What a year it’s been? A celebrity death count like no other, Brexit, Trump, Aleppo and a whole raft of natural disasters. We won’t mention Euro 2016. On the plus side the city continues to thrive with a vibrant gigging and clubbing scene; the arts just gets better and better with venues such as Centrala, Old Print Works, Ikon Gallery and a myriad more pushing boundaries and ideas. Babmag is here. Best of all Birmingham Wire has become established as the essential cultural treasure map for the city. So whatever your feelings about 2016, steer clear of the overpriced and underwhelming and welcome 2017 into your lives at one of our superior recommendations. For the clubbers amongst you see our NYE tips here

Digbeth Dining Club at Mama Roux’s and Spotlight
Birmingham’s gastronomic legends take over two of Digbeth’s coolest clubs for the night. You know what to expect from DDC. Each week throughout the year they have been laying on the finest selection of street food vendors available to tickle our tastebuds and tease our senses. It’s become such an institution it’s hard to imagine Birmingham without them. It’s not just eating though there will be live music, DJ’s, performers, dancers, the obligatory midnight countdown and our favourite, a gin bar.
Sat 31 Dec 6.30pm – 3am at Mama Roux’s and Spotlight  Lower Trinity Street, Digbeth, B9 4AG £5 (early bird price) www.facebook.com/

New Year’s Eve at The Hare and Hounds
The city’s greatest live venue? We think so. No one comes close to the rampant eclecticism of the H&H’s shows. Be it local bands looking for a break right through to the occasional superstar. That unique of venues, loved by artists and audiences alike. It’s safe to say they know how to throw a decent party. Two rooms to float your boat safely and funkily into 2017. Room one is curated by Freestyle guru Sam Redmore and will feature a face off between Young Culture Sound vs No Fakin’. If House is more your thing then enter the groove of Room 2 starring Colorè, Moodfix & Moulin Groove. This one will sell out quickly.
Sat 31 Dec 9pm – 3am at Hare and Hounds, High Street, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 7JZ £10 www.facebook.com/

Northern Soul & Motown All Nighter at the Night Owl
If pounding the springiest dance floor in Birmingham till the early hours of 2017 sounds like your thing then you really need to get yourselves down to the Night Owl. A little club in Digbeth with a massive heart and so friendly there should be a massive smile painted on the outside wall. It’s Northern Soul nights are always great fun and don’t be surprised if you get dragged onto the dance floor by complete strangers. Don’t worry. Just waggle those hips, wave your arms and drown in the soulful vibe. The usual resident DJ’s will be joined by Sonny and Spare, Soultime Steve and Kev Richie, and for the hardcore all nighters look forward to Richard Buckley, Jim Drummond and Joel Webster. Get in quick it will sell out fast.
Sat 31 Dec 9pm – 6am at the Night Owl, 17-18 Lower Trinity Street, B9 4AG £12 www.facebook.com/

NYE at The Sunflower Lounge
We love the Sunflower Lounge, and it’s proximity to New Street Station means we find it very hard to resist popping in for a cheeky pint each time we’re passing through. The venue has built up a solid and well deserved reputation for hosting cool gigs and parties on a regular basis. Their New Year’s Eve mix of DJ’s and live music across two floors will be a blast. Upstairs audio rhythmology duties will be taken care of by Joel Webster (busy boy) and Doug Castle, whilst downstairs there’s a raft of local bands performing with the pick for us being the sludgy blues rock of The Mighty Young.
Sat 31 Dec 7pm – 3am at Sunflower Lounge, 76 Smallbrook Queensway, B5 4EG £11 www.facebook.com

Moho New Years ’16 Pimp Party at the Old Crown
If you’re feeling particularly superfly about the whole New Year’s thing then you need to get all Huggy Bear with Birmingham’s oldest bar. Furs, flares, canes and a big hat are essential for the Moschino Hoe and Versace Hottie end of year pimp fest. Music will be provided by the Moho All Stars and G Skank skankers. Queen Elizabeth the First partied at the Crown like it was 1575 in 1575 and now, 441 years later, we have shiny disco lights as well. If it’s good enough for Queenie then it’s good enough for us. There is a pimptastically huge car park if you need to leave that silver Caddy somewhere brother.
Sat 31 Dec 9pm – 4am at The Old Crown, 188 High Street Deritend, B12 0LD £12 www.facebook.com/