Rayleigh Pink Toothbrush day raves sold out in hours

The High Street nightclub has now held two successful Old Skool Sunday events, which run in the afternoon from three until seven - tickets to the next event sold out in less than two hours.

Pink Toothbrush manager and Old Skool Sunday co-promoter Tony Lord believes that the concept caters to those indie and alternative music-lovers who may have aged out of all-nighters.

We're now on WhatsApp! Join our new channel at https://bit.ly/4eGOxig to get all the latest breaking news and exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone.

“I’m 55 now and at my age I don’t really want to be out at three o’clock in the morning, and I’m fairly certain that others my age don’t want that either,” said Tony.

“That being said, we cater to all people who like the idea of having a drink, a good time and enjoying some good music while still being home before 8pm.

“I’ve been working here for more than 35-years and this is one of the most popular things we have ever put on.”

Loved - The Old Skool Sunday day raves have proved a hit with residents (Image: The Pink Toothbrush) In fact, the Pink Toothbrush's Old Skool Sunday events are so popular, that last week's release of 500 tickets for a the next rave sold out in less than two hours.

"I've never seen anything like it," said Tony. 

The veteran nightclub manager says that what set's the venue's day raves apart from its competitor's offerings is the choice in music. 

"The truth is that a few other places also offer events like this one, but what we do differently is stick to indie and alternative music exclusively. 

"Most of the other daytime raves will focus on pop, disco or 80s music," he said. 

Adding: "I think a lot of the attendees are people who used to come to the Pink Toothbrush years and years ago but don't really come out anymore. 

"It's been really nice for me and my co-promoter, Stuart, to be able to see and catch-up with all of the old regulars who we haven't seen in some time."

Having celebrated it's 40th anniversary last year, the Pink Toothbrush has made a name for itself as a focal point for indie and alternative music fans in south Essex. 

It first opened in 1976 under the name of Crocs, due to the two live crocodiles displayed in a cage for customers to observe, and was renamed The Pink Toothbrush in 1983.

The iconic venue has welcomed countless big names over the years, including on one night in 1981 when it saw dual performances from the yet undiscovered bands Depeche Mode and Culture Club

Iconic - The Pink Toothbrush has been delighting residents for more than four decades (Image: Google Maps) While many independent nightlife venues have shut their doors in recent years due to a rising cost of living, changes to the ways people spend their evenings and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Pink Toothbrush has remained a staple of Rayleigh High Street. 

"The success of the Old Skool Sunday events show that we know what people want and we are giving it to them," said Tony. 

"We're going to be holding them every other month because the feedback we're getting so far has been incredible."

Adding: "It's a really problem-free event and the atmosphere in the venue when they're taking place is just brilliant."

The next Old School Sunday rave will take place on Sunday May 11, and while tickets have already sold out, residents are encouraged to keep an eye out for new releases and future events.