Moscow clubs compete for nightlife awards

09 March, 2008, 19:56

Moscow's hardcore party animals were out in force for the city's tenth annual Night Life Awards ceremony. A jury of clubbers chose the capital's best nightclub, best DJ and best promoter.

The event boasted no boring acceptance speeches, just pure entertainment. Most of the nominees are well-known in party and nightclub circles.

The winners say it’s their VIP guests they are proud of – not their certificates.  

One prizewinner, Georgy Petrushin, from ‘The Most’ café & club, says this year's guests have included Sir Richard Branson, head of the Virgin Group of companies, as well as the billionaire owner of Chelsea Football Club, Roman Abramovich.  

But what makes wealthy celebrities prefer one nightclub to another? Music, design or atmosphere? Club promoter Darya Chichkina say it's a strict admission and privacy policy first and foremost.  

“Clubs in Moscow are highly professional in this regard. Nobody discloses information on who came, how much he spent, what was the occasion. Normally it's only on the arrival to the party that you find out whose birthday it is,” Chichkina says.

However, not everyone shares the excitement about Moscow's famous nightlife. Some still doubt the quality of music, face control and the public itself.

Russian avant-garde artist Andrey Bartenev says he prefers London, since there’s more freedom, creativity and crazy people there.