The return of Homobloc is on the horizon and some big names have been added to the 2024 lineup, not least of all, LGBTQ+ icon, Christine and the Queens.
Presented by Homoelectric and nestled in amongst the action of The Warehouse Project’s jam-packed annual programming, Homobloc is one of the most highly-anticipated events on the Manc music and cultural calendar – and it’s no wonder.
Since the likes of The Blessed Madonna, Confidence Man, Horse Meat Disco and salute; Honey Dijon, Hot Chip, Self Esteem and many more have all played the cult-favourite club night over the past few years, it’s gaining a real reputation.
With that being said, the pressure is on every year to improve upon or at least match the lineup from the year before and we can confirm the team behind Homobloc has secured another stellar selection of artists for 2024.
Topping the bill, you can’t go wrong with the ever-creative, critically acclaimed and immaculately cool Christine and the Queens will lead the Homobloc proceedings. Make no mistake, it’s a big deal having a name of this size headlining.
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He will be joined by London-born hyperpop icon Shygirl, who presents her latest Club Shy project: Swedish singer and record producer COBRAH, making her Manchester debut alongside the rhythm-shifting sounds of Olof Dreijer of The Knife.
In addition, they will be joined by the likes of Moonchild Sanelly following an amazing performance at this year’s Glastonbury, as well as queer Manchester rapper OneDa, Chinese producer and artist Alice Longyu Gao, not to mention a special collab between Pxssy Palace and US rapper Mykki Blanco.
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Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg: there will be several other DJ sets throughout the venue and beyond, including Job Jobse b2b Saoirse, 2manydjs b2b Confidence Man, Tiga; HorsegiirL, HAAi, Chloé Caillet and Horse Meat Disco, with live sets from I.Jordan, Christeene, LSDXOXO and more.
Spanning the full breadth of Depot Mayfield‘s main stages (Depot, Concourse, Archive) and more such as the beloved Plant Room, the historic Star and Garter Pub and the Loft – a unique rooftop space set to be taken over by Studio 54 icon Nicky Siano – there will be a whole host of genres on display.
And last but not least, completing what will be arguably the most dynamic and boundary-pushing Homobloc yet, the 2024 lineup will also feature curation and performance art by LGBTQ+ collectives Ghetto Fabulous, Make Me Feel, House of Spice, Sue Veneers and many more.
Homobloc’s Creative Director Sophie Bee said of its return this winter: “It’s been a wild ride since the party started in 2019. The festival production has evolved so much and we’ve gone from half of Manchester plus the kitchen sink on stage, to choreographed pieces with global touring artists.
“Our research and development design team based at Islington Mill has been a place for experimentation allowing space for people’s imagination to flourish. It’s an honour to work on a collaborative, loving, fun spectacle, with such innovative producers from mixed art forms.
“This year there are some really beautiful production moments that we can’t wait to share with all our family, friends and community.”
Homobloc 2024 returns to Depot Mayfield on Saturday, 9 November and, in true all-day and all-nighter fashion, is set to run from 2pm-4am, so you best be prepared to party. Pre-sale goes live at 10am this Thursday, 15 August, and general admission tickets at the same time on Friday, 16 August.
Featured Images — Tom Hancock (Tower Hamlets Council via Flickr)/WHP (Supplied)
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Chase and Status are coming to Co-op Live on their massive UK arena tour
Danny Jones
Drum and bass giants Chase and Status are officially coming back to Manchester, announcing a massive gig at Co-op Live as part of their huge new tour.
Set to play a series of massive arena dates all over the UK, the kings of all things dance and electronic were only in Manchester this past March for a sell-out show at O2 Victoria Warehouse but they’re already confirmed they’ll be coming back next spring for more.
Not only will this be Chase and Status’ Co-op Live debut but they’ll be the first big act from within the EDM space to play the state-of-the-art arena which has already crossed some frankly gigantic names.
With recent releases like ‘Badadan’, the ‘Gunfinger (Salute)’ collab with IRAH and the latest single with Stormzy ‘BACKBONE’ – an unreal banger and return to their D’n’B roots – we’re more excited than ever to get our raving shoes on.
The London-born and bred duo, real names Saul Milton and Will Kennard, are arguably one of the most influential electronic artists to come out of the UK in the past two decades.
Even in speaking with fellow industry veterans like DJ Fabio, he described them as a “staple” of the scene who have helped bring electronic dance music back to the forefront and get “drum and bass tracks back in the top 40.”
With that in mind, the UK’s largest music-first indoor entertainment arena frankly just isn’t ready for the calibre of live performance these lot are about to drop but we have pure blind faith that it’ll be one of the gigs of the entire year.
Kicking off the huge 2025 tour in Glasgow before coming to Co-op Live on 1 May, with other noteworthy shows including the O2 in London, as well as Birmingham and Cardiff’s Utilita Arenas, these tickets are going to absolutely fly.
Chase & Status have today announced a major UK arena tour, coming to Co-op Live on 1 May 2025https://t.co/fzU6sqRZkU@CoopUK Members get first in line access to tickets
If any of you were at that Victoria Warehouse then you already know how much Chase and Status shows go off, so we won’t dilly-dally any longer.
Pre-sale for official Co-op Members goes live at 10am on Tuesday, 24 September, with general admission available from the same time the following Thursday (Thurs, 26 Sep).
You can be ready to grab yours HERE and if you don’t think we’re ready to fight you over them until we’re left ‘Blk & Blu’, then you’ve got another thing coming.
Featured Images — Press Images (supplied)/The Manc Group
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The Bridgewater Hall is hosting a free dementia-friendly music festival this week
Thomas Melia
A festival which is all about being dementia-friendly is happening at a renowned Manchester music venue this week.
The So Many Beauties Festival – which is presented by and titled after charity organisation, So Many Beauties – has been curated for the Bridgewater Hall, and will see 30 organisations, all of which offer support to people living with dementia across Greater Manchester, descend on the international concert venue for the special music event.
So Many Beauties was founded in 2016 with the goal of championing creativity and helping to make people living with dementia’s voices be heard.
Throughout the duration of the festival, visitors can enjoy many interactive opportunities.
There’ll be live performances, workshops, arts activities, and more – with the event even having support and advice provided by professional organisations who work in dementia care.
The main aim of this musical experience is to use music to better connections, creativity, and wellbeing for people living with dementia.
Visitors can try their hand at screen printing festival tote bags and making themselves a lovely flower crown, while there are also workshops and performances giving people the chance to sing, dance, and make their own music, or just sit back and enjoy some great live shows from professional musicians.
There’ll even be a showcase of new music composed by people living with dementia on the day too.
Outside The Bridgewater Hall at night / Credit: The Bridgewater Hall
Speaking ahead of the event this week, Andrew Nesbitt, who is the Community Engagement Manager at The Bridgewater Hall, said: “Showcasing and celebrating the amazing creativity and music of dementia groups from across Greater Manchester is really special for us.
“We can’t wait to welcome So Many Beauties and the hundreds of participants, performers and festival-goers to The Bridgewater Hall”