The best music events happening this weekend in Manchester
Car park raves, seated clubbing and group tickets are all on the agenda these days, with promoters attempting to find ways to keep local live music going.
Manchester remains under lock and key right now, with many of the city’s most popular venues unable to open due to government restrictions.
But thankfully, some innovative promoters have found a safe way to keep the local music scene alive.
Car park raves, seated clubbing and group tickets are becoming “the new normal”, shall we say *rolls eyes*.
But whatever you want to call this weird era we’re living in, there’s actually plenty to keep you occupied this weekend.
Here’s our round up below.
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90s Dance Anthems/Ibiza Classics at Park N Party at Event City – September 11 and 12
Park N Party
Ibiza lives on in a Trafford car park this weekend.
We never thought we’d say that, but there you go.
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If you can’t make it to the White Isle this year, let Park ‘N’ Party transport you to the beach for the reasonable price of £35 per car.
Drive up, get out and dance in your own socially distanced square.
Rozalla, Kelly Llorenna and DJ Kuta will soundtrack the weekend with Ibiza club hits past and present.
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Get your designated driver ready and book your tickets here.
Animal Crossing at Big Red Cafe – September 12
New Big Red Cafe site
Who’s up for a day sesh?
Animal Crossing is throwing a house and minimal party at a new open-air location, the Big Red Cafe.
We’re not sure exactly where the cafe is yet. But we do know it’s just outside the city centre and that – if Animal Crossing’s previous get-togethers are anything to go by – it’ll be an 11-out-of-10 kind of event.
Zutekh x Jika Jika Courtyard Party at Progress Centre – September 12
Progress Centre
In an unassuming courtyard in Ardwick lies the Progress Centre.
The socially distanced venue has some top events coming up – like the Zutekh Courtyard Party this Saturday. The industrial feel of Progress Centre will certainly scratch the rave itch.
It’s outdoors with a limited capacity and everyone has their own section to stick to.
Again, tickets have to be bought in groups and you need to arrive together. But, that’s not much to ask in return for a mint day.
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Kaluki at Social Avenue – September 13
Social Avenue
If you fancy ending the weekend on a high – Archie Hamilton and Ben Sterling are playing Social Avenue on Sunday.
Manchester DJs Pirate Copy, Luke Welsh and Mike Morrisey will join them as Kaluki returns for another socially-distanced bash.
The Trafford Park venue continues to smash out these sell-out events, week after week.
Factory is launching its Night Pubbing concept on Monday.
It’s their take on COVID night clubbing. All three floors will be open, meaning there’ll be music for everyone’s taste. (You’ll find me on the top floor, just saying).
It sounds simple enough. Head here to pick your time, your floor and your table capacity. It works out around £10 per person. You’ll get entry, the table, plus a free drink and a shot with the ticket. Who doesn’t love free booze?
This is not Factory as we know it. But, it’s the next best thing right now.
Just in time for freshers, as well.
Stay up-to-date with the latest local music news via The Manc Audio. Follow Audio on Instagram here.
Audio
Smirnoff teams up with Co-op Live for new Summer Series
Danny Jones
Smirnoff, the world’s number-one vodka brand not to mention a leading force in wider music culture, has officially partnered with Co-op Live to mark the opening of the new state-of-the-art venue and its debut calendar.
The partnership will see the new ‘Co-op Live Summer Series presented by Smirnoff‘ run until 13 September 2024. As part of the collaboration, the vodka brand will surprise and delight guests visiting the venue with great-tasting drinks and the ultimate night out, with VIP packages and more.
Co-op Live has curated a stacked lineup of popular bands, singers and entertainers, including some of the biggest names in music, who are set to perform at Europe’s largest indoor entertainment venue.
Starting the Summer Series off with a bang presented by Smirnoff celebrations, the brand is offering friends a chance to win tickets to see their favourite stars perform live, hosted by celebrities including TV favourite Callum Jones, as well as social media and makeup virtuoso Mitchell Halliday.
Alongside their hosts, winners will enjoy access to the exclusive Decibel Club and enjoy the concert from a private suite hosted by Smirnoff, fully immersing themselves in the ultimate venue experience. Competition details (18+ only) can be found on Smirnoff’s Instagram page.
Attendees at the 23,500 capacity Co-op Live arena will have the opportunity to choose from a range of Smirnoff favourites, including Smirnoff Raspberry Crush, Smirnoff Mango and Passionfruit Twist, Smirnoff No.21 and more.
These drinks will be available to guests over 18 at bars and grab-and-go stations throughout the venue, including the Smirnoff Founders Bar. Guests can also try the newest addition to the range, Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind, at the bar located on the concourse – fingers crossed there’ll be plenty of sun too.
There is a unique must-try experience for all gig attendees: a 360-photo booth on Level 3, where guests can use fun props to snap the best and most high-end selfies they’ve ever taken, and have a chance to get their tickets upgraded that evening.
Operated by holding group Diaego, the aim of Smirnoff’s Co-op Live Summer Series is to reflect the vodka brand’s ongoing commitment to making music more accessible to everyone.
Smirnoff recently rolled out its ‘WE DO US’ campaign, activated through a series of initiatives that aim to reignite social connections and lower barriers to socialising.
Tyler Monk, Smirnoff Brand Manager at Diageo Great Britain, said: “Smirnoff is on a mission to make music more accessible and create unforgettable experiences that bring people together through live music. We’re proud to partner with Co-op Live and be part of Manchester’s vibrant music scene, offering great-tasting Smirnoff drinks, music, and unique experiences to a wider audience.”
Check the website for the full schedule of events at Co-op Live HERE.
Featured Images — Smirnoff (supplied)/The Manc Group
Audio
Tramlines Festival 2024 – tickets, stage times, drinks prices and everything you need to know
Emily Johnson
Tramlines Festival returns to Hillsborough Park for another year and we here at Audio North cannot wait to walk back out onto that field.
Between Friday, 26 July and Sunday, 28 July 2024, festival-goers will have the opportunity to watch some of the UK’s best musical talent and discover new acts on the smaller stages in the musical city of Sheffield.
The line-up is stacked this year, with Paolo Nutini, Jamie T and Snow Patrol taking the headline slots over the weekend, alongside huge acts such as Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Bombay Bicycle Club, Miles Kane, The Human League, Bombay Bicycle Club and Tom Grennan.
Over 100 acts are expected to perform at Tramlines 2024 across five stages, with an array of genres from indie rock, pop, punk, hip hop, comedy and more. There’s definitely something for everyone.
Credit: Tramlines (supplied)
Tramlines lineup 2024
Friday 26 July
Kicking off the weekend and setting the bar high, Paolo Nutini is set to headline the main stage on Friday 26 July. With huge hits like ‘New Shoes’, ‘Candy’ and all-time favourite ‘Last Request’, the soulful Scot knows how to get a crowd going.
Bombay Bicycle Club will also perform in the evening, the perfect band to play as the sunsets over Hillsborough Park. With over six albums to pick from, we’re guaranteed some bangers.
The full line-up for Friday includes Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Miles Kane, Coach Party, The View, The Charlatans, SOFT PLAY, The Mysterines, Dylan John Thomas, Mitch Santiago, Lucy Beaumont, Hannah Rowe and Matilda Shakes.
The Sarah Nulty stage schedule is as follows:
Paolo Nutini: 8.15pm-10.15pm
Bombay Bicycle Club: 6.15pm-7.15pm
Sophie Ellis-Bextor: 4.45pm-5.30pm
Miles Kane: 3.50pm-4.15pm
Coach Party: 2.30pm-3pm
The View (Special Guests): 1.15pm-2pm
Bedroom High Club: 12.15pm-12.45pm
Credit: Supplied
Saturday 27 July
The excitement continues over the weekend with indie legend Jamie T taking the headline slot Saturday night, with the crowd belting out British classics of ‘Sheila’, ‘Zombie’, and ‘Sticks n Stones’. We’re proper buzzing for it. The crowd will be warmed up with Tom Grennan and Scottish indie rock band, The Snuts.
The Sarah Nulty stage schedule is as follows:
Jamie T: 8.45pm-10.15pm
Tom Grennan: 6.45pm-7.45pm
The Snuts: 5pm-5.45pm
Sprints: 3.45pm-4.15pm
Nieve Ella: 2.45pm-3.15pm
Everly Pregnant Brothers: 1.15pm-2.15pm
The Leadmill Studio Orchestra: 12.15pm-12.45pm
Credit: Supplied
Sunday 28 July
Snow Patrol will close the festival Sunday night, with tear-jerking tunes like ‘Chasing Cars’ and ‘Open Your Eyes’. But before the Irish trio take the stage and switch up the genre, The Human League will perform before Example will get the crowd partying with his massive hits like ‘Kickstarts’ and ‘Changed the Way You Kiss Me’.
The Sarah Nulty stage schedule is as follows:
Snow Patrol: 7.45pm-9.15pm
The Human League: 5.45pm-6.45pm
Example: 4pm-4.45pm
Flowerovlove: 2.45pm-3.15pm
Maximo Park (Special Guests): 1.30pm-2.15pm
Phillipa Zawe: 12.30pm-1pm
Credit: Supplied
Tickets
There are still some tickets are still available on the Tramlines website. The gates open at 12pm each day, with the last entry being at 19:30.
Resale tickets for the full weekend are set at £140; Friday will cost £65, Saturday £45 and Sunday £55 and there are lots of affordable prices for kids too.
You can see the full list of prices and grab yours HERE.
Tramlines Festival map and how to get there
Arriving by train
For people travelling into the city from elsewhere, Sheffield is easily accessible from all across the country, with regular trains running around the region and one central station. From there, the festival site is accessible via taxi, bus or tram, and only takes approximately 15 mins.
The tramlines to, well, Tramlines…
As the name would suggest, the festival is pretty much built for public transport and Sheffield’s great tram links mean it’s really easy to get there. Supertram has all the info you need for your weekend travel and can find all the info and ticket prices by downloading the TSY Mobile app.
You can catch these from the following key locations:
Yellow Route
Middlewood Park & Ride
The Cathedral
Meadowhall Park & Ride
Use Hillsborough Park stop and head for the Middlewood Rd Entrance.
Blue Route
Malin Bridge Park & Ride
The Cathedral
Sheffield Railway Station / Hallam University
Halfway Park & Ride
Use Hillsborough stop and head for the Middlewood Rd Entrance.
Supertram services will run every six minutes from the city centre to Hillsborough Park, which is then just a short two-minute walk to the festival.
As for when you’re leaving, it’s worth noting that the Hillsborough Park and Hillsborough Corner stops will be closed after the show, so you will have access to the Leppings Lane stop from within the park after the headliners have finished. You can view the full list of stops or plan your journey HERE.
There are two entrances: Penistone Rd, S6 2AN OR Middlewood Rd, S6 4HA
By bus
Just like the rail, Sheffield also has great bus links in Sheffield that can help you get to and from Tramlines. There is a dedicated Hillsborough Park bus stop but do keep in mind that there will likely be some disruptions/delays when leaving the festival. You can plan your journey via Travel South Yorkshire.
By car
Given that Tramlines is a Metropolitan festival and built for public transport, organisers strongly recommend not driving to the event given the amount of congestion and in an effort to reduce the environmental impact over the weekend; however, you can find out more about parking etc. HERE.
As a pedestrian
In all honesty, once you’re in Sheffield, one of the easiest ways to get to Tramlines is simply on foot after hopping on a tram or a bus, but should you also want to cycle to the festival, there is a bike rack at the Penistone Road entrance (S6 2AN).
Food and drink – vendors and prices
With all that partying you will definitely build up an appetite. Luckily, Tramlines has tons of food vendors for you to choose from, including gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.
With over 40,000 festival goers to feed, there are plenty of options to keep you full, from Proove Pizza, ‘As Tha Got Beef and Get Wurst just to name a few.
As for drink prices this year, a pint at Tramlines will cost you anywhere from £6-£7 depending on what beer you go for, whereas cans of cider start from £6.25; wine starts from £10 for English sparkling white wine, with rose and pinot grigio costing £16 for a half or £32 for a full bottle.
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Sprit and mixers deals start from £7.25 with the option to double up for £2.50 and you can push all the way up to £9.25 for an official Red Bull cocktail. Meanwhile, your shots are a fiver (barring jager bombs set at £6.50), soft drinks start from £2.90 and water is £2.70.
And with that, this should be just about all you need to know ahead of Tramlines 2024 – all that’s left to do is go and enjoy yourselves, and The Sheff crew will see you there!
Oh, and make sure to keep your eyes over on the brand-new Audio North for all the best coming out of this year’s festival. It’ll look a little something like this…