Spellbound's Alternative 80s New Year’s Eve Party!

If you’re already thinking about where to spend New Year's Eve, Komedia offers a distinct option for those who prefer their 80s music a little darker and less mainstream. It’s the annual Spellbound's Alternative 80s New Year’s Eve Party, hosted by the long-running Spellbound club night. They describe the event as "The 80s Night for people who hate 80s Nights," which gives you a clear idea of the vibe. This isn't happening in the main room; the party is strictly limited to the smaller Komedia Studio Bar at 44-47 Gardner Street. This is key because the capacity is capped at just 150 people, making it a much more intimate standing club night than the usual massive NYE events around town.

The music selection focuses tightly on alternative classics spanning 1979 to 1989. You can expect a mix of Goth, Post-Punk, New Romantic, Indie, New Wave, Synth Pop, and Ska. The DJs for the night are Simon Price (from Stay Beautiful) and Jayney BlamBlam (Total Blam Blam), who will be spinning tracks from artists like Siouxsie & The Banshees, The Cure, The Smiths, Depeche Mode, New Order, The Sisters Of Mercy, and Public Image Ltd. Beyond the playlist, the atmosphere is enhanced with 80s-style smoke machines and relevant period projections. For those who appreciate the details, they also make sure to have cheap Snakebite & Black available at the bar.

Since this is a New Year’s Eve event, it takes place on December 31st. The doors usually open around 9:00 pm and the party runs until late, historically finishing around 3:00 am. Given the strict 150-person limit in the Studio Bar, booking ahead is definitely the recommended approach. Tickets are priced at £15 in advance and can be reserved through the Komedia website. Just remember that this is an 18+ event. If you’re looking for a focused, alternative way to ring in the New Year without the huge crowds, this might be the spot.