So, it’s nearly 2009. Wow. That’s gone by pretty damned fast, scarily so actually. In the last few days of 2008 I’ll be thinking back over a year filled with parties and look forward to a year of credit crunches and redundancies. Ahem. If we’re all honest there’s an even bleaker spot on the horizon and it’s getting ever bigger in my vision. And that’s the impending doom of The End and AKA.

OK, so regular readers of my blog will know I’ve been harping on about the end of The End for months now (see New Years Eve at The End and The End of The End), but anyone who’s ever partied the night away there will know why I’m so sad to see it go. I’ll even be spending my precious New Years Eve there this year, saying ‘Happy New Year’ within its walls for the last time. Ever.

However, the gloom is being eased slightly by some massive closing parties that are sure to get our inevitably painful 2009 off to a huge start. Of course, I’m talking about The End closing parties. There are going to be some off the scale events held here throughout January, from the last ever Circo Loco to Bugged Out’s final send off. Then, as the last night of 25th January nears we come to the official The End closing parties.

First up is Southern Fried Mobile Disco on Thursday 22nd December with a line up that includes Fatboy Slim and Cagedbaby. For just £10 a ticket, it’s hard to keep the purse strings from opening.

Then there’s Friday’s big bash – The End DnB Closing Party. After 13 years of some of the biggest DnB parties on the scene, this huge line up will include Fabio, Goldie, Friction, Hype and Grooverider to name just a few. Advanced tickets have now sold out (naturally!) and were priced at £25, on the door tickets will be available although the price is still to be confirmed.

Next it’s the big one. THE closing party to end all closing parties. It’s still very tight-lipped, all I can tell you is it starts at 8pm and will sell out fast. If you’re sensible, you’ll keep your eyes peeled for the day tickets open. I still don’t know how much they’ll cost, but I reckon it’s worth pawning your new Nintendo Wii Fit to afford to buy one. Oh yes. The line up will include Laurent Garnier, Layo and Bushwacka, Mr C, Erol Alkan, Ben Watt, Jimpster, Will Saul, Rory Phillips and Don Mac. I.Cannot.Wait.

And finally. The last ever event for The End and AKA will be Jaded – The End Finale Afterhours. For those of you who are happy to party the whole weekend away, this event starts at 5.30am on Sunday and is just £12. All that’s been released so far is that Raymundo Rodriguez and some very special guests will be appearing.

So, I don’t know about you but I’m starting to look at my dwindling January pennies and wish I hadn’t had that eighth vodka Red Bull on Christmas Eve. Still, I reckon it’s worth a final splurge as a big f**k you to the credit crunch (sorry dad).

The End and AKA it’s been good knowing you…