Halloween in London – its time to get your freak on!
I think I like Halloween more than Christmas. I announced this to my family recently who looked at me as if I had gone and taken that final step and joined a coven. But I kinda do though. And no, I am not or witch, and have no intentions of becoming one, (no offence to witches; who are no doubt lovely) but I love the fact that for one night only, my mates and I get to reveal our darker side as we step onto the streets of London and into bars and clubs in all our gothic glory.
Even though we Brits have some catching up to do with America, the UK version of this tradition is getting bigger every year, as are the costumes and the makeup. Gone are the days you could wrap yourself in loo roll and smother yourself in your girlfriend’s makeup (although I still think this can work – and who cares after a few drinks anyway) because now people are stepping out in pure horror-style. Their faces and clothes are carefully constructed to mimic characters that could have walked off a Tim Burton set for the sole purpose to offend, scare and amaze. Halloween has literally had a makeover and it is jaw-dropping what Londoners can create this time of year.
So where can a cocktail-thirsty, hairy-fanged vampire seek like-minded individuals for a night of good vibes, great music and be ready to party whilst howling at the moon? There is only one place that can truly meet Halloween head-on and that is Shoreditch. Home to Jack the Ripper and The London Burkers (aka – Victorian body snatchers), there are bars and clubs aplenty that go out of their way to make it a night you will remember! Here are some of our top picks for a great night out in unforgettable Shoreditch and walking distance from the Dictionary Hostel:
Day of the Dead Party @ 93 Feet East
When: Saturday 27th October 2018
Where: Brick Lane Shoreditch
Cost: Online tickets £12.95 + booking fee (see website for further details)
Party with hundreds of like-minded revellers as @93 Feet Street raise the spirits of a time long before and celebrate Halloween with an epic Day of the Dead Party. Split over four rooms and packed full of the hottest DJs in town, this 4-Room extravaganza will be London’s biggest Halloween showcase.
Day of the Dead Halloween Special at Club Aquarium
When: Saturday 27th October 2018
Where: Old Street, Shoreditch
Cost: From £5-£10 (see website for further details)
This EPIC Super Club will feature three arenas of music by some of London’s best DJs. The Aquarium is the only club in London to boast a heated swimming pool and hot tub.
Cafe Mambo Ibiza Halloween in London
When: Saturday 27th October 2018
Where: The McQueen, Tabernacle Street, Shoreditch.
Cost: From £15-£20 (see website for further details)
Enter if you dare…The newly refurbished McQueen will be transformed into a hellish and blood-curdling dungeon of fun for the day of the dead. Expect full production and live performers accompanied by White Isle inspired soundtrack.
Disco Express Halloween Special
When: Friday 26th October 2018
Where: Shoreditch Platform, 1 Kingsland Road
Cost: From £5-£10 (see website for further details)
Dress up, dress down, get up and dance over to Shoreditch. Party away on Payday and as Shoreditch Platform pay homage to the Paradise Garage & Studio 54. Groove to a soundtrack of NYC’s finest club scene. They will be injecting positive vibes, a feel-good selection of boogie ‘n’ funk, soul ‘n’ disco and modern edits of household classics.
Twisted Carnivale Halloween Special @Cargo
When: Friday 26th October 2018
Where: Kingsland Viaduct, 83 Rivington Street
Cost: see website for further details
Friday night party in Cargo – Carnivale! Pure non-stop party vibes from 6pm – 6am with 2 different rooms. Commercial Club music & RnB / Hip-Hop room. Cargo will be bringing an abundance of good vibes to one of London’s finest venues in the heart of Shoreditch.
And for something a little different ………………………
Halloween Special; Neon Naked Life Drawing Classes
When: Monday 29th October 2018
Where: Queen of Hoxton, 1-5 Curtain Road, Shoreditch
Cost: from £14 per person (see website for details)
Are you ready for the Neon Naked Halloween Special!! Come to East London for an evening of vibrant artistic fun. Come to a life drawing class like no other using neon reactive art materials to draw inspiringly colourful life models.