Strictly Handbag was for many years, and could possibly still be Dublin’s longest running club night. It was what Monday nights were all about. A night, where even if you went out on your tod, you always knew, you wouldn’t be short of company. Who would have thought that Monday nights would become one of the busiest club nights of the week in Dublin, especially in the pre boom 90’s? Strictly Handbag in the Kitchen and then in Rí-Rá changed the face of clubbing in the capital forever and changed all perceptions of socialising for a whole generation with its mix of 80’s music with words combined with clever and innovative promotion offering an alternative to the burgeoning if repetitive heavy dance culture of the time.
People came, met, danced and drank, and created memories to last a lifetime. Music of the 80’sand 90’s was provided by the Strictly handbag DJs such as Dandelion, Fergus Murphy, Mick Heaney, Conor Ferguson, Mark Kelly, Aidan Kelly and more. On Saturday the 21st of September they will all come together once again, to transport you back to those magical Monday nights in the 90’s. Special guest DJs such as Tonie Walsh and John Locke will be jetting in from Manchester to ensure your handbag doesn’t leave the dance floor, while our special acoustic room will feature live acts such as The Strictly Handbag Band, Paul Harrington, Mike Hanrahan and Leslie Dowdall.
With plenty of prizes and surprises on the night, our mission is to celebrate the man who made the magic happen, Mr Handbag, Martin Thomas. Jim Carroll of The Irish Times described Martin as ‘The Prince of Clubland, a man who knew the ‘right combination of music, mischief, merriment and people it took to create a great night out’.
Martin wasn’t just the ‘Prince of Clubland’, he was a prince to many, a devoted dad, a soul mate, and a very loyal friend, and dancing the night away underneath one large glitter ball is how we will remember him.
On the 21st of September we want you to relive your youth, or perhaps get the one off chance to experience the amazing night you missed. So come along, bring your friends, but most importantly… don’t forget your handbag!