December 31st: Hands down the most special day in the year's partying calendar. Whether you're going out on the town, or staying in for a house party, it seems like every man, woman and child is out to maximise their enjoyment on the final night of the year. Sure, both high expectations and prices are the norm, but there's simply no arguing with the quality of parties going on over the New Year.

We've already done a round-up of London's hottest parties, but there's a wealth of other events around the country that deserves some shine. Take Glasgow's Sub Club, for example—their New Year's Eve party at The Classic Grand plays host to Steve Bug, Andrew Weatherall and Prins Thomas—a bill which gives most of the nights in the English capital a run for their money. If you fancy things in a more intimate setting, then you could always plump for Melting Pot at The Admiral, where Mark E will be bringing in 2009. Over in Belfast, Yello are hosting a party at Mynt that features both Toolroom's Sonny Wharton and hometown hero Chris Cargo.

Back in England, Cocoon are set to take over Leeds' Mint Club, with sets coming from Frank Lorber, Chris Tietjen and Jamie Anderson. Those looking for Ibiza-flavoured kicks could either head there, or to Circo Loco's party in Manchester. Swapping DC-10 for Sankeys, they'll be hosting a line-up that includes Cadenza and Perlon's Thomas Melchior alongside Davide Squillace and Peace Division's Clive Henry. Elsewhere in Manchester, Mylo will headline the penultimate Warehouse Project at Piccadilly Station, and Rusko and Hudson Mohawke will provide the bass pressure at The Sheridan Suite.

Birmingham's clubbing fraternity get to choose between a low key techno party or a full-on 90's nostalgia trip. Daniel Stefanik will play his stripped back sound at The Rainbow pub, whilst Altern8, Ellis Dee and Tango & Ratty spread the hardcore vibes at Q Club. It's all about the low end in Nottingham, as Rock City hosts Detonate and Hospital's joint New Year's event. Hospital's own High Contrast will play the midnight set, and he'll be joined by Goldie, Hatcha, Joker and Annie Mac amongst many others.

Speaking of Annie, she'll also be playing in Bristol as part of the Snowbombing tour. Simian Mobile Disco and Damian Lazarus join her at Motion Skate Park, and anyone who wants to party for even longer can head down to Bump at Native. Starting at 4am, Craig Torrance and Anthony Horse will be supplying a strict diet of after hours techno for the city's hardened ravers.

Meanwhile, DJ Yoda will play at Brighton's Ocean Rooms for those who want a bit of quirky turntablism, and if you're looking for a bit of secretsundaze action, you don't even have to head to their event in London. Even though James Priestley's got his own NYE party in the capital, he'll be headlining at Henry's in Norwich as well—now that's DJing dedication for you!

New Year's Day is a bit more thin on the ground as far as decent events go, but there are still a few across the country that might tempt you to get up from your horizontal position on the sofa. Manchester's Warehouse Project will be ending its year with one last party at Piccadilly Station featuring Dubfire, Claude VonStroke and Riton. Faith's Terry Farley will headline proceedings at Brighton's Water Margin, and Johnny D pops up to Leeds after his gig for secretsundaze. He'll play Mono_cult's night at The Faversham, and you can be sure that the Leeds crowd will be hyped to see the Mannheim producer finally make it over to play after they were hit by a cancellation earlier this year. Post a comment