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Manchester’s iconic Victoria Baths to turn into a dancefloor for a new phones-free daytime rave series

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Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 5th June 2026

Victoria Baths is turning into a dancefloor this autumn.

That’s right – the iconic Grade II-listed venue will become the home of a new series of immersive daytime raves from October, as Escapism launches inside the empty swimming pool space – promising to champion electronic music culture in Manchester and provide a new chapter in ‘elevated’ daytime experiences.

Created from the visionary mind of Geoff Oakes and joined by founding partner Dez Derry, Escapism is a new bespoke events company dedicated to creating carefully curated electronic music experiences in extraordinary locations… with Victoria Baths being the latest.

Musically, Escapism will aim to offer an expertly curated lineup headed by an extended four-hour set from Grammy-winning duo Deep Dish, pioneering DJ Smokin Jo, and rising talent Pattn.

Beyond the music, you can expect a selection of yummy street food vendors, specialist barista coffee, and fully stocked bars, while a second room in the venue will be transformed into an immersive installation to create an ‘alternate atmosphere’ that complements encourages exploration on the day.

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Central to the Escapism philosophy is a ‘commitment to genuine connection on the dancefloor’, and this means that the event will operate a strict no-phones on the dancefloor policy.

The inaugural Escapism event takes place at Victoria Baths on Saturday 10 October, running from 3:30pm until 11:30pm.

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Due to limited capacity and demand for this intimate event, tickets are expected to fly and are on sale now here.

Featured Image – Chris Payne (via Unsplash)

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DMA’S announce latest UK and Ireland tour, including a pair of Manchester dates

Danny Jones Danny Jones DMA's Manchester gigs dates tickets

Aussie trio and adopted Mancs, DMA’S, have officially announced a brand-new headline tour across Great Britain and Ireland, confirming not one but two nights here in Manchester.

We’re also the only city getting double dates, because they clearly love us as much as we love them.

The Sydney-formed indie and alt-rock favourites have always had plenty of success in this part of the world, and with DMA’S getting ready to release a new self-titled studio album – their fifth up to this point – they’re obviously getting ready to tour it.

Having just dropped the latest single from it entitled ‘Hurracane’ (they spell things however they want, as we know), they have now revealed a full list of UK and IE live dates.

Speaking on the fresh track, lead guitarist and secondary vocalist Matt Mason said in a press release: “Hurracane has a recurrent musical motion that’s a nod to the song lyrically, and we used the idea of a displacing storm to tell the story, leading into a style that we hadn’t recorded ourselves before.”

Meanwhile, the latest LP is set to drop this August; we’ve already heard the lead single in ‘My Baby’s Place’ and the second song, ‘Heatin Park’, all of which have gone down well with fans.

The early reviews of this third track and accompanying music video also look to be largely positive, with the almost folky mandolin riffs showing a different kind of approach from the group.

As for their upcoming tour dates, besides a pair of Manchester gigs, they’ll also be playing the likes of the Olympia in Liverpool, Sheffield’s Octagon Centre, and the Barbican in York, just to name a few.

Their popularity up here in the North was only further proved by how many people came along to NBHD Weeekender 2026 (review HERE) seemingly just for them.

For those looking to grab tickets, you can obviously secure early access by pre-ordering their album and signing yourself up for the band’s mailing list.

General admission to see DMA’s in Manchester on Friday, 5 and Saturday, 6 February 2027, as well as all other domestic tour dates, will be available from 10am on 12 June, 2026; you can get ready to grab your tickets right HERE.

All we’ll say is that after we saw them on their Hills End anniversary tour earlier this year, you have to make sure you go to at least one of these shows.

Roll on more nights like this…

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Featured Images — Audio North/Roman Jody (supplied)

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Stockport band Blossoms set for BIG return to Leeds Festival this year

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Blossoms have just announced their big return to Leeds Festival, as the four-day music event continues to impress with its stacked lineup.

They might have a ‘Joke About Divorce’ from time to time, but when it comes to entertaining a Leeds Festival crowd, Blossoms take it very seriously, having played at Bramham Park three times in the past decade already.

The Stockport band have captivated audiences since the rise of standout track ‘Charlemagne’ and more recently with the addition of their fifth studio album, Gary, named after an eight-foot fiberglass gorilla.

Known for always putting on a stellar performance, Tom, Joe, Charlie, Myles, and Josh are bringing a brand-new set to Leeds when they visit this August bank holiday weekend.

As well as releasing new music, Blossoms are making a big return to Leeds Festival 2026 / Credit: Publicity Picture (Supplied)

Currently, Leeds Festival 2026 has seven headline acts spanning all genres from Dance and EDM to Pop and Rap with the likes of Charli XCX, Raye, Dave and more topping the bill.

The Stockport five-piece are featured alongside three other insane artists as ‘Special Guests’, appearing next to Skepta, Sombr and Role Model.

Also listed on the lineup are rising stars like R&B vocal powerhouse Skye Newman, pop princess Jade, Merseyside indie rockers The K’s and Wigan-formed The Lilacs with more to be announced.

Although nothing is confirmed yet, this upcoming Leeds Festival set from Blossoms will contain high energy and obviously all their biggest and best bangers from across their four chart topping albums as well as new music.

Whether you’re there for ‘Your Girlfriend’ or ‘What Can I Say After I’m Sorry’, one thing’s for sure, you’re guaranteed to have an absolutely spectacular night.

Blossoms are making their big return to Leeds Festival 2026 which is taking place from 27 to 30 August at Bramham Park with tickets live HERE.

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