1 The last chance to see the fantastic Loki (aka Darren McGarvey) at the farewell show of Poverty Safari. At St Luke’s in the Barras, today, 7pm. Tickets £11 at ticketmaster. Darren is an important commentator on Scottish politics and his book of the same name recently won the Orwell Prize. Go see him, he is nothing if not honest.
2 On Boxing Day the mighty CREAM return to Glasgow, of course at SWG3. Where else? Featuring the biggest names in the business from Mancini to Tall Paul to Kilkie, Fontaine and Jon Pleased Wimmin, the Judge, Aly & Fila, Laidback Luke. Shove the turkey sandwiches and selection boxes to one side and get your dance on. Tickets are £40 on the door. Book early at Tickets Scotland.
3 Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club comes to Aberdeen on Saturday for an Xmas party! The legendary actor, host and broadcaster Craig Charles of Red Dwarf, Robot Wars and Coronation Street fame and also one of the UK’s best loved funk and soul DJs, will be funking things up at the Lemon Tree, Aberdeen. Gigs also in Glasgow and Edinburgh over the festive season.
4 La Clique Noël returns to Edinburgh’s famous spiegeltent with La Clique Noël – Part Deux, a re-imagined line-up of new dysfunctional artists plus a few firm favourites for this year’s seasonal edition, including the astounding fire eater Heather Holliday and mistress of mayhem, host Bernie Dieter. The show will feature a scintillating live band and the best of the best in adult, genre-bending, new variety – in a night you won’t forget! Tickets £21.50 every day from today until January 5. Spectacular.
5 A wee get-away-from-it-all at one of the cutest bars anywhere near Edinburgh. The Bridge Inn at Ratho is a decent eight-mile walk from the city centre. Walk off the selection boxes, get out of the slush and excess and glut of city life, hit the countryside and sit by the roaring fire on the banks of the Union Canal and enjoy a festive brunch. New Year’s Day will be a winner. The Bridge Inn, Ratho.
6 Over in Perth, what a perfect way to get in the mood. It’s A Wonderful Life. Capra provides the ultimate Christmas movie. Munch some mince pies and snuggle up to a loved one. Today and tomorrow at 2.30pm. Tickets a mere £6.75.
7 On their unusual tour of Scotland, N-Trance are playing Christmas Eve at Church Dundee alongside Ultrabeat. Tickets a tiny £6. Bring it back and set your pretty green eyes free. Tickets from the venue.
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