To say we’d missed festivals is a bit of an understatement. But we didn’t realise just how much until we stepped through the gates of Summer of Love – the brand-new festival venture from the Animal Crossing team.
Sadly, we were only able to get down to the site on the Sunday. But despite already being a day into the festival, we were still met with that familiar buzz when we arrived. And in fact, come Sunday afternoon the sun was blazing – the perfect festival ingredient.
The lineup boasted a huge collection of DJs from all over Europe, bringing big names in house and Romanian minimal to a random car park on the outskirts of Manchester city centre. And this had Animal Crossing written all over it.
If forced to pick out highlights, we could be here all day. There was no lull in the day. There were no bad vibes. Just dancing and catching up with old friends as if no time had passed. And the setting for it all was like no other. Expertly organised, our entry was quick and efficient – so no time was wasted waiting in line. Nor at the bars either.
The 60s love and peace hippy theme of the event could be seen through every detail of the site. From the huge handmade mushrooms that stood a couple of foot high beside the DJ booth, to the painted skylights that let in a stained-glass window effect of colour, everything was a perfect example of what Animal Crossing are all about.
The ‘Love Factory’ stage was dressed the part in colourful props with multi-coloured windows. Credit: Animal Crossing
The previous day had welcomed DJs Priku and Praslesh, and You&Me’s Josh Baker throughout the day across the three stages – which unfortunately we’d missed out on.
But we made up for lost time on the Sunday with the likes of Dyed Soundorum, Traumer and Shonky.
Arriving at around 2pm, we headed straight to the Trommel Stage where London-based DJ duo Hamish and Toby were getting things going. Despite playing the smaller stage, the vibe and atmosphere were there as the pair chucked out some genre-bending tracks that made for an intriguing set. With roots in the north, the pair looked at home and were enjoying the day as much as us. Always good to see.
By 4pm, it was time for Dyed Soundorum at the ‘Love Factory’ – the festival’s main stage for the weekend.
As one third of the French trio Apollonia, Dyed’s expert selections were a hit with the crowd who lapped up his minimal house soundtrack. Three hours of his thumping and driving beats flew by too quickly.
Traumer B2B Shonky was next, back outside at the Trommel Stage. It was an exclusive set as the duo joined forces for their first ever B2B together. As two powerhouses of the genre, we expected nothing less a heavy-hitting set packed with surprises. And they delivered.
Traumer and Shonky played their first ever B2B set. Credit: Animal Crossing
The place came to life at night, though, just in time for [A:RPIA:R] – a.k.a. the Romanian minimalist trio of Raresh, Petre Insperecsi and Rhadoo. With years of experience in the game, the three of them bring something deeper.
They were accompanied by a myriad of trippy visuals from Dreamrec which were cast onto each wall of the ‘Love Factory’. The 360-degree experience was a delight for the eyes, as well as the ears.
All in all, our first festival outing since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted was one to remember. And we couldn’t think of a better place to help us resume normal life again.
Trommel hosted a stage at this year’s Summer of Love. Credit: Animal Crossing
Summer of Love 2022
If you’re already looking towards the 2022 festival season, you’ll be pleased to know next year’s dates have already been announced.
It’ll take place on 27 and 28 August next time. And like this year, organisers have selected another secret location for the occasion, which will be revealed in due course. And whilst there’s no lineup announcement yet, we know the AC team always pull it out the bag.
So, if you’re keen to get it in the dairy now, grab your tickets here.
For more Manchester music content head here and don’t forget to follow The Manc Audio on Instagram.
Featured image: Animal Crossing
Audio
A much-loved Manc drinking spot is handing out FREE spritzes to Sounds of the City gig-goers
Danny Jones
Popular Manchester city centre drinking spot, Society, is handing out free spritzes to gig-goers heading to this year’s Sounds of the City festival.
The annual series of live music events returned at the start of the month, with Castlefield Bowl once again being turned into one of the best amphitheatres in the country – not that we’re biased, or anything.
And since we’re in a month packed with outdoor gigs (pretty sure there’s some local band on at Heaton Park), what better drink to help you get a bit loose before the party starts than a refreshing spritz in the sunshiiine?
Better yet, if you fancy copping a complimentary one, Society beer and food hall are handing out freebies for those going to Sounds of the City 2025.
As you can see, the deal is simple: turn up to the beautiful Society beer garden or equally lovely indoor space and show your ticket to the bar staff to get your hands on a free spritzer.
Now, there is a catch, as they’re only promising 100 free drinks in total across all seven concerts this July, and three of them have already been – which could be a blessing or a curse – and they’re available on a first come first serve basis from 4pm on each event date.
However, we’ll admit we were a little late to the news on this occasion, so there’s a chance plenty of others haven’t heard about the offer either, meaning you could still be able to sort yourself a free Sarti or Aperol Spritz (only 50 of each available).
Salivating.Sounds of the City is just a short walk from Society.Credit: The Manc Eats/Audio North
With 2025 season openers, Elbow, having kicked things off in true Manc style, as well as The Charlatans and Shed Seven having already played, the word may have gotten out, but it’s still worth a crack. Besides, Society is still a brilliant summery drinking spot regardless.
The deal is available across all remaining concert dates:
Wed, 9 July – The Black Keys, with support from Miles Kane
Thurs, 10 July – Bloc Party, with support from The Royston Club
Fri, 11 July – Rizzle Kicks, with support from Maverick Sabre and Abbie McCarthy
Sat, 12th July – Basement Jaxx, with support from Mike Skinner (DJ Set) and Storm Mollison
Oh, and if you’re wondering what SOTC 2025 has been like so far, the neighbouring balconies have been full as always, Castlefield Hotel has been packed, and we got Guy Garvey to wave at a train driver…
Featured Images — The Manc Group/Society (supplied)
Audio
Oasis merch prices as huge flagship stand opens in Manchester city centre
Daisy Jackson
An official Oasis merch stand has opened in the heart of Manchester, selling all the Gallagher-printed wares your heart could desire.
The Oasis Live ‘25 Touring Flagship Stand has sprung up on St Peter’s Square today, where it will remain for the duration of the Manchester reunion shows.
Stacked with everything from band tees to bucket hats, plus posters, tote bags, and that exclusive adidas x Oasis collection, the merch stand is already pulling in some serious queues.
And with a few days still to go until Oasis Live ‘25 hits Heaton Park (those dates, if they aren’t burned into your brain, are 11, 12, 16, 19 and 20 July) there’s still plenty more time to shop.
The merch stand has opened in addition to the official merch fan store across town in Spinningfields.
And it’s at the heart of the Music for the Senses art trail, which has seen painted guitar artworks installed all over the city centre.
Back to that Oasis merch stand in Manchester though – there are pieces from their adidas collection, including a sky blue (obviously) three-stripe long-sleeved jersey for £55, a tour jacquard football jersey for £85, and a classic Firebird track top for £90.
Event-specific merch like t-shirts in various colours emblazoned with the Oasis Live ‘25 artwork will set you back £40, and you can choose from photos of the brothers back together in 2025, or back in their pre-split heyday.
Oasis merch prices as huge flagship stand opens in Manchester city centre
There’s also a £70 black hoody with the tour dates on the sleeve, plus a What’s The Story blue-tone hoody for £70, and a blue tone sweatshirt for £50.
A range of posters starring Liam and Noel are priced at £40 apiece.
There’s an Oasis Live ‘25 tote bag for sale at the merch stand in town, which costs £20.
Then the most Manc item of all – a reversible bucket hat (black on one side with the Oasis logo in the centre, or a collage of Oasis logos on the other side) – is £35.
The stand is home to city-specific event items, exclusive adidas lines, and other exclusives.
The Oasis Live ’25 Touring Flagship Stand is open from 10am to 8pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am to 6pm on Sundays, then 10am to 7pm on Oasis show days.
Hannah Starkie -
2nd September 2021 
