“The most inclusive venue in Lincoln” spreads its wings: The Butterfly Club returns to The Drill

Lincoln’s only club night for people with disabilities returns to The Drill this week.

The rebranded and fully refurbished Lincoln Drill Hall, now known as The Drill, will this week restart the popular Butterfly Club nights for people with learning and physical disabilities.

The relaunched Butterfly Club will be the first event to be hosted at The Drill since the venue’s official re-opening celebration last weekend.

The Butterfly Club was a staple of Lincoln’s nightlife scene until the hall’s closure in March 2020. However, under the stewardship of the Lincoln College Group, the inclusive event will be back in full swing, providing a uniquely inclusive party experience for people with learning disabilities and physical impairments.

Jo Tolley, disability consultant and The Drill’s representative for The Butterfly Club said:

“It’s the most inclusive venue in Lincoln.

“The Butterfly Club was set up to provide a safe social space for adults with disabilities throughout Lincoln and the surrounding areas.

“We’re keen to see that those with disabilities can be part of the fabric of Lincoln’s artistic and cultural community and now that The Drill has been refurbished, the space has really been used in a much more accessible way which caters to the club’s diverse needs.

“Its impact on the community can’t be understated and I’m utterly ecstatic that The Drill is opening its doors for us once again.”

Following its first club night on Wednesday 2nd March from 7pm, the Butterfly Club will return to The Drill each month with people from across Lincolnshire expected to attend.

The Drill is fully wheelchair accessible and there is an equipped changing toilet with a hoist for those who need it. In the wake of a thorough reimagining and refurbishment in 2021, the venue opened its doors on Saturday 26th February with an exclusive line-up of live entertainment acts, including sets from The Sherlocks, Vigilantes, The Kev Richardson Band and The Lottery Winners, as well as a DJ set from Fun Lovin Criminals frontman Huey Morgan.

The Drill’s theatre manager, Craig Morrow said: “After an incredible opening night, we’re thrilled to see so many people in the community support The Drill and the incredible environment we’ve created in one of Lincoln’s most historic venues. The Butterfly Club is a crucial part of this and we can’t wait to kickstart the inclusive event for 2022.”

“We have a great DJ called Kieran who has learning difficulties. He makes sure it’s a proper club night, we have the bar open, it’s a great social event for everyone and we even have karaoke at the end!”

The iconic local landmark now features a refreshed and re-designed front of house area including the new entrance, box office, bar, cafe and restaurant areas.

Built in 1890 to accommodate military training exercises, the Grade II listed building is renowned as a thriving entertainment, arts and social hub for the wider community, with Lincoln College Group retaining and preserving the building’s original features but ushering them into the 21st century.

The inclusive disco takes place on the first Wednesday of every month from 7 – 10pm, with the grand re-opening being this Wednesday. Tickets are just £5 per person and entrance for essential carers is now free.

To see the full schedule of upcoming shows at the revamped community hub and entertainment venue, visit www.lincolndrill.co.uk.