London loves a comeback, and this December, one of the capital’s most iconic club nights is strutting back into the spotlight. If you were anywhere near the LGBTQ+ scene in the early noughties, you’ll know the name Tonker, a night that defined an era of big tunes, bigger personalities and even bigger beards. Now, teamed up with Bear Bash, it’s ready to shake the dancefloor once again.
Below is the full lowdown, straight from our December issue.
Anybody who’s ever watched an EastEnders Christmas special over the years will be only too familiar with the surprise return of a character long thought departed, back to rustle some feathers in the Vic again. This month, the monthly club night for all blokes big and bushy, Bear Bash, is borrowing this time-honoured plot device and resurrecting Tonker for one night only.
Depending on your age, the mention of Tonker might make you melt with nostalgia as sepia-toned images of early-noughties clubbing come flooding back, or it might just make you say “eh?” For the uninitiated, Tonker was a legendary club night that started way back in 2003. After holding regular events at Barcode Soho (ask your daddy), it became a fixture at Eagle London, settling on the mantra of BOOZE, CRUISE, TUNES. And it delivered.
Over the past decade, Tonker has made intermittent appearances at festivals and Prides across the globe, including Sydney Mardi Gras, San Francisco Folsom, Malaysia Gay Daze and Ibiza White Party. For one night only, it’s returning to Eagle London in collaboration with Bear Bash, a club night that’s quickly built up its own furry fanbase since launching earlier this year. Tonker resident DJ Tim Jones will be taking to the decks between 11pm and 2am, revisiting the classic house sound that once drew hairy hunks and admirers to Eagle week after week.
Whether you lived it the first time round or you fancy dipping into a bit of bear-scene history, everyone’s welcome for this festive reunion. And let’s be honest, it’s almost certainly going to have a much happier ending than whatever disaster Albert Square has lined up.
Click here for more info & tickets
🐻 Bear Bash x Tonker
📆 Friday 12 December, 9pm–4am
📍Eagle London, 372 Kennington Lane, SE11 5QY
🚇 Nearest Station: Vauxhall
