Manchester’s iconic 42s nightclub faces permanent closure in light of new lockdown
42s is hanging on in there for now. But without help, it won't survive. Please donate whatever you can to their Crowdfunder and keep a Manchester nightlife institution alive.
42nd Street, one of the most beloved denizens in Manchester’s nightlife neighbourhood, may be moving out.
The indie venue – based just off Deansgate – has been a famous city clubbing fixture for quarter-of-a-century, known colloquially among students and locals alike as “42’s”.
But the legendary night spot – which has history stretching back to the 1970s in old guises such as ‘Slack Alice’ – is facing eviction.
With another lockdown imminent and deep concerns that restrictions on nightlife could last beyond winter, 42’s is at ‘very real risk’ of permanent closure.
Now, owners have launched a Crowdfunder – asking anyone who’s ever set foot in the club over the years to help keep an icon alive.
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42’s was among the first venues to shut and last to reopen in the last UK-wide lockdown – having to turn themselves into a bar whilst the ban on clubbing remained intact.
The guitar-powered club atmosphere has been sorely missed by many – with one fan even turning 42s into a video game during quarantine.
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Despite the difficulties of 2020, 42’s has made it to November by the skin of its teeth (with no food menu meaning they missed out on schemes like ‘Eat Out To Help Out’).
Now, it’s reached a point where the dwindling pot of reserves won’t go much further.
There’s no way for the club to generate any income for the foreseeable future – and owners are asking for donations in return for some wonderful music memorabilia.
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Anyone who contributes to the #Save42s pot will be in with a shot of winning prizes donated to the club by bands and artists over the years – with the likes of Slow Readers Club, DMAs, Fuzzy Sun, Reverend and the Makers already voicing their support.
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An owners’ statement reads: “We have been at the heart of the Manchester Indie club scene for the last twenty years and beyond.
“Its reputation spreads across the country, not bad for a family run business. Not only have we been nominated as a National Cultural Institution, but 42’s is also a video game and a Minecraft creation.
“Now, because of Covid restrictions, our very existence is at stake.”
42s is hanging on in there for now. But without help, it won’t survive.
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“You can be a part of keeping a Manchester Icon alive,” is the owners’ rallying cry.
“The Indie kids of the world need us.”
Please give whatever you can and support a nightclub which has provided so many of us with some of the greatest, funniest and most absurd memories of nights out in Manchester.
Elbow announce three very intimate shows in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Elbow have announced a three-night Manchester residency, and they’ll be playing a much more intimate venue than their usual.
The Bury-formed rock legends have announced a run of ‘very special’ intimate gigs to celebrate 25 years of their debut studio album, Asleep In The Back.
Elbow frontman Guy Garvey has said the band want it to be a ‘time machine night’ for both them and their fans.
Last time Elbow played a hometown gig, it was an enormous outdoor summer show at Castlefield Bowl in Manchester.
And the time before that, they were opening the UK’s largest indoor arena, the Co-op Live (admittedly, they weren’t supposed to open the venue, but its opening got delayed to land on the date of their gig).
So to see them play to a crowd of just 1,500 people is not an occurrence we’re likely to see again for a while.
Elbow have just announced three intimate Manchester gigs, performing at the O2 Ritz this November.
They’ll perform their debut, Asleep In The Back, in its entirety, along with selected B-sides and rarities.
Speaking of the announcement, Guy Garvey said: “It’s fascinating for us to revisit the atmosphere we created, and the Ritz feels like the perfect setting to capture that atmosphere.
“A time machine night for us and for the fans. See you there.”
Elbow will perform at O2 Ritz Manchester on Friday 20, Saturday 21, and Sunday 22 November.
Tickets will go on general sale from 10am on Friday 4 September HERE, with an artist presale from 10am on Wednesday 2 September.
Andy Burnham’s favourite Manchester pub, restaurant, neighbourhood and Sunday roast
Daisy Jackson
Andy Burnham’s favourite pub, restaurant, neighbourhood, and Sunday roast have been revealed – and the man’s got taste.
Old footage of now-PM Andy Burnham chatting to content creator Isaac Likes has been doing the rounds again, and while the interview dates back to before Andy left us and headed down to the big smoke, his Manchester recommendations still stand.
From his go-to neighbourhood and favourite pub to where he heads for a Sunday roast, and even the song he likes to play when he gets behind the decks, Burnham gave us a glimpse into his ideal Manchester day.
First up, there’s the Northern Quarter, which Burnham reckons has to be his favourite neighbourhood in the city.
He said: “Got to be the Northern Quarter. It’s the place where it’s all happening.”
When it comes to food, he singled out Firehouse, sitting on the edge of the Northern Quarter, as one of his favourite places to eat. He also gave a shoutout to its sister venue Ramona, where he’s been known to get behind the decks.
Andy said: “On the edge of the Northern Quarter, Firehouse is a place I love to go. Ramona Pizza, I’ve DJ’d there – if the mayor DJs there it’s gotta be alright.”
For a proper pint, Burnham’s choice is a little more traditional, saying his favourite pub is the ‘proper old school’ Peveril of the Peak.
The beautiful tiled pub was recently named the best in the UK, just days before its legendary landlady Nancy passed away.
When Sunday rolls around, Burnham said he has a couple of options up his sleeve. The Wharf in Castlefield gets a mention, as does Edinburgh Castle up in Ancoats.
The Peveril of the Peak pub in ManchesterThe Edinburgh CastleFirehouseSome of Andy Burnham’s favourite places in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
He said: “We love our gravy, we drink it by the pint in Manchester.”
Of course, no conversation with Burnham about Manchester would be complete without talking music.
Asked to name the best Manchester band of all time, he offered a few contenders – The Smiths, New Order, and, ultimately, The Stone Roses.
“The band I think are quintessentially Manchester is The Stone Roses. That was peak Manchester,” he said.
The Manc -
3rd November 2020 
