1. Classic Grand, Glasgow
Why: If you’re not up for the traditional Hogmanay celebrations, head to Club Noir at the Classic Grand for an alternative way to see in the New Year. The club will host two burlesque shows – Scotland- and New Year-themed, whatever that might mean – as well as playing some ‘vintage’ sounds. The 800-capacity club is designed like a Twenties Chicago speakeasy, with palm trees lining the stage. Tickets cost £20.
Fact: After starting life as a warehouse, the building later became a picture house before the swinging Sixties arrived and it turned into a porn cinema.
See: classicgrand.com
Words AZZAM ALKADHI
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2. Oceana, Cardiff
Why: Not just another Oceana. With nine themed rooms – from Tahiti and Icelandic ice house to New York disco and Parisian boudoir – this 3000-capacity club is one quirky place to bid farewell to 2011. And with that many people, you’re bound to find someone to kiss at midnight. What’s more, the rich sporting heritage of the city means it is often frequented by celebrity rugger buggers, so who knows, you could nab yourself a star. Entrance costs £15.
Fact: Olly Murs once played two gigs in the same evening at Oceana in Swansea – that’s how much the Welsh love him.
See: oceanaclubs.com/cardiff
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3. Club M, Dublin
Why: Dublin’s reputation as a welcoming city is exemplified here. Fashionable yet unpretentious, Club M, along with Elysium Bar, covers two levels and includes two chill-out rooms if you need to take a break from the dancefloor. Every year it hosts a massive party to celebrate the dawn of the New Year. Entry costs £8.50, or, if you feel like splashing out, you can get admission for four people, a reserved table and a bottle of spirits with mixers for £155.
Fact: In the past, Elysium has played host to celebrities including basketball legend Michael Jordan and former Miss World Rosanna Davidson (oddly, the daughter of Lady In Red ‘musician’ Chris de Burgh).
See: clubm.ie
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4. O2 Academy, Leeds
Why: Propaganda is holding its weekly night of indie, electro and dubstep in this lively Yorkshire city, but with one difference: it’s extraterrestrial themed. And while the students may be home for the holidays, there’s no reason the cheap prices need go with them – it’s just £10 to get in, and you’ll be given a wristband for free entry to any Propaganda event in January. Pints are £2.85 all night. The New Year’s Eve spectacular will be taken to 10 cities in total, so if you don’t fancy Leeds, you can enjoy the very same in Sheffield, Bristol, Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham and Oxford.
Fact: The Grade 1-listed Gothic building was opened in 1885 by Prince Albert, and hosted a series of circus shows in the early 20th century.
See: o2academyleeds.co.uk
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5. Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Manchester
Why: After a break of 10 years, Bowlers’ legendary club nights return with a bang. Clubbing doesn’t get much bigger than this, with drum and bass, hardcore, old skool and hardstyle music spread across four massive rooms. The unlikely venue for this mad New Year’s Eve bash is an exhibition and conference centre that includes an extensive outdoor compound and a fairground. Tickets cost £36.50 and you won’t get kicked out until 5am.
Fact: The Bowlers Exhibition Centre plays host to Manchester’s largest indoor car boot sale every Sunday, attracting about 2000 bargain hunters. So stick around and you might find yourself some treasures to take home.
See: slamminvinylnye2011.co.uk