UK and Manchester nightlife institution, The Warehouse Project, has announced its first-ever international event series and it’s shaping up to be truly unforgettable.
The iconic Manc music series and collection of club nights is now entering its 17th anniversary and after delivering a truly wonderful comeback calendar in 2022 (their first full year back at it post-pandemic), The Warehouse Project is now taking their legendary brand on the road — or, more accurately, overseas.
Officially detailed earlier this month, Warehouse Project Rotterdam is set to take place from Friday, 28-Sunday, 30 April and much like its home here in Manchester, WHP RDM will be taking place a massive disused warehouse currently being kitted out with all the necessary facilities to put on an amazing night.
Popping up in RDM Rotterdam, the largest pre-WWII shipbuilding and repair facility in the Netherlands and one of the biggest in Europe, you can already see how insane this place is going to look.
People are already starting to secure their tickets for the massive inaugural event, with weekend passes from £150 and full three-day package deals also available from £299 per person and final accommodation packages on sale now.
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WHP are also helping punters sort both payment and travel plans. Train and coach operators are offering pick-ups from £90 and can be booked direct; plus, return flights start from around £100 with routes to Rotterdam, Amsterdam Schipol (then a short 20-minute train) and Eindhoven (plus 1-hour train) now available. Again, all more than reasonable given the value of the overall package you’re getting.
With massive artists like DJ EZ, Kerri Chandler, Peggy Gou, Seth Troxler and even a Bicep DJ set included among the long list of acts, not to mention several special guests still yet to be unveiled, WHP RDM isn’t just their flagship international event, it could go down as one of their greatest ever.
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Just look at that line-up. Get us to Holland right now.
Better still, a series of boat parties and general after-parties organised alongside nightlife institutions Toffler and 360 Degrees have also been announced to pack out the bank holiday weekend with non-stop action, including sets from Interplanetary Criminal and much-loved Dutch DJ, Luuk Van Djik.
To be honest, we’re not fully sure we’re even ready for how incredible this weekend is going to be but one thing is for sure, there is no way this will be Warehouse Project’s last international event.
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Dubbed as the next must-visit destination in Europe, Rotterdam has lots in common with Manchester, from its rich industrial past, legendary status dance and club culture; urban design and architecture, and, of course, its trademark waterways. We couldn’t think of a better way to take WHP global.
You can secure your spot at Warehouse Project Rotterdam now by paying a £50 deposit HERE. This is going to be something special.
Major Christmas lights switch-on event announced at Manchester’s iconic Printworks
Daisy Jackson
Printworks has announced details of a major Christmas lights switch-on event, with celebrity guest Will Mellor.
Set to be the biggest switch-on event in Manchester city centre, the celebration will include a festive singalong and live entertainment, plus a 16ft digital tree and plenty more.
And as part of the wider festive celebrations at Printworks, there’ll be 25 prizes to be won all the way through December, including hotel stays and other goodies from the businesses based in the landmark building.
The Printworks Christmas Lights switch-on will take place on Saturday 29 November, kicking off at 4.30pm with a performance from the brilliant roaming brass band, Mr Wilson’s Second Liners.
Then there’ll be a family Christmas singalong at 5pm on Printworks’ interactive gaming screen, where Mancs can belt out classic Christmas hits together.
At 6pm, the almighty 16ft digital Christmas tree will be officially switched on by TV legend Will Mellor, along with a new festive display appearing overhead on Europe’s largest digital ceiling.
Printworks will host its Christmas Lights switch-on event in November. Credit: Jason Lock Photography
Expect to see Santa’s sleigh flying across the building, and Santa Claus himself pointing out passers-by and revealing if they’ve made the naughty or nice list.
The event will finish with a one-hour DJ set from Jack Clark to keep visitors in the festive spirit. Throughout December, visitors to Printworks can enter daily prize-draws at the digital Christmas tree, with big prizes up for grabs.
Daniel Davis, Centre Manager, said: “Families loved last year’s festive switch-on, which brought light to the city when the citywide celebration was cancelled. We’re thrilled to bring it back even bigger and brighter.
“With our incredible digital ceiling and new interactive features, we’re giving visitors a Christmas experience like no other full of music, magic and surprises.
“Our 16ft digital tree is something truly unique to Manchester, and with 25 prizes up for grabs throughout December, there’s a real reason to keep coming back. Whether you’re joining us for the switch-on or popping in for a festive meal or film, we can’t wait to celebrate with the community.”
The Christmas switch-on event at Printworks in Manchester
4.30pm – Live band performance with Mr Wilson’s Second Liners
5pm – Family singalong
5.30pm – Live band performance with Mr Wilson’s Second Liners
6pm – Christmas switch-on with Will Mellor
6.30pm – Live band performance with Mr Wilson’s Second Liners
Rochdale to be filled with fiery sculptures for return of dazzling Ignite Fire Festival
Daisy Jackson
A magical trail of fire sculptures and light installations will return to Rochdale this month, spilling across the square and gardens around the almighty Rochdale Town Hall.
Ignite Fire Festival will be back in town this winter between 21 and 23 November, for three free nights of spectacular shows, light trails and family-friendly entertainment.
That’s alongside an ice rink and Christmas market, too.
It’s all in the lead-up to the festive lights switch-on and will include a 20-strong drumming collective, blazing fire sculptures, and illuminated installations.
This year’s Ignite Fire Festival will be the biggest yet, Rochdale Borough Council has promised, with artworks created once again by multi-award-winning outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank.
The event will kick off on the Friday of the festival with a torchlight procession to officially launch the new Broadfield Slopes, which has been carefully restored to deliver new pathways and parkland in the town centre.
Thousands of people are expected to attend again, for an evening that includes flaming hot performances from some of the north’s top talent and ‘Drum Machine’ – the 20 strong drumming collective will be bringing their techno infused beats.
Rochdale Ignite Fire Festival. Credit: Walk the Plank / Alan Hamer
There‘ll also be hot food, mulled wine and other seasonal drinks.
Rochdale’s Ice Rink by Santa’s Village will also be open and running until 4 January, although advance booking is advised.
Councillor Sue Smith says: “Ignite Fire Festival and Christmas Light’s Switch On has been a huge hit with audiences across Greater Manchester.
“This year, with the addition of a new illuminated trail around our beautifully restored slopes area, the ice rink and the return of a Christmas Market it really will be the ultimate winter experience.”
Ignite Fire Festival, sponsored by car supermarket The Trade Centre UK, will open from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 November, with dazzling shows between 5pm and 8pm.
One of the installations from last yearDisplays will be open to walk through each eveningRochdale Ignite Fire Festival. Credit: Andy KruczekExpect flaming hot performances from some of the north’s top talent.Credit: Rochdale Borough CouncilBack again for 2025 is ‘Drum Machine’. Credit: Supplied
Then there’ll be the Christmas lights switch-on taking place from 5.30pm on the Sunday, with Father Christmas and his special guests, including the Mayor of Rochdale.
Ignite is organised by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency in partnership with Culture Co-op, funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The festival is also supported by The Casey Group – the contractor responsible for the restoration of the Broadfield Slopes, who will have plant equipment at the event to inspire future careers in the construction industry and highlight opportunities available.
BRSK – the full fibre broadband provider is also supporting, and will have a presence at the festival.
Find out more about Ignite Fire Festival in Rochdale HERE.
Danny Jones -
28th February 2023 
