After weeks of Christmas parties, drinks and lavish dinners throughout the festive season, there's one final blowout of 2017 to look forward to - New Year's Eve! But if, like so many people, you're worried that the night will be one of over-hyped events, bad music and queuing in the cold, look no further! We asked our friends at DesignMyNight to round up the UK's best New Year's Eve events to make sure that this time, it really is the most amazing night of the year.
Après New Year's Eve Ball - London
People who have never experienced the wild partying of Après Ski are in for a treat. Battersea Evolution has been transformed into an alpine palace with a roaring fire, wonderful dancers, acrobats and contortionists. If that wasn't enough, you'll be dancing all night to their live band and DJ – who has a state-of-the-art light show to hand, no less – and feasting on a delicious four-course meal with unlimited drinks. It's perfect for someone who wants their entire New Year catered for.
MORE: See our pick of hot events here
Cahoot's Vintage New Year's Knees-Up - London
It's 1940s New York City and all the dapper chaps and darling dames are ready to put their dancing shoes on and descend into this den of debauchery. Enter Cahoots, one of the coolest quirky bars in London, who are throwing their biggest knees-up of the year. The Hotsie Totsies will be playing their mix of lindy hop and vintage classics, and bottomless Belvedere cocktails will keep those feet moving.
New Year's Eve - Party Like It's 1977 - Manchester
Neon lights, Britpop and glow sticks: who cares about 2018 when 1997 has everything you need for the perfect New Year celebration. All Star Lanes are offering the ultimate retro experience, with a three-course meal with drinks before unleashing you on the dance floor, where their DJs will play the finest 90s anthems. If that didn't sound 90s enough, you can play bowling into the New Year too.
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Hush Presents: Secret Speakeasy - London
It's New Year's Eve in New York City, and the year is 1920. 'Mad Dog' Moriziano has been let out of prison but he's come back to the Hush Gin Joint to take it over, only to find his arch nemesis running the joint...with you in it. This story will unfold around you as you sip complimentary moonshine cocktails, dance to jazz and dine on a beautiful three-course meal. Will the cops be called before midnight? Will everyone make it out alive? You’ll have to get tickets to this secret speakeasy event to find out.
New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball - Brighton
An evening like New Year's Eve needs to be treated with all the glitz and glamour that it deserves. From the moment you enter this Masquerade Ball in Brighton, you'll be greeted with a glass of bubbly, before being taken to your seat by the Master of Ceremonies for a gourmet three-course meal. Afterwards, you can either work the food off on the dancefloor… or you can get competitive with their indoor dodgems.
New Year's Eve at Aviary - London
Aviary is taking sky-high dining to the next level this year. Their unbeatable panoramic view of London from Finsbury Square can be enjoyed from inside one of their stunning, festive igloos on the roof terrace, creating a truly special New Year experience. Or you can simply dine on a sumptuous four-course meal in the restaurant, before sipping Champagne in the bar or terrace with the help of a live DJ.
New Year's Eve at The Jekyll - A Tale of Two Floors - Birmingham
The notorious Jekyll and Hyde in Birmingham is living up to its name this year with a dual-natured New Year's Eve party. Be heavenly like Dr Jekyll and enjoy an evening of cheese and charcuterie, coupled with a delicious gin masterclass upstairs; be devilish like Mr Hyde and party in decadence downstairs with gin goblets, cocktails and swing music all night long.
The Blitz Party New Year's Eve Special - London
Forget 2018, this underground New Year's Eve bash is throwing it back to the 1940s with a swinging Blitz themed party. Guests will party in an authentic air-raid shelter filled with sandbags, hurricane lamps, blackout curtains and reconnaissance maps – but also with a bar packed full of delicious cocktails. But you won't be listening out for the air raid siren; the live big bands will be playing the best in 40s classics and remixed modern favourites to keep you dancing until the early hours.
Club Noir New Year's Eve - Moulin Noir - Glasgow
Glasgow's legendary Club Noir might be shutting down forever in 2018, but they are throwing one last, massive party to see it out in the style they deserve. Enter a world of beauty and bohemia, as they host two spectacular burlesque and cabaret shows with a whole range of fantastic - and seductive - performers. Promising to merge the sensuality of France with the charm of Glasgow, their swansong might just be their best.
New Year at The Mansion - London
Sorry to tell you, but you've been playing it safe every New Year’s Eve until now. Head to this party at The Mansion and you’ll discover something quirky, something sexy and something very pink. There's three dancefloors with three different DJs, alongside live musicians, and even a room with an art exhibition. And with live performers ranging from glamorous cage dancers to fire shows, it's almost impossible for you to be bored. All you have to do is wear pink.
For more info on New Year’s Eve in London and across the UK, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Instagram and Twitter; @DesignMyNight.
