Weekends Matter 53: Laidback Luke (Cream)

The first mix of our third year of podcast is here and what an absolute head rush it is. We've gone all Christmassy, but luckily that's raiding the best events that lurk just before and after the 25th December rather than an overload on Yuletide excess. And it also includes a guest mix form one man who really has blown 2013 into smithereens, Laidback Luke.

The Dutch DJ is truly a superstar of global dance music, his heady concoction of furious techno, rump shaking house and blistering electro a sure-fire winner across the planet. One place it always feels very much at home though is when coming full throttle out of the speakers of a Cream event, be it Liverpool, Ibiza or of course Creamfields. This month he headlines a stunning showcase at the nerve centre of the club, Nation, on Boxing Day.

Luke will be joined by Eddie Halliwell, Benny Benassi, Tim Mason, Deniz Kyou and a rare DJ set from Chicane (head here for more info), and if you were in need of a guaranteed way to blow that excess fat from Christmas it doesn't come much bigger and better than this.

As ever we also spotlighted five other nights form around the country to get your grind on this Christmas, ranging from Soloumn's deep house to Aly & Fila's trance, and even Alexander O'Neal's sultry soul. They are as follows:

North: Geestar Productions present Alexander O'Neal @ The Ritz Thursday 26th December

South: We are Junk @ Junk Club Saturday 21st December

London: Diynamic Showcase @ Electric Brixton Friday 27th December

Midlands: Gatecrasher Birmingham Boxing Day White Party

Scotland: Zoom Xmas Party @ The Arches Saturday 21st December

Like this? Try Skiddle Mix 034 - Aly & Fila (Goodgreef).