New Year’s Eve: our pick of the parties

There’s nothing more depressing than watching Jools on New Year’s Eve. We’ve done the research, and the evidence is overwhelming. Fortunately Bristol has parties to suit most tastes, so we’ve picked some highlights.

In:Motion hook up with The Blast and Durkle Disco for one rave to rule them all. The headliner is Hannah Wants (pictured above), one of the fastest rising UK house DJs, and with Roni Size, dbridge, Spyro, Chimpo and Sam Binga all on the bill, it looks a safe bet to smash Bristol into 2016 and beyond.  

Similarly huge is United Sounds at Blue Mountain, a 16-hour marathon of drum & bass, reggae, hip-hop and bass music. Serial Killaz, Randall and Nicky Blackmarket are the biggest names, while Jakes, Buggsy and Split Prophets will be flying the flag for Bristol itself.

If previous experience is anything to go on, the Shapes party at The Island will be hard to beat. Subtitled The Final Frontier it’s described as “an exploration into the realms of Science Fiction…” The four stages are headlined by Midland, Congo Natty, Aphrodite and Livity Sound comrades Peverelist and Kowton, which should give you an idea of the scale and quality of the thing.

With Cubana at the helm, Lakota is guaranteed to feel like a Varadero beach party. Subtitled Fiesta de Fuego it features Novelist, Cause & Affect, Big Narstie and D Double E, not to mention “bonfires, pyrotechnics, rum, cigars, and spectacles beyond one’s imagination”. 

Not to be outdone, Tremor and Afterdark have chosen a Fear & Loathing theme for their indoor / outdoor spectacular at Trinity.  Babyhead and Ed Solo and Darrison lead the line, with a lengthy supporting cast spread across two stages.

Colston Hall’s bash is an international groove-fest with Submotion Orchestra and the irresistible Ibibio Sound Machine. It also features Bristol favourites Eva Lazarus and Mr Benn as well as the Bodywork and We Like To Party DJs. Elsewhere, Ramshackle present a “Masque-Rave ball” at O2 Academy with balloon drops, lasers, confetti cannons and a soundtrack of party anthems from pop-punk to grime.  

While it’s hard to argue with a good, old fashioned blowout, there’s plenty going on away from the biggest venues. Smaller clubs offer everything from vintage rock and soul (Department S at The Lanes) to pop and indie (Thekla, whose New York, New Year party includes hot dogs and bingo). 

Those who fancy something truly intimate should consider I’m In The Doghouse (at The Doghouse, obviously), where “free flowing champagne” is promised along with classy house heads like Organ Grinder and Deli G.

Meanwhile, Alfresco Disco have something special planned, although – true to form – they won’t be letting you in on the venue or the lineup until well after you’ve bought a ticket. 

After that lot you may well feel like spending January 1 in bed, but superhumans should head to Motion for the now traditional New Year’s Day party that closes the In:Motion season. With globetrotting club favourites like Adam Beyer, Sasha and Âme on the bill, it’s the perfect option for anyone who’s still not quite ready to succumb to the icy hand of January.   

For more New Year’s Eve highlights check out the listings at b247.staging.proword.press/whatson