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.
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…
Emily Sergeant -
2nd September 2024 
