Festivals are unreal places, aren’t they? Not just for the music, the memories, and the 10am tinny from breakfast, but for the people you meet and the friendships you cement for life.
One person that can vouch for this is Harry James.
A few years back, Harry and his mates attended Houghton Festival. Lost in the hedonistic mood that a festival can so easily induce, they were inspired by the non-gimmicky simplicity of the weekend.
They realised the key was to strip things back and focus on the music and the atmosphere.
The same night, they cooked up the concept for a brand-new Manchester club night, bred from a pure passion for music and the community of people it brings together.
They spent the best part of a year nailing it all down before launching at The Whisky Jar at the back end of 2019. With a clear ethos for the brand, they directed their attention into nailing the simple things first. And in doing so, they’ve created something worthy of our attention.
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“We put a lot of care and thought into the environment that we’re creating for people to dance in,” Harry told The Manc Audio.
“We make sure the venue, the décor, and the overall atmosphere are the kind of settings where people can really let loose and enjoy big tunes from top DJs on a quality system.”
Now – after what’s felt like forever – we can actually contemplate the idea of clubbing again.
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We’re finally able to sample some Partial party action later this month. The third Partial instalment will take place in the Progress Centre courtyard on 31 July. They’ve got Youandewan and The Ghost spinning tunes between 2pm until 11pm.
“Our upcoming bookings Youandewan and The Ghost seem to have all carved their own corner into the scene in Berlin and the UK,” said Harry.
“We love the sound and style that these guys are pushing. So, we feel very lucky to have them play at our first few events. It’ll be exciting to see how the sound of Partial evolves and develops over time.”
German Youandewan has – in his words – forged his own “tender brand of deep house”. He’s also released tracks on Butter Side Up before now, a UK label which is owned by Harry’s friend. So, he makes an ideal booking for the comeback occasion.
British but Berlin-based duo The Ghost have been mates since they were 10-years-old. Both of them went on to Leeds University where they threw some legendary student parties in their time.
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On relocating to Berlin, they began DJing together under the alias The Ghost. Within just a couple of years, they’ve undoubtedly become ones to watch. Not only for their sound, but for launching Berlin’s first mobile record store, built from a vintage camper van, as well as starting Ghost Records.
This will be the pair’s first time in Manchester for quite a while. So, the Partial boys are buzzing to welcome their groove-fuelled house back to the city.
On the day, they’ll have the best sound system set up, too, courtesy of Neuron Pro Audio who will be supplying a next level Danley Sound Lab system.
“This next event is a step up for us in terms of capacity and production value,” said Harry.
“The Progress Centre is a venue we’ve had our eye on for a while now. So, it’s something we really look forward to bringing to life. But all will be revealed on July 31.”
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Tickets are still available, but they’re on final release. Get yours booked here.
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Featured image: @stillsfromraz/IG
Audio
Barry Manilow says he’s booked the AO Arena ‘just in case’ the Co-op Live isn’t ready for Manchester gig
Daisy Jackson
Barry Manilow has said he has reserved a spot to perform at the AO Arena in Manchester, on the off-chance that the delays with the new Co-op Live arena continue.
The 80-year-old music legend has said he ‘shares the concerns’ of fans who have questioned whether his show on 19 May will be able to go ahead.
And following the news that several shows are moving to Co-op Live’s rival venue, Barry Manilow has said he is ready to do the same.
In a lengthy statement shared by his husband and manager Garry Kief, Barry assured his fans that he ‘already has a backup plan’ should the arena remain delayed.
Co-op Live’s official opening date has crept further and further back in recent weeks, with OVG boss Tim Leiweke saying in a statement last night that they were taking ‘a short pause’ to make things right.
Shows that have been effected by the delay so far have included Take That (moved to AO Arena), A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie (ditto), Keane (postponed), Olivia Rodrigo (also postponed), Peter Kay (rescheduled) and The Black Keys (rescheduled).
In the statement shared to Barry Manilow’s social media, he and Garry said: “Dear Friends…… Many of you have expressed your concerns about the ongoing status of the new Co-op Live Arena in Manchester. We share your concerns.
“Contrary to some opinions, however, we don’t have any double secret inside information on the condition of the building.
“We do know that our brilliant co-promoter, Danny Betesh at Kennedy Street Enterprises. already has a back up plan and just in case, has reserved the same night….MAY 19th at Manchester’s AO Arena.
“We also know that we limited capacity to 12,500 guests. That means that even if we have to move, there will plenty of room for everybody.
“Right now, that’s a big IF. And we don’t know.
“We promise that we will let you know as soon as we know IF we have to move the concert from Co-op Live to AO Arena. Like you, we would love to have this resolved sooner than later.
“In the meantime, thank you for your patience and understanding while everyone works together to sort this out.
“Barry and all of us are looking forward to seeing you all onMay 19th. Until then…..all best, Garry.”
Liam Gallagher says he’ll ‘gig in Lidl’ if Co-op Live still isn’t ready – and they sound pretty game for it
Danny Jones
Following the ongoing palaver with Co-op Live, Liam Gallagher has joked that he’d happily play his scheduled gigs in a Lidl if the arena still isn’t ready – at least we think he’s joking…
With Liam Gallagher having been named as one of the first acts booked to play Co-op Live last year, many are now wondering whether the venue will even by June, with the former Oasis frontman set to play four Definitely Maybe 30th-anniversary sets. That being said, he’s come up with a solution if not.
Vintage LG, we’ll give him that.
Obviously a bit of a tongue-in-cheek quip at the venue being sponsored by a supermarket and convenience store chain, it could have been any other competitor that the ever-witty youngest Gallagher brother picked but it somehow made it extra funny that he chose a budget brand like Lidl.
However, with the 51-year-old already having fun with stunts like voicing the tannoys on the Metrolink last year, for instance, we wouldn’t put it past him to take this joke a little further.
Better still, not that we’re getting carried away or anything but Lidl themselves seem pretty keen on the idea too; they even spent the time to build an entire setlist for the fictional show. Fair play.
Can you imagine? Liam Gallagher swapping the occasional tambourine shake for beeps from a barcode scanner as he moves back and forth on the conveyor belt. We know it’s absolute nonsense and we definitely shouldn’t be even remotely considering it… BUT it’s the stuff of dreams and strange things have happened.
A lot of stranger things have happened this week alone. As for the latest with Co-op Live, the Chairman and CEO of key-backers Oak View Group, Tim Leiweke, issued a full statement sharing his “sincere apologies”and insisting that they understand “there is work to be done to rebuild your trust in us.”
With the likes of Olivia Rodrigo, Peter Kay, The Black Keys and more having their gigs pulled by the venue due to numerous issues, including an air conditioning unit falling from the ceiling, fans are understandably fearful that other upcoming events could face delays or general misfortune.
Much like the venue itself, we imagine we’ll be playing catch-up on this whole saga for the foreseeable, but here’s a recap of the story so far: