steven Hodgkinson
24 February, 2025
News

Local DJ's passion project turns into one of the city’s hottest events

A Nottingham born DJ who once spun tracks in the legendary Palais nightclub in the 90s is behind one of the city’s most exciting new clubbing trends and it’s all happening in the middle of the afternoon

Getting the party started at The SaturDay Club Founder Steve Vimto and resident DJ Ashley Smith

What started as a word-of-mouth experiment is now a full-blown success. The Saturday Club, a unique daytime clubbing event, is gearing up for its fifth edition on March 1st at Tunnel Club, with tickets almost sold out. 

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5pm Credit: I own this picture

For over 30 years, Nottingham’s own Steve Vimto has been immersed in the city’s club scene, from DJing at legendary venues like The Palais to watching dance music evolve through the decades. Inspired by the classic sounds of 90s dance and trance, they set out to create an event that would give clubbers the same energy and nostalgia—but with a fresh twist.

 

“We wanted to bring back that feeling of a proper night out, but in a way that works for people who don’t want to be out until 3 AM. The idea of partying in the afternoon means you get all the atmosphere, all the music, but you’re still home in time to relax,” says Steve Vimto.

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1/3/25 Credit: I own this picture

 

And it’s clearly working. Without big ad campaigns or flashy promotions, The Saturday Club has built its following purely through word of mouth, growing from a small underground event to a must-attend sell-out in just a few months.

 

At the heart of the event is the music. Room 1 is a throwback to the golden days of 90s dance and trance, featuring none other than Steve Vimto, the DJ behind one of the biggest dance anthems of all time – Toca’s Miracle. The Fragma classic dominated dancefloors worldwide and remains a defining track of the era.

 

Joining him is Ashley Smith, who made his name DJing at the legendary Rhinos nightclub in Skegness during the 90s, a venue known for its wild energy and iconic sets. Ashley has since become a resident DJ for The Saturday Club, bringing that same high-energy, hands-in-the-air atmosphere to every event.

 

Meanwhile, Room 2 takes clubbers even further back, featuring an 80s lounge soundtracked by Lee Nicholson, a staple of Nottingham’s Love Shack at Rock City back in the day. Love Shack was a clubbers’ paradise in the 90s, packed every weekend with anthems that still get people moving today.

 

“For those of us who lived through the club scene in the 90s, these songs mean everything. But it’s also amazing seeing a younger crowd discovering them for the first time,” says [Your Name].

 

With momentum growing and tickets for each event selling faster than the last, could The Saturday Club become Nottingham’s next big institution?

 

“It’s crazy to think we’re already on event five, and we’re nearly at capacity. We always said this was Nottingham’s ‘Dirty Little Secret’—but at this rate, it won’t stay a secret for much longer.”

 

The Saturday Club returns on Saturday, March 1st, 3-8 PM at Tunnel Club, Nottingham. Tickets are available now, but not for long.