Where family fun meets the dancefloor Brighton Beach 25 Aug
Raver Tots is the UK’s biggest family-friendly rave, blending the high-energy atmosphere of classic clubbing with a safe, inclusive environment for parents and kids. A true phenomenon, Raver Tots has transformed what it means to party as a family, inviting everyone from toddlers to grandparents to throw shapes under UV lights to iconic 1990s and 2000s dance anthems.
Founded by Mike Pickets, a dad with a passion for rave culture and a commitment to inclusive events, Raver Tots began as a grassroots movement. It quickly grew into a nationwide success, hosting sell-out shows in iconic venues across the UK. With confetti cannons, bubbles, balloons, and festival-grade sound systems, each event is a vibrant celebration of community and joy.
Raver Tots is more than just fun. It also champions mental health awareness and autism inclusivity, with sensory-friendly features at many events. Pickets has spoken candidly about his own experiences with ADHD, and his mission to create a space where neurodivergent children and their parents feel welcome, free and seen. Parents describe the relief of finding a space where they can relive their youth without compromising on safety or family values. Kids talk about the thrill of dancing alongside their grown-ups to classic garage and drum and bass beats.
Whether you’re a nostalgic raver, a young family looking for something a bit different, or simply curious about this joyful subculture, Raver Tots offers a glimpse into how the dancefloor can still be a space for unity, expression, and unforgettable memories, no matter your age.
One of the headline DJs is none other than Nicky Blackmarket, regarded as one of the pivotal figures from the early jungle and drum and bass scene. We caught up with him for a chat ahead of his performance at Raver Tots.
You’re one of the true pioneers of drum and bass, a massive figure on the scene. Do you feel like it’s changed a lot since you started out? Oh yeah, definitely. It’s always evolving. And it’s great to still be part of it all. I feel lucky to still be in it, still doing my thing.
Do you see the younger crowd coming through at your gigs? For sure. It’s a mix now, young, old and everything in between. It’s great seeing different generations coming together on the dancefloor. That’s what makes it special.
The rave culture was always about unity, it didn’t matter your age or your background. Do you feel like that community vibe still exists? Without a doubt. That’s what rave culture is all about: just being together, enjoying the music, having a good time – and that still endures today.
Have you played Raver Tots before? Quite a few times now, up and down the country. I’ve been with them from the beginning. It’s amazing to see how it’s grown. It’s gone in so many cool directions and it’s just wonderful.
How did you feel when you were first asked to play a rave for families and kids? I’ve done family stuff over the years, but Raver Tots is really focused on it, on the kids especially. There’s so much for them to do: ball ponds, face painting, bubbles. It’s brilliant seeing kids having fun with their parents, aunts, uncles, even grandparents. Raving together as a family? Love it.
Do you have kids yourself? I’ve got five. My eldest, DJ Mills, is playing out now, she plays Raver Tots too. She’s following in my footsteps and doing really well.
That’s amazing! Did she learn to DJ from you? Yeah, she used to watch me when she was a kid. Going through my record collection, picking out tunes. It’s wicked to see her out there doing her thing now.
Is she into drum and bass as well? She’s keeping it in the family! I’m so proud of her, she is smashing it.
25 August 2025 13:00
