The best music events happening this weekend in Manchester
Car park raves, seated clubbing and group tickets are all on the agenda these days, with promoters attempting to find ways to keep local live music going.
Manchester remains under lock and key right now, with many of the city’s most popular venues unable to open due to government restrictions.
But thankfully, some innovative promoters have found a safe way to keep the local music scene alive.
Car park raves, seated clubbing and group tickets are becoming “the new normal”, shall we say *rolls eyes*.
But whatever you want to call this weird era we’re living in, there’s actually plenty to keep you occupied this weekend.
Here’s our round up below.
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90s Dance Anthems/Ibiza Classics at Park N Party at Event City – September 11 and 12
Park N Party
Ibiza lives on in a Trafford car park this weekend.
We never thought we’d say that, but there you go.
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If you can’t make it to the White Isle this year, let Park ‘N’ Party transport you to the beach for the reasonable price of £35 per car.
Drive up, get out and dance in your own socially distanced square.
Rozalla, Kelly Llorenna and DJ Kuta will soundtrack the weekend with Ibiza club hits past and present.
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Get your designated driver ready and book your tickets here.
Animal Crossing at Big Red Cafe – September 12
New Big Red Cafe site
Who’s up for a day sesh?
Animal Crossing is throwing a house and minimal party at a new open-air location, the Big Red Cafe.
We’re not sure exactly where the cafe is yet. But we do know it’s just outside the city centre and that – if Animal Crossing’s previous get-togethers are anything to go by – it’ll be an 11-out-of-10 kind of event.
Zutekh x Jika Jika Courtyard Party at Progress Centre – September 12
Progress Centre
In an unassuming courtyard in Ardwick lies the Progress Centre.
The socially distanced venue has some top events coming up – like the Zutekh Courtyard Party this Saturday. The industrial feel of Progress Centre will certainly scratch the rave itch.
It’s outdoors with a limited capacity and everyone has their own section to stick to.
Again, tickets have to be bought in groups and you need to arrive together. But, that’s not much to ask in return for a mint day.
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Kaluki at Social Avenue – September 13
Social Avenue
If you fancy ending the weekend on a high – Archie Hamilton and Ben Sterling are playing Social Avenue on Sunday.
Manchester DJs Pirate Copy, Luke Welsh and Mike Morrisey will join them as Kaluki returns for another socially-distanced bash.
The Trafford Park venue continues to smash out these sell-out events, week after week.
Factory is launching its Night Pubbing concept on Monday.
It’s their take on COVID night clubbing. All three floors will be open, meaning there’ll be music for everyone’s taste. (You’ll find me on the top floor, just saying).
It sounds simple enough. Head here to pick your time, your floor and your table capacity. It works out around £10 per person. You’ll get entry, the table, plus a free drink and a shot with the ticket. Who doesn’t love free booze?
This is not Factory as we know it. But, it’s the next best thing right now.
Just in time for freshers, as well.
Stay up-to-date with the latest local music news via The Manc Audio. Follow Audio on Instagram here.
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A new open mic night series has started at a massively underrated Manc bar and music venue
Danny Jones
Are you an inspiring musician or just like hearing the next best thing before they blow up? Well, one of the newest open mic nights in the area has just got underwayin Manchester.
It also happens to be taking place at what we think is one of the most underrated small-capacity music venues in the city centre. If you’re interested, keep reading…
Up on Deansgate Mews is full of what social media brands like us to love to call ‘hidden gems’, but in the case of Lions Den, we couldn’t be more sincere about it.
The first event has already been and gone – safe to say it went down a treat:
If you’ve never been to this unassuming but undeniably brilliant little bar and gig space, it’s known not only for a great drinks lineup at affordable prices and a lovely sun-soaked terrace, but regular live music nights as well.
We’ve had the pleasure of seeing local bands such as Hi Sienna and Balancing Act play there outdoors, whereas inside the venue, you’ll also find a 200-cap room for when those rare rays subside and to cater to the frequent gig-goers year-round.
Manc lads Malcolm got the proceedings underway this month, and the second open mic night is coming up on Tuesday, 8 April.
Kicking off at 7pm, the new weekly open mic night is an opportunity for talented Manchester musicians and those looking to make it some day to take to the stage and share their work with the world.
Well, with us for now, but who knows which future supergroup or solo star might be next?
Strawberry Lemonade have gone from playing here to selling out The Deaf Insitute.Balancing Act playing The Rodeo night at Lions Den before booking all those massive festival slots.(Credit: The Manc Group)
More importantly, there’s absolutely no need to book: anyone looking to take part can just turn up and play, so whether you’re hoping to be spotted or just practice playing live, this is a great chance to do so.
Even better still, each act will receive a drink on the house AND professional performance photos to help populate that press shot portfolio and share on your socials.
There’s no entry fee either, whether you’re performing or just a punt, and with great student deals like £3.50 pints and two for £6 spirits, we can see this series taking off.
Catch you in the Den sometime soon.
We’ve had plenty of good times here. (Credit: The Manc)
Little Simz announces biggest-ever Manchester gig ahead of new album
Danny Jones
The queen of British rap, the one and only Little Simz, is coming back to Manchester for what will be her biggest headline show in this city to date.
A whole three years on from her last album No Thank You, the rapper from Islington is heading back out on the road after wrapping up the recording of her sixth studio LP, Lotus.
The first single ‘FREE’ has already dropped, and despite the release date itself being pushed back, news of a new Little Simz tour later this year more than makes up for it, if you ask us.
Little Simz already has two NME Awards to her name for Best British Solo Act and Best British Album, not to mention a BRIT itself for Best New Artist in 2022; oh yeah, and she won the Mercury Prize as well as a BET Hip Hop Award over in the States for ‘Best International Flow’ – all before she turned 30.
With that in mind, you can understand why so many are frothing at the mouth to hear her new record when it does finally drop.
There doesn’t appear to be any problems with the album itself: Simbiatu Abisola Abiola Ajikawo, to use her full name, is simply busier than ever and has just booked a role in a film because, yes, she acts too.
Lotus will now drop on Friday, 6 June, just in time for fans to get learning the lyrics ahead of festival season, which we have no doubt she’ll play a big part in.
You can hear the first taste of the next chapter down below:
Little Simz returns to Manchester for a Co-op Live debut on 16 October with tour supports still yet to be announced.
Pre-sale goes live on Wednesday, 9 April from 10am for official Co-op members and general admission will be available from the same time on the following Friday (11 April).
Hannah Starkie -
10th September 2020 
