Some of you might still be nursing a two-day hangover now that the bank holiday is over.
But just because our favourite weekend of the year is all done and dusted, it doesn’t mean the fun has to be.
If you’ve already got the Friday feeling nice and early this week, we’ve got you covered with a stonking selection of events happening in and around the city.
Check them out below.
Sit & Bun at Escape to Freight Island – September 3
Escape to Freight Island
First up on Thursday night is ‘Sit & Bun’ – the little sister of popular Manchester night ‘Hit & Run’.
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The lineup features Manchester-based artists who will bring their hip-hop and soul styles to the Freight Island platform. Finally, we have some long-awaited live music. Literal music to our ears!
The KTNA will take the to the stage at 7.15pm. The twin sisters describe their style as “cosmic soul”. Expect powerful and thought-provoking lyrics, backed by calming soul sounds. Layfullstop takes the 9.15pm slot with her stunning voice and playful fusion of jazz and hip-hop.
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DJ support will also come from Hit & Run’s very own head honcho. He’ll mix up the vibe with some reggae, funk and jazz beats. Come down and support some wholesome Manchester talent.
Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club at Social Avenue – September 4
Craig Charles
Some may know him as Lloyd from Corrie, but Craig Charles is a living legend of the Manchester music scene. His monthly Funk and Soul Club at Band on the Wall has thrived over the years.
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During the summer, he takes his club night to festivals all over the country. Sadly, there was none of that this year. However, you can catch him for a one-off set at Social Avenue.
Anyone who has seen Craig Charles play knows what to expect. If you’re new, well, you’re in for a treat. Enough said.
Live Forever sit down disco at Venue – September 4
Sit down disco at Venue
Parkas at the ready, Venue has returned with a COVID edition of its famous indie night ‘Live Forever’.
As expected, there’s a limited capacity and you’ll be singing into your mate’s face from across a table instead of in their arms. But that’s a small concession to pay for a full night’s worth of indie classics in a club.
James listening party of The Night Before and The Morning After – September 5
James
Calling all James fans, this one is for you.
At 7.30pm on Saturday there’ll be a Twitter listening party of renowned Manchester band James’ albums The Night Before and The Morning After.
This is a great opportunity to learn more about the classic records and talk through the lyrics with other superfans.
A bit of a different one; more info is available here.
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Missile to the Moon at Old Abbey Tap House – September 5
Old Abbey Tap House
You could head down to Old Abbey Tap House for their rescheduled event ‘Missile to the Moon‘ on Saturday.
A selection of Manchester DJs will provide the soundtrack for the evening. It’s the quirkiest little place with booze, vegan food, music, a micro-brewery and even an urban farm where they grow their own food.
They’ve converted their terrace to allow for social distancing and it appears to be under cover should the heavens open. This is Manchester, after all.
A candlelit Queen tribute concert is returning to Manchester
Danny Jones
Yes, you read that right: a candlelit tribute concert to the one and only Queen is coming to Manchester city centre.
In fact, it’s coming home, as this wonderful event started right here in 0161 back in 2021.
Concerts by Candlelight themselves host concerts up and down the country at various points throughout the year, but their much-loved ‘Queen by Candlelight‘ special knows all about lighting up Manc venues.
Having since gone on to become an internationally acclaimed live concert experience, we’re glad we still get to see the ‘Princes of the Universe’ on our doorstep.
Credit: Concerts by Candlelight (supplied)
With the likes of Bridgewater Hall and the magical Manchester Monastery all having played host to the promotion on many ocassions, this time Queen by Candlelight is coming to the legendary Manchester Opera House in the new year.
One of our most historic and legendary theatres, it’s only fitting, really, that they be chosen to welcome a night of equally iconic tunes.
But it’s worth reminding more casual fans that these aren’t just British rock and pop anthems; Queen‘s discography is one that still has global recognition to this day.
That’s why this specific show has been taken to virtually every corner of the world, with the incredibly talented cast of singers and musicians delighting audiences in Dubai, Australia, New Zealand and New York, to domestic crowds here in town and down in London’s West End.
‘Queenies’ or ‘Darlings’, as Freddie Mercury used to call them, can expect all the big hits, from ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and ‘We Are The Champions’, to ‘It’s a Kind of Magic’ and ‘Who Wants to Live Forever’ and plenty more from the back catalogue.
Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store this coming January:
With tickets already flying out fast, we really would recommend securing your seats early before they inevitably sell out.
To quote the promoters themselves, “this spectacular celebration of Queen’s biggest hits is guaranteed to rock you.”
Coming to the Manchester Opera House on Tuesday, 6 January, you can book your tickets for Queen by Candlelight right HERE.
And if you’ve never been to one of their candlelit events before, you only need to see how much of a ball we had at their country event earlier this year to find out how much fun they are…
Featured Images — Concerts by Candlelight (supplied)
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The Warehouse Project named one of the best nightclubs in the world
Danny Jones
Greater Manchester can add another big blue ribbon to its already richly adorned totem of music heritage, as The Warehouse Project has been named one of the best clubs in the entire world.
Not that we’re the least bit shocked, to be honest.
That’s right, our very own Warehouse Project – or WHP to use the more commonly thrown around shorthand – isn’t just the great successor to the likes of The Haçienda, Jilly’s Rockworld and many more Manc live music institutions, it’s become a raver’s rite of passage in its own right.
So it’s no surprise that it landed itself in the International NightLife Association’s best 100 clubs on the planet – but where exactly on the list did it land?
As you can see from the full NightLife International rankings for 2025, Warehouse Project didn’t just make it into the 100 club or even the top half; WHP broke into the best 30 clubs in the whole world.
Finishing in 27th position, specifically, Mayfield Depot‘s major tourist attraction was sandwiched between Ibiza’s Amnesia nightclub and the equally iconic Ministry of Sound in London.
Not bad company to keep, eh?
Writing in the caption, the organisation said: “From Ibiza to Singapore, Miami to Marrakech, and every nightlife capital in between, this year’s ranking showcases the venues that continue to elevate global nightlife with innovation, quality, and unforgettable experiences.”
“Cheers to all the clubs that made it onto the list”, they continued, thanking sponsors, artists and collaborators alike before adding, “Your commitment drives the industry forward.”
With the likes of Worried About Henry, Homobloc, Barry Can’t Swim, and the first-ever winter edition of Repercussion having already passed this year, the 2025 programme really has been electric.
But they’re not done yet; you can see the rest of what is on this year’s lineup down below.
One of the biggest dates on the current WHP calendar is, of course, their massive New Year’s Eve Party, which returns for 2025.
The team behind Warehouse is yet to respond to the prestigious international recognition, as they’re clearly still too busy putting on some of the best nights not just in town or the UK, but anywhere around the club.
You can get a closer look at the in-depth list of NightLife International’s top 100 clubs HERE.
Speaking of Manc nightlife, it’ll be interesting to see where a returning cult favourite will place itself on the leaderboard when it makes its full comeback very soon…
Hannah Starkie -
1st September 2020 
