For parents a little jaded with hearing Bob the Builder – again – a disco event for young children with music that will also appeal to adults will take place in Port St Mary’s town hall from 2pm to 4pm on Sunday, September 22.
Babbagroove is the brainchild of Port St Mary resident Aalish Maddrell, who said: ‘I had read about similar initiatives in the UK and thought that it would work really well over here. I approached Gypo [Andrew Clague] from Ballagroove Records to see whether he would be able to DJ and fortunately he loved the idea.
‘We decided to make it a not-for-profit, community event, keeping the ticket price as low as possible at £1 in order to be as inclusive as possible.
‘If the first event is as popular as we hope it will be, then we plan to host events throughout the year.’
Gypo, who also lives in the port, said he intends to play music that will appeal to parents. ‘It’s to get everyone that used to go out, but can’t [because they have young children] together – we want to get them together and let the kids play around. As opposed to it being kiddie music like Bob the Builder, it’s music we would play.
‘It’s not the full club experience, it will be funk and soul, it’s for the adults who used to come to our nights – kids are impartial to the sort of music that’s played.’
Aalish has four-year-old Kinley and Gypo a daughter, Sage, aged 10 months, so have a vested interest in making the event, aimed at children aged around seven and under, fun and keeping it going.
Also, the event is an extension of an area both are already involved in professionally. Aalish (formerly a primary school teacher) is the organiser of additional events held on and associated with Tynwald Day while Gypo is one of the driving forces behind recording collective Ballagroove Records.
Aalish said: ‘We are really excited about the first Babbagroove event and the positive response we have already received from people. We have already had a lot of community support, with offers of sponsorship and even cake-baking.
‘Port St Mary Commissioners are very supportive of the town hall being used for events like this – and since its refurbishment, the venue itself is fabulous.
‘Hopefully we will be able to run these events throughout the year – just the thing to brighten up a gloomy winter’s afternoon!’
An appeal has been made for percussion instruments the children could use on the day, call 458177 if you can help .
The plan, too, is to have a chill out area at the back of the hall with cushions and bean bags.
Any profits made will be used to buy instruments for future events.
Aalish thanked Ricky Broadbent at Quine and Cubbon for printing the tickets free of charge.
Tickets are available from Patchwork Cafe and Studio 42 in Port St Mary and Noa Bakehouse in Douglas.