Male models in Western attire strolling casually hand-in-hand down the Valentino A/W 06/07 catwalk certainly brought a grin to many a face.

Seems like that the Cowboy cum Brokeback Mountain look never strays far from the designer drawing board.

Forget designer get-ups and get down with some cowboys for real over in, err, Islington, North London. It's not all overpriced bars and chainstore coffee shops, you know, Islington has long been the location for monthly Hillbilly shindigs and, while that might sound a tad scary to the uninitiated, believe me when I say you will be pleasantly surprised.

While the vital ingredients of blues, rockabilly, country, banjo and bass are all present and correct, you'll find that a liberally applied quirky spin on the genre results in an altogether more palatable sound. Add it to all the dress-up fun, hop boppin' and attitude-free atmosphere and you'll see why Hillbilly Hop already has a dedicated following.

Celebrating their 2nd anniversary this Sunday (note we're publishing this early to give you time to sort your look), get in there quick before everyone else does - Hillbilly Hop is presenting the one and only UK performance from kick arse Portuguese band: 49 Special, with Pedro and Nuno from The Mean Devils.

Go put on your specials and leave your bullshit at home.