AT THE CLUB FACE

TRADE DO FREEDOM

@ bagleys

Tonight's gig at Bagleys offers revellers the best opportunity for hedonistic abandon this weekend. Two clubbing giants, Trade and Freedom, take over this massive complex for nine hours of bangin' tunes.

This promotion hopes to provide a clubbing warm up for the forthcoming Gay Pride 98 festival; anyone who's previously been to a Trade or Freedom gig will know to bring their dancing shoes along.

While predominantly attracting a strong gay following, scores of heteros and assorted club-heads have long been seduced by a cocktail of extravagance, style and great tunes.

Toni De Vit, Steve Thomas, Alan Thompson, Dean Savonne, Ariel, Graham Gold and Matt Silver will all feature on the Technics, so punters will have plenty of different styles to choose from.

Arrive early to ensure entry to this cosmopolitan rave.

Tonight, Goods Yard, off Goods Way, King's Cross N1 (0171-278 2171) 10pm-7am, pounds 8 members/pounds 12 non-members.

For two years this gig has offered a clubbing environment that partially endorses the "Sunday as a day of rest" maxim. This is essentially a chill-out club for DJs and punters who aren't too fussed about big-name spinners and designer labels.

The general vibe is based on the Cafe del Mar in Ibiza - I've never been there, but the south London version seems appealing enough. If you want to relax and have a drink then come south of the Thames and check out innovative visuals, courtesy of Trajectory and The Light Surgeons, and fresh tunes provided by Danmass, Nick Manasseh and Rob da Bank. For those jaded Londoners everywhere this could offer the perfect way to ease out of the weekend.

Tonight, 697 Wandsworth Road, Clapham (0961 318 870) 8pm-1am pounds 1.99

The Colosseum is still trying to find the right clubbing formula to match the Satellite Club in its heyday. Liberty is their latest offering, and it seems to be pointing in the right direction.

This venue is large, so promoters have to get it right - a half-filled night here would have a definite graveyard feel about it. If anything, last year's refit has made the place look more spacious, but when the house is full, there are few better clubs in the capital. The two main rooms offer both sides of the garage coin. In room one, we have the new people's champion, speed garage, while room two features the old "classic" US style. The bar area and the third smaller room will no doubt offer alternative vibes.

Smart-casual dress is the order of the night, and be prepared for a thorough frisking worthy of Her Majesty's Customs inspectors. DJs include resident Martin Larner, with Charlie Brown and guests on the mic.

Friday, 1 Nine Elms Lane (formerly the Podium) SW8 (0171-627 1283) 10.30pm-5.30am, pounds 8 before 11pm/pounds 10 after

Has it really been years since this gig was at Fish? Enough reminiscing - the mixture of funky flavas, hip-hop beatz and old-skool classics still does the business, and still attracts as cool a crowd as anywhere in London. Hooch, Tha Dump, Kenny Boots and the excellent Jasper the Vinyl Junkie work the crowd effortlessly.

Old and new tunes are seamlessly presented at this club, and the clientele is both knowledgeable and responsive on the dancefloor. If you like a intimate vibe and your beatz funky, then you'll love this gig and definitely return for more. It's so good to hear P-funk in its original state.

Tonight, 38 King Street, WC2 (0171 836 1973) 10.30pm-3am pounds 3 for 1st 50/pounds 7 after

Still one of the best nights in town. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly (who needs attitude on a Sunday night?) with everybody in the mood for socialising, housey beatz and dancefloor fillers.

This is a good venue to chill in, so it's perfect for those who want to ease their way out of partying and into the beginning of the week. On second thoughts, forget that; you've got all week to catch up on sleep - bring your dancing shoes (or swimming trunks) and leave the double duvet at home.

Sundays, 256 Old St, EC1 (0171-251 6136) 7pm,-midnight pounds 7/pounds 5 members