What to do in the last week of 2016

Well, if you're reading this blog you're supposed to be an adult, so make your own mind up, yeah? Sound. That said, can I give you some ideas?

Friday night / Saturday morning- the morning of the 31st- UFC 207 broadcasts live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The headline fight- long time female bantamweight champion- now former champion Ronda Rousey- makes her return after a devastating loss to Holly Holm at UFC 193 in November last year. Next, somewhat unfairly some people believe, she'll jump straight back in with a title shot against current champion Amanda Nunes.

For what it's worth, there is a meetup for this. UFC fight nights in Genting Casino are always great fun- exciting viewing on big screens in a smart, clean venue with good service. There's always a few people from across greater Manchester who have made it there in the wee hours to watch the matches. It'll finish around 6am UK time, so expect a late one.

Once you've slept off the Friday, you'll be more than ready for another late one on Saturday night. It's New Year's Eve, and either you've got plans or you haven't. If not, Meetup has come to your rescue. Socialising in the City currently has monopoly on New Year's Eve events- I've not seen a great deal else happening, but it's great that organiser Ann Marie has put this on. It's a fairly laid back meetup for people aged 25-45, starting in tapas bar La Tasca on Deansgate. If you fancy a pre-countdown meal, join us there for 7pm, then it's a few drinks in the northern quarter with an interim of watching the fireworks at Albert Square at midnight. This is subject to change, but as far as I know this is the plan! There are 14 of us at the time of writing, but it wouldn't surprise me if this number shot up at the last minute.

I've seen a ton of other nights advertised relating to New Year, with the odd Z-list celeb making an appearance in one club or another, but there's nothing on Meetup. These prospective posts are always an attempt to bring people together who would be at a loose end otherwise, so I'm not going to name anything that isn't easy to turn up to alone. But there's no need to stay in watching Jools Holland, for God's sake. Get out and meet people!

One other thing: Meetup group Manchester House and Techno
will close down without someone stepping up. I don't think I ever went out with them, but that's my music. I might if you want to take charge and pay up! If nobody does, Keep your eye on Manchester Cool Bars. There's nothing at the moment but I'm likely to put some house music events up from February onwards.