Gay London Life | Dec '25 Edition - Magazine - Page 20
Look Who It Is!
Tim Jones
Remember Tonker? The iconic club night is making a
one-off return to its spiritual home this December
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 timehonoured plot device and resurrecting Tonker for one night only.
Now, 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?” To get those who don’t know up to speed,
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 boy did it deliver.
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, however, it’s returning to Eagle London in collaboration with Bear Bash,
a club night that has won its fair share of furry fans 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 led hairy hunks and admirers to
make their weekly pilgrimage to Eagle London.
Whether you experienced it first time round or you want the chance to relive
a bit of bear history for yourself, you’re all invited to enjoy this special festive
coming-together. It’s almost certainly bound to have a happier ending than
whatever goes down in Albert Square.
Bear Bash x Tonker, Friday 12th
December, 9pm-4am, Eagle London,
372 Kennington Lane, SE11 5QY
Nearest Station: Vauxhall
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