Clubs; AFTER DARK

It's all about carnival. It doesn't need any "biggin' up", so just take a deep breath and go for it - after all, it's the only time of year when it's cool to dance with a uniformed police officer.

If calypso and soca isn't to your taste, there'll be plenty of "modern" dance music available. The "will they/won't they" saga of Radio 1 and Kiss FM has come full circle; both stations will be broadcasting live from the carnival, though Kiss will not have a stage this year (Radio 1 has been awarded the Horniman's Pleasance site instead).

The bank holiday means that there is no shortage of excellent gigs around. Roger Michael throws a Peach of a Party on Sunday and Monday at The Elbow Room featuring Lisa I'Anson and Ben Bellman, while It's On vs Dust II Dust vs Sunday Best (I'm not winding you up about the name) are throwing a Summer Boat Party. With a 1,000kg rig on board, everyone will notice you.

As September approaches, clubland is about to blow up as scores of revellers return from sunnier climes eager to maintain that holiday party vibe.

September seems to be the birthday month, with the Godskitchen Birthday Ball (26 Sept) and London's Twice as Nice (20 Sept) both celebrating. All eyes will turn to London as MoS kick off their seventh-birthday celebrations (19 Sept). No club rolls out the barrel like this south London clubbing conglomerate, so this will definitely be one to book in advance.

Alister Morgan