Brilliant Brand

Having been at the forefront of the march towards gay acceptance in the capital, Barcode was one of the first brands to offer a venue where the windows weren’t blacked out, where as gay’s we didn’t feel as though we were lepers in a social & clubbing community that was still frowning on our activities. Having launched Barcode as a brand back in 1995, a massive leap forward for Troy Weir’s creation came in 2006 when, at long last, the Vauxhall clubbing scene had a venue where they could drink, socialise & club, all under one roof, the opening of the second Barcode Branch on Albert Embankment being meet with critical acclaim, making it an instant success. And such was the popularity of this place, Barcode Vauxhall quickly established itself as one of the premier London gay hotspots, attracting the cream of the social scene along with a top notch set of resident D.J.’s across a host of specialist events & regular nights that have seen Barcode stand the test of time.

5th Anniversary Antics

Finding ourselves in the thick of the action from day one, we have seen much change in this vivacious venue and have also celebrated with it as it turned one, two three & four years charming the clubbing community, as the fifth glorious year is upon us, we couldn’t let the moment pass without, at least, as dinky devotion to this incredible insituation that was at the core of our very own incarnation. So, let’s take a look at this brilliant bar/club venues anniversary celebration which takes place tonight (Sat 16^th July) from 9 p.m. onwards, both the front bar & the back club rooms sporting some of Barcode Vauxhall’s favourite star D.J.’s, while the team have plenty of surprises up their sleeves for their 5^th anniversary antics, which in their own words promises a prolific party as they say, “…We might have aged a little, but still know how to do IT! This time it’s going to be huuuge. Expect great music from our djs – they’re gonna throw some serious tunes until you give up… But we want to amaze you, so this time be ready for some serious production!…”

The Legend

So, with music being the main attraction, the team are calling on some of the best in Barcode’s business, the near legendary Gonzalo Rivas heading up a team & sure to play the main set in the club space from 1 a.m., mixing up plenty of classics from across the venues five year history, with some of the latest sounds to hit the dancefloor. And having just last week sent a new podcast to press, celebrating his showing at the massive WE “Heroes” event two weekends ago (available at http://gonzalorivas.podomatic.com/), this on top of some terrific turns at Beyond in recent weeks, the man is definitely on fine form meaning his set for this birthday bash should show Gonzalo at his barnstorming best. Joining Mr Rivas will be Elliot J Brown, a DJ who has played regularly for both Soho & Vauxhall Barcode’s right across its combined 20 year history, Elliot kicking off proceedings in the club bar from 11 p.m., while Hugh Stevenson, hot heeling it from Lo-Profile, will pick up from Gonzalo at 4 a.m. taking you through to a super late finish.

Barcode Best

Up front, the Barcode team will be showcasing the promised production for this 5^th anniversary birthday bash, with extra special decor, lighting & effects, while the music couldn’t be in better hands as the cheeky monkey that is Steven Artis kicks carries this party deep into Sunday morning, no doubt mixing in plenty of birthday beats old & new. Having been a busy boy with other projects of late, it’s great to see Steven back where he belongs & we are sure to expect a new podcast from him following this party (hint!) while his extensive archive collection of compilations are worth a visit at http://stevenartis.podomatic.com/. Joining Steve is Paul Coals, another Barcode regular who be kicking off the front bar music mixing from 9 p.m., Paul still smarting from a spectacular showing for Salvation just last weekend at Summer Rites in Shoreditch park, so sure to sparkle with another superb set that will go down a storm. Add to that, the chance that some special guest will be popping by and maybe mixing up the music a little, a host birthday drinks offers that form part of the extended happy hour (three in fact), as the team say “…as a special THANK YOU for 5 amazing years we will be having HAPPY HOUR UNTIL MIDNIGHT!!!!…” added to which there will be that “…Special production for the birthday with laser show, pyros & CO2 cannons…” that we hinted towards, all making for one exceptional event not to be missed. (DISCO MATT)

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