Ashingdon step-nan still going to Ibiza and UK rave parties

Julie Jackson, from Ashingdon, fell in love with partying in the 90s and is refusing to let her age get in the way of having a good time.

The 59-year-old is still a regular visitor to Ibiza and has spent the last two summers dancing the night away until 5.30am at the party hotspot.

She admits her 17-year-old son often has to take a “double-look” at her outfit choices but has got used to her “loving loud and fast music”.

Julie said: “The first time I went to Clockwork Orange festival in Chelmsford, there were similar-aged people there, if not older, and they were having the best time. It awakened something in me again to get back in there.

“Since then, I have put UV rays on my skin, get the hot pants and boob tube on and get in the zone.

“I have done the two last years in Ibiza with Clockwork Orange, which saw my friends and I up until 5.30am.

“For a 59-year-old going on 60, it is pretty good going.”

As a child, Julie developed her love for music thanks to her parents playing Motown but it was later when she developed her love of raving.

After getting divorced in 1991, she met a new partner and the “whole music scene awoke”.

The party animal added: “I met someone six years younger than me, and we started going to Labyrinth, in London, but also Southend’s Tots, and Raquels, in Basildon.

“I was not invited to dance on the podium there but did it anyway. We were young and had lots of fun.”

She believes that if someone has a strong passion for music, they should still go out and have fun.

“There is no age barrier for going out and having fun, but it depends on how you feel and what mindset you are in,” Mrs Jackson said.

Julie is a mum of two and step-nan to five children and although they may ask a few questions, on the whole they are supportive of her passion.

She added: “If they love music and if they hold a passion, definitely go out and do it.”