A brand new documentary movie, Manchester Music Then and Now: Music Worth Fighting For, is set to take an in-depth look at how Manchester has become a global centre for music tourism.
All donations will go towards charities #OneGM and WeMakeEvents who have been supporting industry members affected by the pandemic.
Gillian Gilbert and Stephen Morris of New Order being interviewed for the film
Filmed over the past 18 months, Manchester Music Then and Now documents life three decades on from the Madchester era; exploring how a pandemic brought an industry to its knees.
The story will be brought to life with the help of those that carved the scene’s reputation – with appearances from The Happy Mondays, New Order, Elbow, Blossoms and Courteeners.
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Emerging talent Valve and DJ Olli Ryder will make appearances.
The producers, Marketing Manchester, originally had other ideas for the documentary. But what was initially intended to be a celebration of our city’s music culture soon turned into a stark reflection of COVID-19’s devastating aftermath.
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Shaun and Olli Ryder
Sheona Southern, Managing Director at Marketing Manchester, said: “Greater Manchester is known around the world for music and we’re excited to have made a film celebrating the many people and places that make us famous.
“Alongside people working across the leisure, hospitality and visitor economy, the live music scene has arguably been hit harder than any other by the pandemic. This film highlights the strength of spirit that surrounds Manchester music as we look forward to a time when visitors can return to our brilliant venues.”
Valve at Raise The Roof
Not only will we get insights from artists, but we’ll also hear from industry professionals. From promotors to technicians to booking agents, we’ll learn how the impacts of the pandemic ripple through every aspect of the music industry.
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Sacha Lord, Night-time Economy Adviser and Warehouse Project boss, has been a strong representative of Manchester’s music scene throughout the pandemic.
He said: “This film hears from many of the people who make Manchester music the envy of the world. It’s been an incredibly difficult time for people working in the sector and it’s brilliant to be able to celebrate the strength of spirit and resilience that has been so evident.
“With signs that an end to the pandemic might now be in sight, I won’t be alone in looking forward to being able to return to see brilliant live music in Manchester.”
Manchester is known for its strong resilience. This fascinating documentary captures that perfectly, proving our music certainly is indeed worth fighting for.
Stream Manchester Music Then and Now: Music Worth Fighting For, this Friday at 8pm here.
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Yet another major Deansgate Locks nightlife spot has closed in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Deansgate Locks is set to lose yet another of its nightlife spots, with Ark confirming it will be shutting its doors ‘within weeks’.
The multi-room, multi-storey, multi-genre nightclub has been part of the canalside development for more than a decade, having first opened back in 2014.
At that time, Deansgate Locks was arguably Manchester’s leading nightlife destination, drawing hundreds of students and party-goers to its mix of venues.
The railway arches have been home to iconic clubs and bars including Baa Bar, Lola Lo, Revolution, and Sugar Buddha, as well as The Comedy Store.
But with news that Ark Manchester is closing too, it leaves only Popworld left at what was previously one of the city’s hottest destinations.
In a statement shared with the Manchester Evening News, a spokesperson for Stonegate said: “The hospitality sector continues to face significant challenges.
Ark Manchester will be closing for goodIt leaves Deansgate Locks with just one venue
“After careful consideration, and despite our best efforts, Ark Manchester is no longer commercially viable and we have taken the difficult decision to close the venue.
“Our priority is to support our hard‑working team during this time, and we would like to thank them for their commitment and dedication. We would also like to thank our guests and the local community for their support over the years.”
It’s believed that Ark Manchester will close on Deansgate Locks in the next few weeks.
The Streets announce big change for Castlefield Bowl gig in Manchester amid World Cup clash
Daisy Jackson
One of the biggest gigs taking place in Manchester this summer has announced a pretty major change to its plans.
The Streets are set to perform two nights at Castlefield Bowl this weekend, taking to the magnificent outdoor stage in the heart of the city.
But one of those shows happens to clash with a pretty major event – England’s quarter final World Cup match against Norway.
But The Streets have got the nation’s interests at heart, and have announced a plan to make sure fans can watch both their gig and the football.
Mike Skinner et al will be shifting their entire Saturday gig forward by a full hour, which means gig-goers should be able to escape Castlefield Bowl and peg it to the nearest pub in time for the footy.
“Fear not,” they wrote in an update on Instagram today. “Saturday’s show will begin early to accommodate England vs Norway at 10.”
It also means their support acts – Mancunian artist Antony Szmierek, and rap and grime MC CASISDEAD – will be playing an hour earlier than planned.
The Streets’ gig on Friday will remain at the time originally planned.
Doors to Castlefield Bowl will open earlier ahead of Antony Szmierek’s performance at the revised time of 5.50pm.
Then CASISDEAD will perform at 6.15pm, with The Streets on stage at 7.45pm.
Fans have been delighted with The Streets’ decision to move their Manchester Saturday show forward, with one writing: “THANK YOU CASTLEFIELD BOWL AND MIKEYYYY. We had a very difficult decision on our hands today, this is what dreams are made of. See you Saturday!!!!”
Many more are calling for the England games to be screened at Castlefield Bowl, but no plans have been confirmed for that just yet. Watch this space…
Hannah Starkie -
16th December 2020 
