Now we have the go-ahead that allcurrent COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted on 19 July, venues are finally able to confirm their plans for the big day – including Escape to Freight Island.
The huge former railway station venue at Mayfield Depot has revealed it’ll be putting on one of the city’s first restriction-free events – aptly titled ‘Let’s Start the Dance’.
So, to help wave goodbye to restrictions and finally start dancing again, there’ll be a series of extra special one-off, back-to-back sets from some of Manchester’s most legendary DJs.
From 5pm until midnight, there’ll be no less than 14 DJs spinning all the best feel-good house, disco, garage, and drum and bass tunes to soundtrack your post-lockdown mood.
Featured on the night will be:
ADVERTISEMENT
Rich Reason b2b Chimpo
P-RO Jones b2b Katbrownsugar
DJ Paulette b2b Dave Haslam
Jenna G b2b Mix-Stress
Krysko b2b James Holroyd
Gina Breeze b2b Will Tramp
Unabombers b2b Tom Wainwright
Hit&Run boss Rich Reason has hosted a number of more chilled out hip-hop fuelled Sit&Bun Sessions here over the past year, so he’s got the vibe well under control whatever the occasion.
Meanwhile, Mix-Stress and DJ Paulette are also familiar faces, having played countless times across the last couple of months. And not to mention there’ll be appearances from solid Manc faves Gina Breeze, Will Tramp and Jenna G.
ADVERTISEMENT
So, it’s good to know we’re in safe hands here.
DJ Mix-Stress back behind the decks at Escape to Freight Island. Credit: @mix_stress/IG
Freight Island has provided the city with such a unique atmosphere over the last 12 months. And alongside a full (and free) music and arts programme, there’s been a selection of top-quality street food vendors and drinks on offer to keep everyone fed and watered.
The venue has proven a massive hit amongst socially-distanced drinkers since opening in July 2020. But now, customers will be able to experience Freight Island in a brand-new unrestricted way for the first time.
ADVERTISEMENT
Dan Morris, Managing Director of Escape to Freight Island, said: “We are proud to be preparing Manchester for one of the first restriction free parties happening on Monday 19 July at Escape to Freight Island. This will be a special gathering for everyone in attendance.
“The setting of Freight Island is perfect – outdoor and overlooking the city as the sun sets, with sunny weather, great DJs and a rich diverse mix of people that Manchester is known for. It will be a beautiful moment, a special one-off event to celebrate.”
Tickets for Let’s Start the Dance are free but they are limited. Grab yours here before it’s too late.
See you on the platform.
Featured image: Escape to Freight Island
What's On
Manchester announces ‘poignant’ plans to mark Remembrance Sunday with free city centre service
Emily Sergeant
Manchester is set to honour the ‘service and sacrifice’ of members of the armed forces community during this year’s annual Remembrance Sunday commemorations.
With Remembrance Day only a couple weeks away now, just as it does each year, Manchester City Council has now revealed how the city will mark this important occasion, and has confirmed all the details of the annual Remembrance Sunday Parade.
Proceedings will start on John Dalton Street at 10:30am, and run right through until midday – with the service itself being held at 11am.
Veterans, military personnel and cadets, all led by Greater Manchester Police‘s Band, will march from John Dalton Street to the Cenotaph St. Peter’s Square.
This will be followed by a short return march to Mount Street across St Peter’s Square.
The service will begin at the Cenotaph at 10:58am, and a two-minute silence will be observed at 11am in tribute to those who have lost their lives in conflict. The start and conclusion of the silence will be marked by the firing of a maroon.
/ Credit: Manchester City Council
Following the service, veterans, military personnel and cadets will take part in a short return march across St Peter’s Square to Mount Street.
As the Council marks another year of its partnership with the Royal British Legion, further the Remembrance Sunday events will take place across the city following the service – including arts and crafts sessions, memorial services, and performances.
“Remembrance Sunday is one of the most important occasions in Manchester’s civic calendar,” declared Councillor Shaukat Ali, who it the Lord Mayor of Manchester.
“It is a time for us to come together as a city to remember and honour the courage, sacrifice and service of those from our diverse communities who have given so much in times of conflict. I want to encourage residents, families and visitors to join us at the Cenotaph as we pay our respects and ensure that the contribution of past and present generations is never forgotten.”
Manchester’s Remembrance Sunday commemorations will take place on Sunday 8 November from 10:30am onwards.
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
What's On
Stockport’s ‘spectacular’ Christmas festival to return with FREE shows and hundreds of performers
Emily Sergeant
Stockport will soon be looking festive, as more than 50 free shows and hundreds of performers descend on the town centre.
Back by popular demand for its fourth year to kick off Christmas in style, especially after the inaugural event resulted in the busiest Sunday for the Greater Manchester town’s centre since 2019, Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday will be returning next month for a one-day festival packed with magical street theatre, banging brass bands, carnival fun, and loads more.
Hundreds of captivating performers will take over Stockport for the day, and 2026’s lineup promising something for the whole family.
Think a giant snow lion, a circus adventure into space, the world’s smallest nightclub, and so much more – with more than 50 free shows and activities to enjoy all day long.
Stockport’s Christmas festival will be returning with free shows and hundreds of performers next month / Credit: Matthew Nichol (Supplied)
Produced by renowned carnival arts organisation, Global Grooves, and organised by Stockport Council, Totally Stockport, Merseyway, and Stockport Market, the town centre will be buzzing with Christmas excitement from midday right through to 5pm, as performers take over iconic Stockport locations.
You can head to places like Market Place, the Underbanks, Merseyway, Redrock, and Suffragette Square to make the most of all the festive fun.
Streets and squares will become stages for larger-than-life puppets, mischievous comedy, and live music, all building to a ‘showstopping’ parade finale featuring more than 100 drummers, and a Christmas lights switch-on at 4:45pm.
Festive bands will provide plenty of Christmas cheer throughout the day.
“It’s fantastic to see Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday return for a fourth year,” commented Cllr Micheala Meikle, who is the Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration and Skills at Stockport Council.
“The event has become a much-loved part of Christmas in Stockport, bringing together creativity, community spirit and plenty of festive cheer.
“It’s also a great opportunity to experience everything our town centre has to offer, from our historic Market Place and Underbanks to the vibrant spaces that are helping bring more people together in Stockport.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors for what promises to be another memorable start to the festive season.”
Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday 2026 is taking over the town centre next month on Sunday 15 November from 12pm onwards, and it’s free for all to attend.
Hannah Starkie -
14th July 2021 
