CLUBBING

Tinkerbelle, at The Cross: Goods Way depot (off York Way), Kings Cross, London, N1 (0171-837 0828) Fri 18 Jul, 10pm-5am pounds 10 members/ pounds 12 non-members

Indiependance Day II, Brixton Academy, 211 Stockwell Road, London SW9 (0171-924 9999) tonight 10pm-6am, pounds 8 advance/ pounds 10 door

"Where are we going?", asked the children. "To the heart of the African jungle to party with the animals," replied Tinkerbelle. From the undergrowth came a host of creatures - they were dancing to the music that now filled the air. "Real party animals," they laughed

You don't often find JM Barrie quotes on a club flyer, I thought as I stood in a boutique off London's Kings Road. Many promoters now target Sloane Street, Covent Garden and High St Kensington in an effort to attract a trendier breed of clubber. This flyer for Tinkerbelle was sumptuously crafted with extravagant aesthetics - more an invitation to a fantasy realm than a middle-sized club in north London.

The Cross, a venue that goes up in my estimation every time I visit, is a mid-sized club that stands directly opposite the vast and impersonal Bagleys (Captain Hook and his followers probably party there).

As far as her clubbing career goes, the immortal fairy, Tinkerbelle, is only a year old. This is the fourth gig to be held at The Cross where DJs John Kelly and Paul Jackson house it up on the Technics.

The mature clientele is stylish in the kit department, and the club's intimate feel encourages a fresh and friendly vibe. The night is reminiscent of the fondly remembered Cheeky People gigs at the same venue.

Tinkerbelle events also possess an endearing close knit "tribal" atmosphere. Go to these gigs regularly and you'll be pleased to see familiar characters and enjoy the resident DJs.

The main dance floor engulfs the working DJ; a responsive crowd cheers every mix and bassline served up. Summer heat, a lush interior, and garden chill-out zones bring the African jungle as close to London as it's going to get. In the traditions of Peter Pan, Tinkerbelle can take you on a thrilling adventure that your parents will never know about at breakfast the next day - a definite winner.

Indiependance Day II will see 3,000 revellers descend on Brixton for a fest of indie rhythms. The biggest alternative music all-nighter in the country boasts a massive 50k sound system, 150k of lights and a specially installed dancefloor.

From Prodigy and the Chemical Brothers to Smashing Pumpkins and Placebo; from Beck and the Charlatans to the Cardigans and Radiohead - DJs will be playing them all. Attractions include an all-night record store, market stalls and much, much more.