Halloween was a huge deal in the early years of New York disco. Clubs like Studio 54 hosted legendary parties in the late ’70s, transforming their spaces into dark and decadent dancefloors fuelled by tracks by the likes of Chic, Donna Summer and Sylvester.
Next month, London-based party crew Detour Discotheque will re-create that golden age of glam New York disco over two nights: Friday October 30 and Saturday October 31. Dubbed The Lost Disco, the two-night pop-up will, in the words of founder Jonny Ensall, “open a wormhole to 1979”.
Detour Discotheque has built a reputation for pop-up parties in spectacular locations, from a remote Icelandic fishing village to a dancefloor in the Swiss Alps. This time, the action is going underground, “beneath the centuries-old vaults of one of London’s most atmospheric hidden spaces” in south London. Inside, Ensall tells Broadsheet, guests will find themselves transported to 1979, complete with “mirror balls and velvet curtains”. The catch? The venue will be revealed to ticket-holders 48 hours before opening.
While the dress code is New York glam, Ensall recommends prioritising outfits that make it easy to dance. “Looking good matters, sure, but moving well is more important!”. On the decks, it’ll be classic disco on vinyl, but with a Halloween feel. “Le Freak by Chic and Disco Inferno by The Trammps raise the roof,” Ensall says. “Shoot Me (With Your Love) by Tasha Thomas, Sinner Man by Sarah Dash and I Don’t Want To Be a Freak (But I Can’t Help Myself) are particular Detour favourites we often play.”
The Lost Disco comes off the back of Detour Discotheque’s sell-out summer parties at Somerset House, which saw the Setlist terrace transformed into a sun-drenched ’70s disco. Last year’s inaugural Lost Disco also sold out, so you’ll want to snap up tickets to this year’s event. Ensall’s top tip? “Chat to people. Find out where they came from. What their all-time favourite disco track is … that’s what makes The Lost Disco special – shared passion and belief.”
The Lost Disco will take place in a secret crypt location in south London on October 30 and 31 from 7pm until midnight. Tickets are on sale now, from £15.
