31/10/10: “Are you going to Trade’s 20th birthday? Have you got tickets yet?” These were the questions on everyone’s lips for the last few weeks. Eagerly anticipating something really special, the QX crew descended en masse to the recently renamed Arcadia (formerly XXL Arches) in London Bridge for the mother of all parties. Muscle Marys, dressed up glamsters and drag queens, gAy scenesters, clubbing royalty, Halloween freaks, luscious lesbians and skinny-jeaned boys all poured through the doors and into the netherworld that is Trade. DJs Gabriele Cutrano, Lady Bianca, Smokin’ Jo and LaGosse ruled the decks in the outside arch with back-to-back gogos, pyros and lasers, much to the crowd’s delight. Moving through to the super-packed main room, we were blown away by the superb sets of Steve Thomas, Pagano, Nik Denton and Pete Wardman, whose chunky then harder edged house had the floor rocking all night. No wonder the energy was amazing in there! Over in the sauna that was the Hard House room, the highlight was Andy Farley’s fantastic Tony de Vit three hour tribute set, which set the crowd on fire (and even La Malice was spotted dancing with diva SJ to it). Funkier house beats ruled in the back bar room from Kris Di Angelis, Guy Williams and Fat Tony, with diva Tonnic enhancing the sound and whipping up the crowd as only she knows how. At times, it seemed like the whole of gay London was there and everyone was saying the same thing – it was a brilliant event, with absolutely fantastic music in each of the rooms, coupled with a real party atmosphere. This Trade really exceeded our (very high) expectations. We can’t wait for next year – Trade’s 21st Birthday!
Arcadia, 51-53 Southwark Street, London Bridge, SE1 1RU
Words by Jules
