Bongo's Bingo - January 29th

Bongo's Bingo is back at MECA Swindon on Friday 29 January, taking over the town's bingo hall for another one of their party nights. If you've never been, it's a far cry from the quiet afternoon you're probably imagining. They describe it as traditional bingo reinvented as a high-energy party night, and that's a fair summary: the bingo is the frame, but the rave intervals, dance-offs and prizes are what fill the gaps. It's built around the game, but the music and the crowd are what drive it.

Between the numbers, the night breaks into rave intervals and dance-offs, with prizes that usually lean more towards the legendary than the practical. It's pitched as an alternative bingo experience, and that's exactly how it plays out — the bingo is the excuse to get everyone in the room, and the party is what happens around it. It's become a regular fixture of the town's night out, and it's a popular choice for hen and stag nights and student nights, so you're likely to find a big, mixed crowd on the night.

It's a night that works as well for a group as it does for a few friends, and it's a good shout if you're looking for something that doesn't take itself too seriously. The whole thing kicks off at 6:30 pm at MECA, Regent Circus, Swindon SN1 1PR.