Are you someone caught in that annoying middle ground of loving a boogie to some tunes but not being the biggest fan of the traditional night out in the usual club setting?
If so, we’ve got some good news for you: a brand new way of clubbing is coming to Salford Quays that is prioritising neurodivergent live music lovers whilst hoping to create a safe and fundamentally sensory-friendly night out.
Cleverly named ‘Disco Neurotico‘, the new series of club nights is created by founder Byron Vincent as well as author and fellow DJ, Stefan Mohamed, who are ensuring people’s mental health comes first.
Receiving funding from Arts Council England for this first run of research and development events across the UK in 2024, the first show of 2024 arrives at The Lowry this August.
The tagline for the event is, “Reimagining raves for the nervous and neurospicy” – now that’s the kind of motto we can get behind.
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But what exactly does that look like? Well, it starts with something as simple as wearing whatever you want (even if that means your PJs or cosplaying as Corrie character) and goes on to involve everything from board games and consoles, a silent disco, a UV doodle wall, a calming ‘breakout’ space and more.
You can even pick which music you want to funnel into your headphones – the cornerstone of this sensory-friendly club night and increasingly popular sight at gigs and festivals in general – so whether you want to fully rave in your own headspace, groove out or just enjoy soothing sounds, it’s up to you.
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However, there are also plenty of snacks and drinks, calming recovery rooms for anyone feeling overwhelmed, and they actually already recommend guests come in and take a pre-event venue tour to familiarise themselves with the surroundings, be that in person or virtually.
Speaking on the concept, Vincent said: “I love the idea of clubs and festivals but as an autistic person with complex PTSD, I often struggle with the reality.
“So with the help of a fantastic neurodivergent team of artists, I’ve designed a lovely night with gaming and multiple music genres that’s kinder to sensitive little squirrels like myself.”
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We love the idea of a properly inclusive, sensory-friendly club night with full safeguarding measures in place and the neurodivergent community firmly in mind. We sincerely hope this takes off.
Taking place on 31 August at the iconic Salford venue and running from 8pm until midnight, affordable tickets are just a tenner and general admission is just £12. You can find out all the information you need to know about the event and grab your Disco Neurotico Manchester tickets HERE.
Featured Images — Disco Neurotico/The wub (via Wikimedia Commons)
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Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics is returning to Manchester next year
Clementine Hall
IconicDJ and radio presenter Pete Tong MBE is making his way back to Manchester with a whole host of guests ready to help you dance the night away.
Known for his live radio shows such as the ‘Essential Mix’ on BBC Radio 1, Tong is bringing back his widely successful Ibiza Classics club night to Manchester with an equally impressive roster of guests.
The ‘Ibiza Classics’ concept originated and debuted back in 2015 with Tong and co. taking on Royal Albert Hall as part of BBC Radio 1’s Proms schedule, paying homage to the island’s infectious anthems.
Since then, the English DJ has built a music event bigger than he could have ever imagined, and after a milestone year marking the 10th anniversary of the acclaimed Ibiza Classics show, Pete Tong has announced a brand-new run of UK arena dates for 2026.
Some of Tong’s notable releases include ‘Where’s The Music Gone’ and ‘Apocolypse’, alongside some very respectable dance music artists.
Other tracks to his name include ‘You Got The Love’ and ‘Time’, both collaborations with Jules Buckley, one of the famous faces you’ll get to see on this special Ibiza Classics tour.
The seven-date arena tour kicks off in Glasgow’s before heading to Manchester’s AO Arena on Friday 4 December 2026.
He will also be playing in Leeds, Birmingham, and Nottingham, culminating the tour with two huge nights at The O2 London.
Ibiza Classics Live 2026
Thursday 3 December – Glasgow, OVO Hydro
Friday 4 December – Manchester, AO Arena
Saturday 5 December – Leeds, First Direct Bank Arena
Wednesday 9 December – Birmingham, Utilita Arena
Thursday 10 December – Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena
Friday 11 and Saturday 12 December – London, The O2
He will be joined by long-standing collaborators Jules Buckley and The Essential Orchestra.
This night is expected to be filled with pure dance hits, and based on recent shows, there might even be appearances from even more musical talents and special guests.
Pete Tong, Jules Buckley, and The Essential Orchestra are bringing Ibiza Classics to AO Arena on Friday 4 December 2026.
Tickets go on sale next Monday 15 December, and you can get them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Indiana Jones, live in concert, is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
An all-time Hollywood favourite is being brought to Manchester audiences like never before, as a special showing of the first Indiana Jones film is coming to the city centrein concert.
Steven Spielberg and George Lucas’ action-adventure series is one we all know and love – and if you haven’t seen it before, what are you playing at?
Having said that, the original beloved blockbuster still stands up as the most fondly remembered of the series to this day; put simply, the ‘best’ film in the ‘Indy’ franchise is Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Whether you agree with us or not, you can’t deny that the idea of hearing a live concert version of that iconic Indiana Jones score being played in the flesh by a proper orchestra sounds mega. Case in point:
The legendary John Williams score has been played in some of the most prestigious rooms in the world.
Now, how about hearing those incredible trumpets and French horns over the audio of the film itself, soundtracking each scene as it plays on the big screen in front of you?
Yes, we are nerding out, and so should you be.
After a globe-trotting trek that Indy himself would be proud of, the Disney Concerts production is now gearing up for its UK tour, with just a handful of lucky cities selected for the privilege.
You can see the full list of tour dates down below (we’ve highlighted other Northern shows for you, too):
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark: Live In Concert – UK tour dates | 2026
Sunday 31 May – Manchester Bridgewater Hall Monday 1 June – Glasgow Royal Concert Hall Tuesday 2 June – Edinburgh Usher Hall Wednesday 3 June – Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Thursday 4 June – Birmingham Symphony Hall Friday 5 June – Sheffield City Hall Sunday 7 June – London Eventim Apollo
As you can see, not only will the run of live shows be kicking off on home turf, but they have selected the one and only Bridgewater Hall for the movie concert experience – a more than fitting venue.
Released back in 1981, it’s unbelievable how timeless and instantly recognisable the iconic Indy theme and film score still is to this day.
Disney’s early access window and the presale via the venue both open from 10am this Thursday, 11 December, with general admission going live at the same time the following Friday (12 Dec).
You can get ready to grab your tickets to the Manchester screening and live orchestral performance next May right HERE.
Be it movies, TV or even games, we’re loving how many of these kinds of shows are coming to our city now, from all-time classics like Indiana Jones to cult favourite bits of British kids’ telly…
Danny Jones -
30th May 2024 
