Member of the excellent Poppycock and the uniquely mind-blowing Rose and the Diamond Hand, Rose Niland, has organised a Christmas celebration with a difference. The evening is the perfect antidote to same old clichéd seasonal festivities. Gothmas, as you might have guessed, presents an alternative take on yuletide merriment.
Gothmas is an inspired idea that provides an escape for those overcome by the saccharine falsities of the Christmas period. The night will feature great live bands, competitions, stalls and a DJ playing the very best 80s alternative tunes.
I ask Rose how the alternative Christmas party idea originated... "'Alternative Christmas party' is a great way of putting it" she says "There's so much commercial cheese everywhere and not an awful lot for the subcultures".
Rose is eager to point out that Gothmas isn't a downbeat event... "It's celebrating a genre often seen as very dark and serious" she explains "Although, creative expression may come across in that way, there's also a light and fun side that should be celebrated."
It promises to be a uniquely brilliant night out with plenty of different and off-beat things to enjoy... "I want to get people from Afflecks to come down and set up stands selling Goth Christmas gifts and cards... make-up stands for people without make-up to join in and raffle prizes", Rose enthuses.
Anyone can go along and immerse fully in the theme with make-up and gothic attire, or just attend a welcoming night out with a difference.... "Gothmas is a Christmas party for anyone who doesn't fit with the conventions of society, but those that do are also welcome" she says.
With the self-mocking tag-line 'O, come all ye mournful, morbid and despondent', it is clear that Gothmas won't be a miserable and dark affair with stereotypical moody types.
As an active member of the North-West's unparalleled live music scene, Rose is ideally placed to ensure that the right acts take part. Gothmas has a top line-up with Rose's own band Rose and the Diamond Hand on the bill alongside Salford's vampish electro duo Factory Acts, the wonderfully spooky, oddball dance act Saboteur and volucrine post-punk band Ribcrow.
It's a stellar line-up that is completed by DJ Ben Nield playing the very best alternative music. Expect to hear plenty of eighties classics from The Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Depeche Mode and many more.
Rose has genuine passion when she discusses music... "What I love most about the subcultures of Goth and Punk is the nonconforming passion... Christmas is a perfect occasion for those like-minds to join and celebrate in a way that we choose for ourselves, not what society tells us. I would encourage anyone with the desire to break out of their every day to come along and be wild in a safe place where people are accepting and non-judgemental."
Although it seems like the very antithesis of Mariah Carey and Cliff Richard on constant rotation, Rose is keen to a give a wry nod to the festive period, and is even hoping to get some of the acts to do Christmas covers in an unconventional, ethereal manner, "Hopefully...if they can stop being so serious", she laughs.
Gothmas provides a friendly environment where punters can enjoy an expressive, creative night out with some great people. It's guaranteed to be a fun, off-kilter evening with a twist, worthy of an episode of The Mighty Boosh. It promises to deliver a tongue-in-cheek celebration that gives some of the mundane aspects of the mainstream a swerve whilst playfully referencing others.
If you've had your fill of parties where the old hits are spewed out whilst a middle manager twists near a photocopier with his tie around his forehead, then Gothmas is a must. It's the polar-opposite of the expensive Christmas markets, knitted sweaters and regimented festivities.
Get some eye-liner (or guy-liner) on, head through the Gothmas portal, immerse yourself in an alternative world and get the most out of counter-culture Christmas.
Gothmas
Saturday 17th December 7:30pm til late
Gullivers, Oldham Street Manchester
Hosted by Rose and the Diamond Hand
With music from
Rose and the Diamond Hand
Factory Acts
Saboteur
Ribcrow
DJ Ben Nield
Admission is £5 – or £4 for the fabulously dressed
For further details see the Gothmas Facebook event page - click here
Words by Ian Leslie
Artwork by Bethany Craven
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