Alex Lloyd dips her dancing shoes into the party season.

WITH such a vast array of events on offer in York's pubs and clubs over Christmas and New Year, partygoers are left with the headache of choosing where to go before they've even hit the mulled wine.

To mark the season of goodwill, Ikon & Diva is hosting two fundraising nights in aid of The Echo Trust, the entertainment industry's charity for children, which is supported by Mis-teeq.

From 9.30pm tonight and tomorrow, DJs at the Clifton Moor club will be asking for a contribution to play record requests and staff will be paying to wear fancy dress, with the bar licensed until 3am. Flip & Fill's Junior will also be making a special appearance at the club tonight.

On Tuesday, it is time to try something a little more intimate, so strap on your comfiest dancing shoes and head down to the Get Funky Christmas Special, at the City Screen's Basement Bar.

Always a great night out for those who like to strut their stuff. And this time the Get Funky crew have pulled out all the stops.

Open from 7.30pm until late, revellers can enjoy the finest in funk, reggae, soul, R&B and old school party grooves from DJs Dylana, Dougie T, Revibe and special guest Paul Walker, of Normans Bar in Leeds. Tickets cost £4.50, £3.50 for concessions, and are available from City Screen Box Office.

Then, when you've finally recovered from the turkey and Christmas pud and fancy a little more indulgence, it's time to think about the last party of 2003.

For something a bit different, head along to Casa's Wild West Casino Night, complete with roulette, blackjack, bucking bronco and 1am licence.

Tickets are available from the bar, priced £10, and include champagne on arrival and buffet, as well as the chance to win a television for the best costume. The top gambler on the night will also collect a DVD player and all ticket holders are entitled to 25 per cent off food at Casa in January. A perfect excuse to continue to indulge into 2004 in that case...

Ikon & Diva, Clifton Moor Retail Park, 01904 693999

City Screen, off Coney Street, 01904 541144

Casa, Low Ousegate, 01904 639971

Updated: 14:46 Thursday, December 18, 2003