It's almost the festive party season and there are lots of opportunities to party away in suitably seasonal fashion. SIMON PARKIN highlights 10 great nights out over the Christmas holiday period.
Christmas Party Night
Yarmouth Racecourse, Great Yarmouth, December 15, �29.95, 01493 842527, www.greatyarmouth-racecourse.co.uk
Yarmouth Racecourse's new Lord Nelson Grandstand hosts this glittering festive party which includes a Christmas meal — inevitably turkey with all the trimmings takes top billing — plus DJ and disco until 1am, and a Christmas party atmosphere that will get you into the seasonal spirit.
Festive One Night Special
Potters Leisure Resort, December 16, �89, 0845 4379894, www.pottersholidays.com
From mulled wine and mince pies on arrival, to carol singing and Christmas quizzes, there will be lots of festive cheer at this one-night event at Potters. Great variety entertainment with Potters Theatre Company and resident-comedian Mark Brewer and the most ambitious Christmas Show ever produced with a huge variety of festive scenes from the Nutcracker Ballet, the traditional nativity, Santa's Workshop and a special tribute to the King Of Christmas Andy Williams.
Christmas Dinner Dance
The Talk, Oak Street, Norwich, December 15/20/21, 8pm-2am, �25.95, 01603 660220, www.thetalknorwich.com
Three chances to enjoy the festive spirit at these Christmas Dinner Dance events at The Talk. Live entertainment includes the eight-piece Elvis tribute band The Blue Sueders on December 15, and a six-piece glam rock group on December 20 and 21, plus a disco to party away to some classic Christmas tunes. Seasonal food from the Barron of Beef and Hog Roast Buffet.
A Brassy Christmas
St George's Theatre, Great Yarmouth, December 21, �8 (�7 cons), �3 children, 01493 745461, www.stgeorgestheatre.com
James Stretton and Iain Jackson are guaranteed to bring a little cheer for your Christmas stocking with this unique multi-instrumental festive brass show. These highly talented musicians will be performing all your seasonal favourites on a dazzling menagerie of brass instruments from tiny piccolo trumpet to huge bass tuba. From serious to silly, from Handel's Messiah to All I want for Christmas is a Bass Trombone, an evening of seasonal fun.
Christmas Carols with Cawston Brass Band
Fat Cat Brewery Tap, Sprowston Road, Norwich, December 21, 8pm, free admission, www.fatcatpub.co.uk
A festive version of the Fat Cat's Prom In The Pub which is truly something special, a complete brass band in the pub — plus you can enjoy a pint with it. Cawston Brass Band, the Champion Band of East Anglia no less, will be performing a selection of seasonal tunes and carols. There will also be a mince pies, Christmas cheer and lots of real ale.
The Blue Skies Lounge
Olives, Elm Hill, Norwich, December 21, free admission, www.blueskiesvintageevents.co.uk
Step back in to an era bathed in gimlets, martinis and straight up on the rocks. A time viewed through the seductive haze of smoke, where lipstick-kissed cigarettes rest in ashtrays. A festive edition of this Mad Men-style regular night of coolness, where you will be able to swing to a soundtrack of rumbling saxophones, jazzy vibes and sexy chillout. Grab yourself a cocktail...
Alvin Stardust's Christmas Spectacular
Epic, Magdalen Street, Norwich, December 22, �20, 01603 727727, www.epic-tv.com
Get yourself into the Christmas party mood with a rocking party — of a very 1970s vintage. Headlined by the legendary Alvin Stardust, it will sprinkle some rock'n'roll magic to create a fine festive atmosphere to get you ready for Christmas. With special guests Eric Faulkner's Bay City Rollers and the music from T-Rex, there will be plenty of nostalgia in the air with some classic tunes.
The Christmas Hot List
Heights, New Conduit Street, King's Lynn, December 24, �3, 01553 767363, www.heightsnightclub.com
The funkiest Christmas party in King's Lynn is at Heights nightclub where you can expect to see plenty of Santas, red nosed reindeers, elves, Frosty Snowmen and Eskimos as it's a festive fancy dress night through until the big day itself. DJ Paul will be providing the festive entertainment with all the biggest retro Christmas Classics on the dance floor, plus loads of drinks offers on during the night.
Wish You Were Here
Open, Bank Plain, Norwich, December 31, �10, 01603 508050, www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk
Trendy clothing shop, turned promoters Dogfish, The Plugg and Creative Hub Norwich offer up a very hip way to see in the New Year. Two rooms of sumptuous music, bringing together some of the finest DJs Norwich has to offer. Set in the splendour of the Open venue with the likes of Frank's Bar, Tropico, Sounds Like Music and many more, it's the place to be seen on New Year's Eve.
Casino Royale NYE
Tao Lounge & Club, Prince of Wales Road, Norwich, December 31, 01603 660662, www.taonorwich.com
Glamour, casino tables, a red carpet VIP champagne reception and Martini Cocktails, as the Tao Lounge on Prince of Wales Road again hosts a Bond theme for its big New Years Eve party. They promise an evening of glamour elegance. Tickets are �8 in advance. Dress code is Bond glamour, so make sure it's licence to thrill.
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