See in the New Year in Style at One of Liverpool’s Many Parties

See in the New Year in style at one of Liverpool’s many parties

Think of classic music cities around the world and the astute music fan might forgo London and instead aim for its northern cousin Liverpool. A city with a firm reputation in the arts, from the most popular of ‘pop’ bands, The Beatles, to high, modern and contemporary art via the Tate and Walker galleries. A city that’s not afraid to let its hair down in aid of a good celebration, and packed with all the clubs, bars, hotels and amenities associated with such, Liverpool could be the perfect place to see in the bells this New Year.

Start the New Year with a swing at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall as celebrated band-leader impresario John Wilson puts the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra through their paces. In an evening of showbiz and glamour, expect big brass sections, a cool dollop of jazz and lively dance numbers that guarantee to get the hips swinging, in amongst classic show tunes and extravagant eveningwear. Equally glitzy but with a risqué edge is the Cabaret Burlesque New Year’s Evening at Zelig’s. From a flirtatious Marilyn Monroe impersonator to queens of burlesque and a swing band tribute to Frank Sinatra; this will be a real toe-tapping night to remember.

Turning things up a gear, Liverpool’s new year is awash with hedonistic club nights where big names in dance music make a welcome appearance, sometimes for the second or third year in a row – thanks to this city’s knack for creating a great atmosphere. Chester Racecourse is proud to welcome back The Perfect Night. The course will become a Mecca for revellers as big names like Judge Jules, Boy George and Dave Graham providing the soundtrack for the countdown. For an exclusive live show in a great city centre location, Madchester kingpins the Happy Mondays are playing at the O2 Academy, or head to Cube on Seel Street where Robbie Craig and the Artful Dodger will be performing, with more acts still to be announced.

Dance the night away until 2010 in a club with a difference on Wigan Pier. Wigan Pier’s New Year’s Eve 2009 features a ‘Clash of the Titans’ as Frequency and Overdose man the DJ booth throughout the evening, or for real club heads, a New Year’s eve in Garlands is probably as big as its gets; as Bedlam is open until 7am on 1 January.

In the heart of Liverpool’s Concert Square is the cocktail haven Zoo Bar where, this New Year, partygoers can indulge in champagne and specially created cocktails as The Champagne Ball promises to add a touch of class to the renowned evening’s goings on. Complete with DJ 2 Kind and DJ Zeke, the bar will be adorned with ice sculptures, sparkling bubbles and, of course, welcoming hostesses who will make sure the champagne doesn’t stop flowing.

Whatever you do this New Year, the city is alive with celebrations and there are many Liverpool hotels to stay in while you welcome in 2010.