105 years young and raving: Hilda Jackson’s unforgettable birthday party

Hilda Jackson, a 105-year-old resident of a care home in Derbyshire, UK, celebrated her birthday last week in the most unexpected way – with a full-blown rave.

The celebration featured drum & bass DJs behind the decks, while Nottingham-born rapper Bru-C made a special appearance to perform for Jackson and her fellow residents. To amplify the experience, the party was complete with strobe lights, glow sticks and flowing drinks, creating an electrifying atmosphere reminiscent of a true underground rave.

Speaking to The Guardian during the party at Holbrook Hall Care Home, Hilda Jackson shared her excitement: “I've had a wonderful time. The people here are wonderful and I think we've had a really good time. I've enjoyed every minute of it, and that's everything. I think it’s been absolutely fabulous. I never expected this at all. I knew there’d be some [people] but not the amount of all the people who have come. And I’m very, very grateful to everyone that has come, [it’s] lovely.”

Having lived at the care home for two and a half years, Jackson credits her longevity to an active lifestyle and mindful health choices: “I’ve been very lucky with my health, and that is very important, your health,” she said. “I’ve not abused myself. I have a drink and I love a drink, but that’s it. I love ballroom dancing. I do go twice a week. I’m still dancing. OK, not as much as I used to, but I get up on the floor and have a bit of a twirl round, and I love it.”

Claire Allen, the care home’s activities coordinator, expressed her joy in making Jackson’s dream celebration come true: “We’re so thankful for everything everybody’s done for her. Honestly, I’m amazed and so thrilled. Hilda is the most deserving person to have this. All the residents here are, they’re great. Our ethos is to continue living when you come here, so we try and make every dream possible come true. So we’re just really excited.”

Bru-C, who joined the party after his manager heard about the event on a local radio show, was equally delighted by the experience. Speaking to The Guardian, he said: “That was epic. I can’t lie, I didn’t know what to expect, but it was actually really good. I enjoyed it a lot.”

Check out the footage from the event here.