Manchester’s best NYE parties

Wondering what to do when the clock strikes 12? Here’s a taste of what Manchester has to offer this New Year’s Eve.

Now That’s What I Call a Millenium Party! at Islington Mill

End the year with effortlessly cool Islington Mill this New Year’s Eve. The theme is 1999; The Millennium Bug is crawling around and social media does not exist, so if you want to get down to this evening of pre-2000 hijinx featuring three rooms of millennium music, both live and via minidisc hosted by promoters like Fat Out til you Pass Out, Tranarchy, Ping Pong Club and Off with Their Heads you’ll need a very special physical ticket, remember those?! Best for: alternative party / disco / rave fun. James Street, Salford, M3 5HW. 10pm-late, £9.99 Islington Mill, The Bay Horse, Piccadilly Records, via email millenniumbugstrikes@hotmail.com, or call 0161 2786404. Words: Sam Alder

Manchester music lovers unite for MCR Scenewipe’s Midnight Kiss at Fuel

This NYE Scenewipe will be partying hard in cosy coolness of Fuel Cafe Bar in Withington. Featuring party DJs, special giveaways, a video countdown and a unique Scenewipe Karaoke machine, this is the only place for Manchester music fans to see in the New Year. Best for: Hearing what everyone is going to be listening to this year. 448 Wilmslow Road, Withington, M20 3BW. Tel: 0161 448 9702, 8pm, £5 www.wegottickets.com. Words: Ruth Allan

The original bass music party with Hit & Run at Sound Control

On a night of eye-watering rip offs and more than a few potential disappointments, Hit&Run again provide a cost effective and very tempting alternative on NYE, returning to Sound Control for a three floor special. Respect is due to Rich Reason and the team for bringing in a ‘heads’ lineup on the biggest night of the year, with old skool D&B/Jungle legend Randall laying down a 90 minute set, with support from inventive Dubstepper Commodo and the underrated Darq E Freaker (check his fascinating collab with Detroit rapper Danny Brown) With another headliner yet to be announced and local talent Chimpo, Sparkz and the P13 DJs also on the bill, this one is looking very good for £5.50. Best for: Rave up vibes without the hassle of heading to WHP. 1 New Wakefield Street, M1 5NP. Tel: 0161 236 0340, 9pm-4am, from £5.50, www.facebook.com. Words: Dan Hampson

Deep in the disco edit with Greg Wilson at 2022

A reliable crowd-pleaser since his return from the musical wilderness in 2003, Greg Wilson takes the reins of the spacious basement at 2022. Wilson’s deep connection with dance music in the city goes back to pre-rave Hacienda, Wigan Pier and Ruthless Rap Assassins, and his passionate blend of black music and disco edits is a perfect NYE combo. Famously the first person to DJ on British television, and a pioneer in UK remix culture, check out his innumerable mixes and blogs here. Best for: Grown up disco fun. 20/22 Dale Street, Northern Quarter, M1 1EZ. 9pm-4am, £15, www.skiddle.com. Words: Simon Webbon

Now Year’s Eve with Now Wave + Alt-J DJ set at Q Cavern

Following sell out shows with Everything Everything, James Blake and many more, Mcr promoters Now Wave round off their biggest year yet with a co-headlined end of year bash with Alt-J. Moving from support slots at The Castle to winning the Mercury, the band’s Thom Green is making a name for himself as a DJ with sets at Reading Festival and official remixes for the likes of Chapel Club and Dam Mantle. Best for: Having a riot – listen here. Q Cavern, 14 Newton Street, M1 2AF. 10pm-4am, £8/£10, www.skiddle.com Words: Ruth Allan

Wet Play at Soup Kitchen

As our resident club writer, Simon Webbon points out, “Wet Play is the best night in Manchester bar none. Run by Piccadilly Records’ Kickin’ Pigeon and Randy Marsh, alongside electro boogie producer Ste Spandex and Ruf Kutz boss Ruf Dug, the Wet Play parties have consistently delivered intense, euphoric nights of hedonism featuring both big names and up-and-coming producers from the world of nu disco, house and boogie. What makes the night really special though is the community vibe – there is a feeling that everyone knows each other and you leave each event with a whole new group of friends. It’s an insight in to how it must have felt to be a part of the loft/gallery late-1970s New York scene.” The Wet Play New Year’s party is taking place at Soup Kitchen’s dungeon of wild abandon with legendary Mcr house of soul Beat Boutique pumping out full throttle disco, soul classics up in the kitchen. Soup Kitchen, 31-33 Spear Street, M1 1LE. Tel: 0161 236 5100, 10pm-6am, £10, www.facebook.com

Free entry before 9pm at Gorilla

Many of us don’t want to commit to a massive night out when let’s face it, New Year’s Eve is kind of about who you are with so Gorilla’s NYE is one way to get the best of both worlds. With a capacity of just 100 in the bar, book to secure your hot seat from which to order food and ale before getting down to DJs plucked from the Trof roster. Expect the hottest sounds from this year plus the kind of power hits that the biggest night of the year demands. Entry is FREE to the bar before 9pm, £5 after, with the normal menu being served. 54-58 Whitworth Street, M1 5WW. Tel: 0161 407 0301, http://www.thisisgorilla.com