Macclesfield is to host its first ever Joy Division day in memory of late hometown hero, Ian Curtis, this weekend.
Joy Division are, by far, one of Greater Manchester‘s most famous and well-respected bands, with millions of fans across the globe and an impressive legacy that still lives on to this day, but despite being heavily-associated with both the cities of Salford and Manchester, many will know that the band’s frontman, Ian Curtis, was actually born and raised over in the Cheshire town of Macclesfield.
Curtis grew up in Macclesfield, and after his tragic death in 1980 at the age of 23, his ashes were also famously buried in Macclesfield cemetery.
So, even though Joy Division are often close to the top of the list when you ask someone to reel-off Manc bands, it’s actually Macclesfield we have to thank for producing the influential frontman.
This is why Macclesfield is set to host its first-ever Joy Division Day this weekend.
Taking over the Cheshire town this Saturday 7 September, the inaugural Joy Division Day will feature a performance by Joy Division tribute band, Transmission, at Cinemac cinema on Roe Street, as well as a series of special tours by the man behind the celebration day himself, Trevor Stokes.
The 57-year-old started giving tours on a part-time basis just over a year ago now.
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Stokes – who is known for weaving some of his own personal Joy Division and Ian Curtis anecdotes into the tours – told The Guardian that “nowhere near enough” has been done to recognise Macclesfield’s musical heritage over the years, which is why he’s decided to start the celebratory event this weekend.
The first ever Joy Division Day is to be held in Ian Curtis’ hometown this weekend / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The three-hour tours – which can each accommodate 25 people – are made up of 12 stops, including Curtis’s former home, his grave in the cemetery, and a large mural dedicated to him in the town centre, and will set off at 10.30am and 2.30pm.
Tickets for the tours are, unfortunately, all sold out now, but you can still get combined tickets for the day, which will set you back £10.
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Stokes says he wants Joy Division Day to be even bigger next year, with plans for activities and a museum.
Victoria Baths is ‘resurrecting’ its popular spooky silent disco this Halloween
Emily Sergeant
Halloween is on its way, and Silence of the Baths is being ‘resurrected’ for another year.
Returning for a ‘fright night of thrills’ after a sell-out debut in 2023, and then for a smash-hit revival of three of Manchester’s most iconic fallen nightclubs in 2024, Victoria Baths has announced that Silence of the Baths will be returning for its third year, transforming the stunning Grade II-listed building into one of the spookiest settings this Halloween.
For the popular one-off event, Victoria Baths is set to ‘show its darker side’, as the pool halls, Turkish Baths, and labyrinth of spaces undergo an epic Halloween makeover.
Victoria Baths is teaming up with Girls on Film for one of the best nights in the city this Halloween, as the historic space becomes a ‘haunted haven’ of glamour and ghosts.
Partygoers are encouraged to dress the part and wander through the empty pools and haunted corridors as each space is transformed into spooky playground filled with ghouls, spiders, bats, and coffins – but most importantly, good times.
From the balcony above the former pool, the Girls on Film crew will take over the silent disco with a trio of DJs on three different channels.
Hattie Pearson will be on Channel 1, Meme Gold on Channel 2, and the Channel 3 will have DJ MXw0rld.
Victoria Baths is ‘resurrecting’ its popular spooky silent disco this Halloween / Credit: Chris Payne (via Supplied)
As mentioned, ticketholders are being encouraged to ‘dress to distress’ on the night, not only because it’s Halloween, but also because the person with the most haunting look has the chance to win a Halloween Swag Bag.
There’ll be plenty of elixirs and spirits to sip on all night long, and don’t forget to strike a pose against the Baths’ iconic backdrop.
The Silence of the Baths III: The Return will take over Victoria Baths on Saturday 25 October, with doors creaking open from 7:30pm, and tickets are now on sale here and setting you back £20 each (plus a booking fee).
The event sold out last year, so early ticket purchase is recommended
All ticket purchases support the work of The Victoria Baths Trust to preserve Victoria Baths, so that communities can continue to enjoy this inspiring building.
Featured Image – Chris Payne (via Supplied)
Audio
DMA’s confirm highly anticipated Hills End 10th anniversary tour dates
Danny Jones
Indie favourites DMA’s have finally confirmed their highly anticipated Hills End anniversary tour, celebrating 10 years since their breakout debut album with several UK dates – including Manchester.
The Aussie band beloved by Brits and music fans all over have been teasing a reveal of some sort over the past weeks, but now the news is official.
Up there with the Sydney music scene’s finest exports right now, DMA’s have always had a strong following over here, but especially so up North and Manchester in particular, with their youthful, uplifting and moving style often striking up similarities to our own indie rock roots.
Revealing details of the Hills End 10th anniversary shows on social media this Monday, the talented trio have confirmed a number of Northern gigs.
Besides us Mancs being the first stop on the run of live shows (honoured, of course), perhaps the most exciting part about this announcement is that this will be the very first time DMA’s will be performing their maiden LP live in full.
At this time, we’re not sure whether or not they’ll be playing from start to finish in order, but either way, fans are understandably very excited; you can consider us here at Audio North firmly included in that group, by the way.
We’re sure we don’t need to remind you lot reading this per se, but cherished tracks from the record obviously include ‘Delete’, ‘Lay Down’, ‘In The Moment’.
They’ll also be playing working-class outposts like Newcastle and Glasgow, as well as paying a visit to our friends over at The Hoot in Yorkshire. You can see the full list of shows down below.
DMA’s Hills End 10th anniversary tour 2026 – UK dates
February
Friday 06 – O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
Saturday 07 – NX, Newcastle
Sunday 08 – O2 Academy, Birmingham
Tuesday 10 – O2 Academy, Bristol
Thursday 12 – O2 Academy Brixton, London
Saturday 14 – O2 Academy, Leeds
Monday 16 – O2 Academy, Glasgow
May
Thursday 21 – Rock City, Nottingham
Friday 22 – UEA, Norwich
What an album this is.
“The UK has always felt like a second home for us. Hills End was where our story really began overseas, so it feels right to come back and celebrate it with the fans who’ve supported us from day one.”
Literally almost a full decade on from its release, the DMA’s anniversary tour kicks here in Manchester next Feb and, as of yet, no support act has been confirmed.
Tickets go on sale at 9am this Friday, 17 October; You can get ready to grab your tickets HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
2nd September 2024 
