Shameless celebrations at Guilty Pleasures

In a dimly-lit corner of North London where indie gigs tend to be the norm, an evening of unadulterated pop fun continues to thrive.

The last weekend of every month sees KOKO in Camden play host to the club night Guilty Pleasures, a straight-up, in-your-face, all singing, all-dancing celebration of songs from yesteryear.

Founded by DJ Sean Rowley six years ago, Guilty Pleasures is a format which has been rolled out across the country and its success has led to its songs and style being featured as a theme during last year's X-Factor series. Records that had seemingly been long-consigned to the music wasteland (those you secretly liked but were too ashamed to say so - hence the Guilty Pleasure) are resurrected and showcased in unashamedly bold fashion.

Housing the event in KOKO's olde-worlde setting is a wise choice for an occasion packed with such nostalgia and certainly brings a hint of Vaudeville to proceedings. As our group packed into the venue in anticipation it didn't take long for us to note that it wasn't just the music that grabs your attention - there is a whirlwind of activity on stage. And if, after a few drinks, witnessing a live high-speed cake eating competition doesn't make your stomach do somersaults then you should have a fine night.

Each event contains a fancy dress element but GP reassuringly doesn't discriminate against those partygoers wishing to steer clear of this potential embarrassment. For those who are keen, you will find a wide array of outfits. Last weekend's theme was 'Bad Taste' and certainly - from the contentious pair who partied away dressed as the 'Twin Towers' to the garish clothing of bespectacled 80s hero Timmy Mallet - variety was the order of the night.

A feature of these nights are the on-stage performers who, in some instances, look like they've come straight from the circus, such is their enthusiasm to fling themselves across the stage lapping up the adulation from a 1,600-strong crowd.

Their pace never lets up and it's these performers who provide the endless energy of Guilty Pleasures and, in essence, drive the whole idea forward. Another plus point is 'SingStar', where revellers can act out their musical heroes at the club's middle bar.

However, not everybody had all-out fun and one off-key moment did briefly surface as the 'prize' for best fancy dress was dished out on stage.

Winners were the afore-mentioned 'Twin Towers', who, it was announced would take away a top prize of three days in New York. Wow, a great reward you think - why didn't I put more effort into the outfit?

Alas, all was not as it seemed as the disappointed victors later remarked that they were told off-stage they would be winning nothing. It was a small façade on an otherwise fun-packed evening, although from the look on Mr Twin Towers' face as a female reveller attempted to add herself to his costume, he didn't dwell on it for too long.

The new 2CD Guilty Pleasures album is due for release on March 21 and is a 40-track homage to the club night, featuring hits from George Michael, Bonnie Tyler and Fat Larry's Band. The brand also plan to host launch nights during the coming month.

For further information and details of more London events go to www.guiltypleasures.co.uk