DAVID HIGGERSON looks at what winter has in store for the clubbing fraternity.

As the sun sets on another hedonistic summer in Ibiza, the ultimate clubbing experience for the winter has been unveiled -- Butlins and Pontins.

Mock not as Club Culture takes you on a guide of the big clubbing events designed to keep you moving "and poor" until Christmas.

WHAT:THE BIG REUNION

Where: Butlins Resort, Skegness.

When: November 22-24 and November 29-December 1

Why: two days, 11 promoters, 46 DJs, 9MCs, 11 Live PAs and Bungle, Zippy and George from Rainbow. Last year, thousands descended for the first Big Reunion, which unified 11 promoters who help celebrate the last 20 years of dance music. The likes of Helter Skelter, Tonic, Charly's Angelz, Dj Vu, Deviate and Gold Live are all putting on events within the six arenas. From Tony Blackburn and Pat Sharp to Lisa Pinup and the Artful Dodger, it's one to be remembered. 2 Unlimited and Boy George are also in there, along with Jason Donovan.

How: Tickets £100 per person including accommodation and breakfast. Tickets

from 0870 4000 895.

WHAT: UK WEEKENDERS

Where: Pontins, Camber Sands, Essex

When: Friday, November 8 - Sunday, November 10

Why: Three arenas, one dedicated to Drum and Bass, one to Hard House and Trance and one to Funky US House and Garage, combine for a nu era in weekend long dance music events. Drum and Bass sees the like of Grooverider, Micky Finn and Andy C among 40 specialist artists, MCs and DJs. In the Devious (hard and trance arena) Sonique, Judge Jules, Graham Gold and John OO Fleming appear among a cast of 20 while in the Outrageous Funky Lounge expect cool sets from the likes of Scott Cuba and Nippa Deep Downey.

How: Accommodation and entrance from £79, check out www.ukweekenders.co.uk

WHAT: GTCRSHR

Where: NEC Birmingham

When: Saturday, November 16

Why: Underworld live, that's why. Join Gatecrasher for their final super party of 2002 with three state-of-the-art arenas, and 15,000 mad clubbers. Bugged Out and Tidy Trax will also be there, and expect to LIVE sets from Underworld, FC Kahuna, DJ Tiesto, Judge Jules, Armin Van Buuren and Mario Pu.

How: Tickets are £34, phone 0870 128 2000.

WHAT: TRIBAL GATHERING

Where: Southport Pontins.

When: November 8 -10.

Why: For 15 years this site has been the home of The Southport Weekender. This event, modelled on the legendary Northern Soul Weekenders (which is what The Southport Weekender started out as) continued to stick to its roots and pride itself on quality music, production and atmosphere. Now Tribal have teamed up with them for their first biggie in five years, with room for 4,000 clubbers, and it promises to be the complete antidote for people fed up with the superclub thing. Sander Kleinenberg and Xpress 2 are

among those lining up.

How: For details and availability, check out www.tribalgathering.co.uk

WHAT: CREAM 10th BIRTHDAY WEEKENDER

Where: Nation, Liverpool

When: October 11 and October 12

Why: On the Friday, go back to Annexe with James Barton, Paul Bleasdale, Andy Carroll, Paul Kane an Yousef while on the Saturday everyone from Fatboy

Slim to Seb Fontaine, DJ Tiesto, Jon Carter and Nick Warren will be celebrating Cream's 10th birthday, even if it will be the last one at Nation for a while. A chance to savour a bit of history and remember the last 10 years of Cream.

How: Tickets are £27 on Cream Tickets 0870 242 7326

WHAT: GODSKITCHEN FIFTH BIRTHDAY

Where: Telewest Arena, Newcastle

When: Friday, September 27. Next weekend

Why: Two arenas, 15 DJs, nine hours of GK madness and the Brummie club goes to the land of stotties and funny brown ale. Sundissential are also setting up there, and combine the two clubs and you have a line up which includes Tall Paul, Mauro Picotto, Fergie, Ferry Corsten, John Kelly and Anne Savage.

How: Tickets are £29.50 from 0871 220 9702.