London's Night Tube to launch on August 19

London mayor Sadiq Khan has announced the news we've all been waiting to hear: there's an official launch date for the 24-hour Night Tube.

Having received confirmation from London Underground (LU), Khan says the Central and Victoria lines will be the first to open on August 19. The Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines will follow in autumn as newly-appointed drivers still have to undergo training.

It's been a long time coming, having been hit by delays due to disputes between LU and trade unions, but Khan has singled the 24-hour weekend service out as a key factor in him protecting nightlife in the capital.

"The night tube is absolutely vital to my plans to support and grow London’s night-time economy – creating more jobs and opportunities for all Londoners. The constant delays under the previous mayor let Londoners down badly.

"I have made getting the night tube up and running a priority, and London Underground has now confirmed that services on the first two lines will launch on 19 August.”

However, the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) still has "major concerns over the safe running of the night tube," according to its general secretary Mick Cash.

While we're waiting for it to come into play, check out the clubs that'll be so much easier to get to and home from.

[Via: the Guardian]

Dave Turner is Mixmag's Digital News Editor, follow him on Twitter