Meet Stuart Thomson — Disco Stu, Founder Of After Dark Disco

My DJ Journey

I started DJing way back in 1981, in the days when vinyl records ruled the dance floor. CDs followed, and these days we have the luxury of carrying a huge music library on a laptop, giving me access to an incredible range of music for virtually any occasion.

After Dark Disco was established in 1998, following some time away from DJing while I concentrated on family commitments.

Today, I cover Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire, providing DJ entertainment for all types of events. Although I enjoy every kind of booking, over the years I’ve particularly made a name for myself within the Sussex wedding entertainment scene.

I’ve been fortunate enough to become a preferred supplier for a number of venues. One of the more memorable connections is Avisford Park Hotel in Yapton, where I was originally one of their preferred DJ choices back in the 1990s. After reconnecting with the hotel a couple of years ago, it’s been great to continue that relationship after all these years.

My Approach to Music

My philosophy is pretty straightforward:

If the dance floor is busy, I’m doing my job!

I’m not one of those DJs who is blinkered about what music they will and won’t play. I’ve heard DJs say, “I won’t be seen playing ABBA.” Personally, I couldn’t care less — if ABBA gets people dancing, I’ll play ABBA!

A wedding isn’t about the DJ showing off their own musical taste. It’s about reading the room, understanding the people in front of you and playing the right music at the right time.

Every crowd is different, and my job is to adapt to them. If something gets everyone up and dancing, that’s what matters.

Choosing My DJ Equipment

I’m also quite particular about the equipment I use.

I’m certainly not an impulse buyer. Before committing to a new piece of DJ equipment, I’ll often spend a considerable amount of time watching YouTube reviews, researching the product and listening to the experiences of other DJs.

If something doesn’t live up to expectations, I’ll move it on and look for something better.

I’ve lost count of the number of times other DJs have said to me:

“You always have a great light show.”

or:

“Your sound system always sound fantastic.”

There’s a reason for that. I take my time when choosing equipment. I want the sound to be right, the lighting to look great and the equipment I use at your event to perform properly.

Experience Matters

I’ve got plenty of age and experience behind the sound system, having spent many years working in clubs as well as providing mobile disco entertainment.

That experience has taught me how important it is to read a crowd. What works in a nightclub isn’t necessarily right for a wedding, and every party has its own atmosphere and personality.

I’ve now got 200+ weddings under my belt, along with countless other parties, celebrations and events.

Professional & Insured

After Dark Disco carries £10 million of Public Liability Insurance, and our equipment is PAT tested. Copies of the relevant certificates are available to download from our dedicated website page.

You’ll also find photographs and videos from our events, so you can see exactly what we provide.

Genuine Customer Testimonials

And finally, a promise:

Our testimonials are genuine.

We don’t make them up, and we don’t manufacture reviews to make ourselves look good. The testimonials you’ll find on our website come from real customers who have actually booked us for their weddings and events.

After all, I’d much rather let my customers tell you what I’m like than tell you myself.