StreamGM, Greater Manchester’s leading not-for-profit streaming service which showcases the biggest, best and newest talent, music and culture from across the region, is hosting a live gig night and housewarming party at their new second home inside The Yardtonight.
Better still, the celebration of the promising new partnership and all of the live performances will be broadcast directly into people’s homes or wherever they’re watching thanks to the multi-award-winning streaming platform.
So, whilst attendance at the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity partnered event is invite-only, thousands of Manc are being urged to join the live stream and enjoy a free virtual gig on the night from the comfort of their living rooms, whilst sat in bed or however they choose to tune in.
Starting from 7pm on tonight (Thursday, 7 December) at one of the city centre’s fastest-growing music and cultural events spaces, The Yard over in Cheetham Hill, some of the most exciting up-and-coming artists from in and around the area will be showcasing why this wonderful place we call Manchester does music better than anyone else.
Headlining the gig will be Hyde-born spoken word and indie hip-hop artist, Antony Szmierek, who released his debut album, Giving Up for Beginners, back in 2021 and has enjoyed not only a sold-out UK tour but plenty of plaudits for his appearances at Glastonbury, Leeds Fest, Bluedot and many other festivals.
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Compared to ‘Mike Skinner mixed with John Cooper-Clarke’ and dubbed by BBC Radio’s Lauren Laverne as “the best thing I’ve heard all year“, the former special education teacher has notched appearances on Jools Holland and spent several weeks on 6 Music’s coveted top picks as well as Radio 1’s playlists.
Joe Heys, StreamGM’s lead programmer for Welcome to The Yard, will also be DJing on the night under the pseudonym ‘Fries With That’ and has hailed the night as a celebration of the music scene that “shaped and moulded [him] as a person” along with countless others.
Speaking ahead of the live music live-stream, Heys went on to say, “It is such an honour to get the opportunity by StreamGM to showcase the next generation of Greater Manchester’s world-beating music scene.”
As for headliner Szmierek, he said: “I’m so happy to be rounding off a pretty mental year at home and for a cause close to my heart. manchester is a city of poets and dancers and we intend to bring both of those qualities to StreamGM’s event at The Yard and beyond this December”.
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‘Welcome To The Yard’ premieres on StreamGM at 7pm tonight and, as always, the broadcast will be completely free to watch HERE.
For more information or to enquire about potentially going along to watch the live performances in person, you can get in touch via [email protected]. See you there!
You can line dance to Lily Allen’s West End Girl in full right here in Manchester
Thomas Melia
After a fun way to kickstart the New Year? Some people might suggest hobbies like ‘Tennis’, but how about a line dancing class playing Lily Allen’s new album in its entirety – we know which we’d rather do.
Grab your nearest ‘Nonmonogamummy’ or take ‘Madeline’, if you know one, because there’s a line dance class where you get to line dance to Lily Allen’s West End Girl in full right here in Manchester.
Hosted by Red Rodeo Club, a queer line dancing group based in Manchester, who have hosted monthly artist-inspired events city wide including Chappell Roan, Beyoncé, Charli XCX and more.
This troupe even managed to line dance all the way to one of Manchester’s most reputable LGBTQIA+ nights of the year, performing on the Archive stage at Homobloc just last month.
Now, Red Rodeo is returning with another special night that is sure to interest all the West Endand North West girls across Manchester, as it prepares a Lily Allen line dance spectacular later this month.
If you’re ‘Ruminating’ about attending this event, there’s absolutely no pressure or dance experience needed as the group prides itself on providing ‘classic boot-scootin tutorials with a party vibe’.
You’ll definitely be in good company regardless of your dance partners, as hosting the event is Violet Blonde, known for their extraordinary outfits and love of Country icon Dolly Parton.
We’re already onto a winner…
Your dance instructor for the night is the remarkable Shanika Sunrise, a rapper and producer, who boasts a seriously impressive roster of acts they’ve opened for, including Chappell Roan, Cupcakke and Moonchild Sanelly.
Opportunities like this aren’t always feasible for everyone, which is something this line dance group is aware of as they’re offering a ‘Red Rodeo Club Low Income Ticket’, suited for students, unwaged and disabled attendees.
Red Rodeo Club is bringing the ‘Lily Allen edition’ line dance class to Fairfield Social Club in Manchester on Thursday, 29 January 2026, from 7-10:30pm.
If you’re interested in grapevine stepping or electric shuffling your way to the Lily Allen West End Girl line dance event in Manchester, you can find tickets HERE.
The smash-hit daytime rave where you can still be in bed early is returning to Manchester
Clementine Hall
That’s right: Day Fever, the daytime rave designed to still get you tucked in at a reasonable hour, is coming back to Manchester city centre this year.
Following their biggest raft of shows across the UK and Ireland in 2025, the smash-hit night out that is very much aimed at those of us 30 and over – but fellow sleepy heads are obviously more than welcome – Day Fever are targeting big things in 2026.
Launched in early 2024 by actress Vicky McClure and Reverend & The Makers frontman, Jon McClure, Day Fever has become a cultural sensation.
From its debut in Sheffield to a tour that sees thousands of ravers hitting the dance floor each month, the message is clear: people want to dance and let loose, but still be in bed before 9pm – and let’s be honest, who can blame them?
The founders (L-R): Jon McClure, James O’Hara, Jonny Owen, Vicky and Chris McClure. (supplied)
Running from 3-8pm, Day Fever provides a proper night out that doesn’t completely write you off for the entire weekend.
“It started as a WhatsApp idea”, says Jon McClure. “Jonny just said, ‘A daytime disco, how good would that be?’ We’re all a bit nuts, so we just said, ‘Come on then!’”
“It feels like a massive house party at your nan’s,” laughs Vicky. “No drama, no egos, just people acting daft, getting dressed up, and having the best time.”
From here in 0161 and our mates over in Leeds, to Newcastle, Glasgow and many more, each Day Fever event has its own unique flavour.
There’ll be local DJs who know their crowds keep the energy high with a nostalgic mix of Northern Soul, disco, indie, and 90s classics. “Manchester goes mad for Oasis,” says Jon, “and if Vicky’s there, we have to play Whitney, it’s non-negotiable!”
For starters, just look at the turnout they got over Christmas:
Danny Jones -
7th November 2023 
