefits from multiple waves of revival and rediscovery. The original disco era of the late 1970s never fully disappeared from UK dancefloors, but it has been given fresh energy by several developments: the nu-disco movement of the 2000s, the edit culture that sees DJs creating new versions of classic tracks, the broader vinyl revival that has brought collectors back to original records, and a new generation of producers creating modern music with disco and funk DNA.
Artists like Nile Rodgers (whose Chic continue to headline festivals), Daft Punk (whose work drew heavily on disco), Jessie Ware (whose recent albums embrace disco production), and the late Andrew Weatherall (whose DJ sets frequently dipped into disco and Balearic territory) have all helped keep disco and funk relevant to contemporary audiences.
Where to find disco and funk nights
London
London has the deepest roster of disco and funk events in the UK. Venues across the city host regular nights, from intimate basement sessions to larger club events. The Jazz Cafe in Camden programmes funk and soul events regularly. Phonox in Brixton hosts DJ-led nights that frequently feature disco and funk. Night Tales and various East London venues host disco-themed events, particularly during the summer months.
For more underground events, Brilliant Corners in Dalston (a bar designed around a high-end sound system) plays disco, boogie, and related genres. Various rotating club nights at venues across South and East London cater to disco and funk fans who want quality sound and knowledgeable DJs.
Manchester
Manchester has a strong disco and funk heritage. The Hacienda may be most associated with acid house, but its roots were in New York disco culture, and that legacy persists in the city's nightlife. Band on the Wall programmes funk and soul events regularly. Various club nights across the Northern Quarter and beyond keep the disco flame burning.
Other cities
Bristol, with its deep musical heritage, has regular disco and funk events at venues including The Love Inn and Lakota. Leeds, Sheffield, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Edinburgh all have disco and funk nights, often organised by local DJ collectives who are passionate about the music. The scene extends to smaller cities and towns too, with disco nights running at venues across the country.
Types of events
Classic disco and funk nights
Purist nights focus on original recordings from the golden era of disco (roughly 1975 to 1985) and the broader funk canon. DJs play vinyl, often from original pressings, and the emphasis is on musical quality and dancefloor energy. These nights attract knowledgeable audiences who appreciate deep cuts alongside the familiar anthems.
Edit and re-edit sessions
The disco edit culture has produced a vast catalogue of reworked classic tracks, extended for modern dancefloors or reimagined with contemporary production techniques. Events focused on edits tend to be more DJ-centric, with selectors weaving together reworked versions of familiar tracks to create continuous dancefloor journeys.
Roller disco and themed events
Roller disco events combine skating with disco music, recreating the American roller rink culture of the late 1970s. These events have become increasingly popular in UK cities, with temporary rinks set up in venues and outdoor spaces. Themed disco events, from Studio 54 recreation nights to 70s fancy dress parties, add a visual and social dimension to the musical experience.
Live funk and soul
Live funk bands perform at venues across the UK, offering a different energy from DJ-led events. The tightness of a great funk band, with horns, bass, drums, and vocals all locked into a groove, creates a physical musical experience. Venues like Band on the Wall in Manchester, the Jazz Cafe in London, and various jazz and soul-focused rooms nationwide host live funk regularly. Check our UK festivals guide for festivals with disco and funk stages.
What to expect
Disco and funk nights are about dancing. The music exists to move bodies, and the dancefloor is the point. Expect high energy, positive vibes, and a crowd that is there to have fun rather than pose. The dress code ranges from casual to full-on 70s glam, depending on the event. Themed nights often encourage fancy dress, while regular club events are come-as-you-are.
Ticket prices are typically £5 to £15 for standard club nights, with larger events and live shows costing more. Many disco and funk nights are free before a certain time or operate on a reduced early-bird entry price. Our presale guide covers general ticket-buying strategies.
The crossover appeal
One of the best things about disco and funk nights is their crossover appeal. These events attract people from across the musical spectrum: house heads who appreciate disco's influence on their genre, soul fans, jazz enthusiasts, hip-hop lovers who recognise the samples, and people who simply love great music and want to dance. The result is a diverse, good-natured crowd that makes for an excellent night out.
The genre's influence on modern music means that younger audiences are often more familiar with disco and funk than they realise. Hearing the original versions of tracks sampled by their favourite artists is a common moment of discovery at disco nights, and it is one of the pleasures of the scene.
Getting started
If you want to explore the UK disco and funk scene, start by attending a night at your nearest city. Search for disco, funk, or boogie events on Resident Advisor, Skiddle, or local venue listings. Follow DJs and promoters on social media for announcements. And most importantly, wear comfortable shoes: you are going to be dancing. For more on finding events online, check our ticketing platforms guide.
Curious how tickts compares? See our side-by-side comparison of tickts vs Skiddle: fees, payouts, and features for UK organisers.
