A morning of 80s beats, bubbles and disco moves

Families hunting for a festival where little ones don’t need wellies or noise-cancelling headphones might just have found their holy grail at this year’s Q Festival on Gateshead Quayside.

Catching the bus to a baby rave

Saturday morning saw me, Cyrus, and H hopping on the 9am bus to Newcastle, fuelled by caffeine and a fair bit of excitement. Our destination was a coffee-fuelled baby rave. Yes, you read that correctly.

The event was hosted by North East family-focused organisation Chalk, as part of Q Festival, in the Spiegeltent on Baltic Quay, Gateshead. Recommended for children of all ages, the one-hour dance extravaganza was a collaboration between Gateshead Council and Jesterval Comedy Festival. And it sold out completely.

A waiting area like no other

We arrived early, but there was no stress. A few minutes soaking up the sun near the Millennium Bridge was enough to calm the pre-rave jitters. The waiting area outside the Spiegeltent – German for Mirror Tent – offered a creative playground. Chalk was out in force, and young minds got busy with the art supplies provided.

Little C adored the baby-friendly Rubik’s Cube-style tables and began happily scribbling and smudging until the main event. Soon, the rave began. Buggies parked under the watchful eye of one of the cheery organisers, we stepped inside.

Inside the Spiegeltent

I had been itching to peek inside the Spiegeltent for weeks. As a new mum without childcare, opportunities had been scarce. Once we entered, both little C and I were enchanted. The wooden and canvas structure, decorated with mirrors and stained glass, felt like a grown-up playground. Flashing disco lights, a TV screening 80s movies, a DJ, sensory projections, and hula-hooping set the scene for a very different kind of Saturday morning.

Watching a tent full of knee-high clubbers bouncing around was infinitely more fun than the usual ‘hokey cokey’ routine. Honestly, it felt like nostalgia in real time.

Props, bubbles and baby-friendly beats

The Spiegeltent had been transformed into a sensory wonderland. Dressing-up corners, arts and crafts stations, chill-out zones, ribbons to twirl, large bouncy balls, and a sea of red and blue balloons invited exploration. Little C crawled, tottered, and rolled with delight, mesmerised by the bubble machine and colourful lighting patterns. Even the hula hoops were a hit, albeit slightly oversized for him.

The soundtrack was pure 80s magic too, The Cure, Nena, A-ha, Madonna, The Human League, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, and The Clash. As a new mum over 40, I felt instantly at home. This was my era, my music, my happiness. Watching little C attempt to Rock the Casbah stole my heart entirely.

Baby-proofed fun

It wasn’t just about the music or the lights. It was bonding, pure and simple. Meeting other parents, sharing smiles and laughter, and feeling that fleeting flash of youthful energy, it reminded me that parenting at 40 doesn’t have to be all lullabies and yoga mats.

The staff were incredibly attentive, baby-proofing the area, managing cables, and engaging with both parents and children to make sure everyone had a blast.

Final thoughts: more baby raves, please

Chalk’s events are open to all families, provided adults and children attend together. The Breakfast Club Coffee Rave, part of Q Festival, was a brilliant collaboration with Jesterval Comedy Festival. Tickets cost £7 per adult and £7 per child. For more information, check out their Facebook page.

If you’re looking for a morning that blends music, movement, and a bit of nostalgia – all at a baby-friendly volume, put baby raves on your radar. We’ll be first in line next time.