It’s Time to Party – Stay Up Late Week is Coming!

Last year we asked the world to celebrate National Stay Up Late Day with us – and what a day (or night) it was! People across the country danced, sang, laughed, and reminded the world that everyone has the right to a real social life, whoever they are, wherever they live, and whatever support they need.

But this year… we’re going even bigger.
Because a night out shouldn’t be a luxury.
Because going to bed early when you don’t want to isn’t normal.
Because we know how powerful a night out can be.

So for 2025, we’re turning Stay Up Late Day into Stay Up Late Week!

(Before you worry, you don’t have to party for a whole week to join in. We just want to make it a bit longer, so people have more chance to get involved!)

From Monday the 5th to Sunday the 11th of May, we’re asking everyone to pick a day and stay up late for something that matters.

So what’s happening?

Across the UK, our Gig Buddies partners are planning up a storm – and it’s looking great. Here’s a taste:

• Gig Buddies Bedford have a large meal planned with bandioke to follow (because singing late at night always counts as campaigning).
• Gig Buddies London Central are hitting live music events on the Friday AND Saturday.
• Gig Buddies Gloucester are off to a mini day festival.
• Gig Buddies Croydon, Oxford, Wales – and more – are all planning their own ways to celebrate and speak out.

Whether it’s a live gig, a club night, a trip to the pub, or just staying up watching films with mates – this is about freedom, choice, and having a social life.

Why are we doing this?

1. People with learning disabilities are still being told when to go to bed.
2. Too many support workers are still stuck to rigid rotas.
3. People are being denied the right to do things the rest of us take for granted.

We want to change that – and we want to do it in the best way we know how: celebrating, making noise, and being the change we want to see.

How to get involved:

It’s easy*! Here are 3 ways you can join in:

🟣 Plan a late-night or evening outing – a party, a trip, a gathering, a gig – whatever you fancy! Ideally outside of your house, but we’d never exclude anyone!

🟣 Shout about it online – share photos, stories, videos and use the hashtag #StayUpLateWeek. Tag @stayuplateuk so we can share your fun!

🟣 Tell your story – why does staying up late matter to you? What’s the best night out you’ve ever had? What still needs to change?

Celebrating what’s working and the wonderfully ordinary ways we live our lives is powerful stuff.

*But if you’re worried, give us an email!

Let’s make some noise

Stay Up Late Week is all about choice. It’s about showing what a good life looks like – one where you can go out, have fun, and decide for yourself when it’s bedtime.

So whether you’re a Gig Buddy, a support worker, a mate, a music lover, or someone who just wants to see a fairer world – this is your moment.

Let’s stay up late together. Let’s have some fun. And let’s keep shouting for change.

See you on the dancefloor (or wherever you like to party)!

— Florence ✨