Scottish Clubbing Highlights: December 2021
There's plenty of reasons to celebrate this month, with birthdays and festive parties galore from Scotland's top promoters and club nights
It’s birthday season and festive season for Scotland’s promoters this month. First up, Pulse proves that you’re never too old for a two-dayer by celebrating 12 years with two parties, both headlined by Blawan, at The Bongo Club in Edinburgh on 4 December and La Cheetah Club in Glasgow on 5 December.
Headset joins in the birthday celebrations later in the month, marking seven years in the game with a Bristol showcase at Sneaky Pete’s on 20 December, featuring sets from Batu, Yushh and Cando. And if you’re desperate to escape your family on Christmas Day, Headset’s annual Christmas Day bash returns to The Mash House, following last year’s absence.
Also back this year are all the usual Boxing Day blowouts. Take your pick from Helena Hauff at The Liquid Room, Optimo (Espacio) at The Mash House, and Slam at La Belle Angele in Edinburgh; Subculture’s Boxing Day Special at Sub Club in Glasgow; Nightwave at Club 69 in Paisley; or Gary Beck at King’s Dundee.
Animal Farm are just pipped to the post for the biggest birthday of the month, celebrating 17 years with a huge line-up at Sub Club on 27 December, headed up by Clara Cuvé and Wallis. But, celebrating the big 2-0, it’s Jackhammer who wins the birthday prize and they’ll be celebrating at The Caves in Edinburgh on 29 December with Ben Sims, Altern8, Leeroy Thornhill, and more.
For those looking for a pre-NYE warm-up, there are two very different parties taking place the night a’fore in Edinburgh and Glasgow. If you’re looking for a more intimate affair, Club Sylkie’s Gay Hogmanay at Sneaky Pete’s should suit you, but if big room techno is what you’re after it won’t get any bigger than Nina Kraviz and Frazi.er at The OVO Hydro – that’s right, the bloody Hydro!
Finally, we’ll be able to bring in the bells in an actual club again this year, so prepare yourself for entry queues, drinks queues, toilet queues, and taxi queues; but also have a lovely time dancing to good music! Our top pick is Optimo (Espacio) at Room 2 in Glasgow, which also features a live performance from Free Love.