In Photos: Angelwitch’s 24th Anniversary Party A Big Hit Despite Rain

June 2, 2024

A torrential rainstorm couldn’t dampen the spirits at Angelwitch’s 24th Anniversary Party.

The decorations went up early on May 30 for Angelwitch’s 24th Anniversary Party and, by 7 p.m., 10 suckling pigs were put out along with a buffet of potato salad, baked beans and rolls, plus Thai food for the staff.

But the clouds burst around 5 p.m. and heavy rain poured down until around 8 p.m.. It eased, but steady rain continued until midnight raising fears that Angelwitch’s 24th Anniversary Party would be a washout.

The result was that indeed there were many empty seats early, but from around 9:30 p.m., familiar faces started turning up and by 10:30 p.m. Angelwitch was filled to capacity, with owners, current and former staff, along with owners and managers from other go-go bars all dropping by for Angelwitch’s 24th Anniversary Party.

One guest remarked that if you are a somebody in the nightlife scene, you were there.

The party also brought out a full complement of girls, many of whom probably would have stayed home during such a downpour. The horn was pulled many times, and the party went late into the night to remember.

Angelwitch's 24th Anniversary Party (Photos: Digital a-Go-Go)

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Angelwitch’s 24th Anniversary Party Celebrates History

Angelwitch first opened as a normal pub on April 11, 2000 in the space that currently is Red Dragon in Nana Plaza, on the south side of the plaza at the top of the escalator. A year later, it relocated to a single unit on the north side, taking over the space that had been Farang Connection.

In the second half of 2005, founder and then-owner Matt bought the unit that abuts the current Spanky’s, bringing Angelwitch to its current size and adding about 40% more seating.

With painstakingly designed stage shows, practiced, choreographed dance steps and finely detailed costumes, Angelwitch quickly set the standard for what a showbar should be, even as others tried to copy its unique advantage.

Angelwitch rose to the top of the “best of” lists among nightlife fans and began what would be a decade of dominance when Dave “the Rave” Mears took over as manager in late 2005.

Known as “Mr. Nana” and the “Go-Go Guru”, Dave the Rave presided over amazing nights filled with rock stars, actors, boxing stars and Penthouse models.