CityLife

CityLife's festive clubbing guide 2009

Seasonal clubbing... hat's the way

WHAT are the first three things that come to mind when someone says ‘Christmas party’ to you?

Awkward conversations? Drinking too much in front of your boss? Snatching a kiss under the mistletoe/influence with someone you basically shouldn’t?

If your only exposure to Christmas parties is forced attendance at those put on by your workplace, perhaps so.

However, there are a whole host of Yuletide parties out there at which you won’t have to make polite conversation with people you spend all day avoiding, or endure one second of Shakin’ Stevens.

With the next 48 hours being the last proper clubbing action before the big day, most of the clubs have chosen this weekend to stage their Christmas parties.

And while many of them will be sticking to their usual playlists rather than ditching them in favour of a four-course menu of Slade, Mariah, Band Aid and The Pogues, at least the variety means there’ll be a festive gathering to suit everyone’s taste.

And so we present The 2009 CityLife Christmas Clubbing Guide To Clubs Which Might Not Be Very Christmassy But Which Are Happening Just Before Christmas And So Count As Christmas Specials. We’ll work on that name for next year.

For glitterpop disco fans: Legendary digital disco Clique has its Christmas party on December 18 at the Mint Lounge, while over at its old home Joshua Brooks, new kids S’il Vous Plait will be rocking the cobbles on a festive tip. These are about the only two places you’re likely to hear Mariah followed by some banging Kistune remix or other.

For those who love indie: Traditionalists will be pleased to hear that South has Clint Boon DJing at its festive bash on December 22, along with live music from The Clone Roses, who – and we’re going out on a limb here – may be a tribute act. The Ruby Lounge Christmas Party tomorrow night will have bands including Detroit Social Club and Lost Knives.

For followers of the old school: Long-running clubnight Funkademia celebrates Christmas on December 19 at the Mint Lounge with a soul, funk and harmonic house night featuring the deck skills of the legendary Phil Beckett; while on December 20, Moho Live’s Skandal night has heroic ska lot The Blockheads playing out on a rhythm stick vibe.

For those who like dressing up: If last night’s Murkage sesh wasn’t enough, Up The Racket stages a masquerade ball at Retro Bar tonight, where they’ll be playing 2009’s best indie tunage to folks dressed in glamourous facial attire. If guitars aren’t your thing, The Printworks will no doubt play host to a cavalcade of revellers in fancy dress, flooding the likes of Pure, Opus and Entourage.

For people who celebrate Christmas with a twist: There are some parties giving a nod to the Yuletide spirit. Cord is the venue for Saturday Social’s Christmas Turkey on December 19, where party pop, Xmas classics and festive films will complement an actual grotto; while on December 23 at Moho Live, Mutiny party has a line-up of bands tearing up popular carols.

For Secret Santa obsessives: Anyone who likes a bit of mystery should head to Sankeys on December 19 where a line-up of secret special guests delivers its Christmas Present. More unknown pleasures await at new venue Sound Control where mystery spinners will soundtrack a Delphic aftershow.

For dirty stop-outs: After hours session Ware After? is a must for those not ready for bed. It has a selection of electronic goodness spanning at Alter Ego on Princess Street from 4am-9am on December 19 and 20.