The Hacienda will return to Manchester with a huge homecoming show this year, featuring a star-studded line-up that includes Ian Brown and Leftfield.
The legendary long-lost nightclub will be taking over one of the city’s biggest venues for the show, which will also bring together some of the club’s former DJs.
It’s the latest in a series of annual events at Depot Mayfield, with FAC251 The Hacienda promising an all-day club event across five rooms.
Taking place on Saturday 2 December, there’ll be performances from Manc legends and DJ sets from very familiar faces.
One of the event’s headliners is ‘godlike genius’ Ian Brown, former frontman of The Stone Roses, who will perform live.
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Then techno legends Leftfield will bring their acclaimed live set, hot off the back of Glastonbury and two sold-out dates in Manchester in May.
Dance acts Inner City and Soul II Soul, plus Factory Records regulars A Certain Ratio, will also all be performing live.
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Some of the world’s best DJs will be spinning tunes at Depot Mayfield, with the likes of David Morales, Roger Sanchez, Dimitri From Paris, Todd Terry and Kevin Saunderson all returning to FAC51.
The Hacienda returns to Manchester for a huge gig this winter. Credit: Dominic Simpson
The Hacienda always prided itself on its resident DJs, who helped define the club and shape its identity, and will bring some back together this December at the huge gig.
Mike Pickering and Graeme Park join forces for a rare special back-to-back set, joined by sets from Greg Wilson, DJ Paulette, Peter Hook, 808 State, K Klass, Justin Robertson, Jon Dasilva, Hewan Clarke, Tom Wainwright, Kath McDermott, Chad Jackson, Jason Boardman, Russ, Buckley, Guy Williams, Jason Boardman, James Holroyd, Herbie Saccani & Mark XTC.
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About returning to Depot Mayfield in December, Peter Hook commented: “After a wonderful occasion last year and on our previous visits, we are delighted to reaffirm that The Hacienda’s lifelong legacy is still alive and kicking especially following our recent success dancing in the rain at Castlefield Bowl.”
Meanwhile Graeme Park added; “I’m already beyond excited about The Haçienda returning to Depot Mayfield this December. Last year’s event was absolutely epic and the line-up this time promises to make this another huge party. I’m also looking forward to DJing with Mike Pickering for the first time since April 2022. So come on then Manchester! You will not be disappointed.”
As with The Hacienda’s previous Depot Mayfield appearances, demand is expected to be high.
IDLES frontman Joe Talbot set for ’10 Songs That Made Me’ interview at AO Arena
Danny Jones
Cult favourite frontman Joe Talbot of IDLES fame is set to for an eye-opening sit-down interview as part of AO Arena’s ’10 Songs That Made Me’ series.
The lead singer of the politically-charged post-punk band will be joining the in-conversation event opposite BBC 6 Music host and popular radio host, full stop, Chris Hawkins.
Having often drifted into hardcore, art rock and even spoken word at times, Joe Talbot and co. have become known for the cutting lyricism and insightful songwriting in general, so we can only assume that diving into his own musical influences will be just as riveting.
Joining his fellow audophile on stage at the city’s legendary live music and entertainment venue this November, Talbot and Hawkins will be running through the tracks that quite literally helped create the musician we know today.
According to the AO, the arena will host an in-depth chat with the provocative 41-year-old artist as he walks Chris Hawkins through “the most important musical chapters of his life, his stunning musical journey from resident DJ at one of Bristol’s hottest clubs, through to headlining Glastonbury festival.”
It is quite the career he’s had when you break it down.
They go on to promise “raw honesty and trademark wit” as Joe reflects on the record, acts and cultural moments that shaped him as a young performer before breaking onto the scene with IDLES.
As for the ’10 Songs That Made Me’ series itself, it may be what it says on the tin, but most interestingly, being in the crowd and hearing it from each different group/individual changes the experience entirely.
“More than a story of success—it’s a journey of resilience, passion, and community”, they go on to add. “Expect an evening of candid conversation, unexpected anecdotes, and deep dives into the music that has not only defined Joe’s career but also resonated with millions around the world.
If you’re fans of the band or Talbot, in particular, you’ll already know they’re great orators; plus, if you caught even a small clip from his own fledgling Oh Gatekeeper podcast, you’ll know he loves nothing more than diving deep into tunes that shape not just the audio landscape but people at their core.
Just casually getting the lead singer of The Strokes on for in the first season, as you do…
On a personal note, we’ve watched the IDLES x Grammy Museum interview on multiple ocassions at this point, and know how much artistry there is behind everything they do.
The same goes for Talbot, specifically – there’s no doubt about that.
If you’re interested in being part of the audience for Joe Talbot’s in conversation event with Chris Hawkins as part of ’10 Songs That Made Me’, tickets for the date at AO Arena on Tuesday, 25 November are live now, and you can grab yours via Skiddle right HERE.
Last but not least, special mention goes to the interviewing expert himself, whose recent chat with Tim Burgess about The Charlatans getting back into the studio is also well worth a listen.
Tune in to 6 Music from 1pm today, @Tim_Burgess is my very special guest and rumour has it that we might get to hear a brand new Charlatans track… pic.twitter.com/vzoGDnvS7G
Wet Leg announce huge outdoor gig in Manchester as part of landmark live dates
Clementine Hall
Isle of Wight five-piece Wet Leg have announced their biggest headline shows to date, announcing a trio of huge outdoor gigs, including one right here in Manchester at Castlefield Bowl.
The multi-award-winning indie and alt outfit rose to fame back in 2022 with iconic tracks like Chaise Longue and Wet Dream, packing out stages at Glastonbury not long after releasing their critically acclaimed debut album.
Becoming their second consecutive number one in just as many attempts, moisturizer, is equally as fun and fabulous as the first – we cannot wait to hear it live in these.
Comprised of two lead singers in Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers, Ellis Durand on bass, drummer Henry Holmes and guitarist Joshua Mobaraki, this lot can make plenty of noise.
And as you can see, to make things even better, they’ll be joined by Leeds’ very own English Teacher as the main support act at each one of the landmarks shows.
As for their down south show, they’ll also be playing Alexandra Palace Park down in the capital to round out this run of live dates next summer.
It goes without saying that we’re obviously buzzing to see them become the latest name on the lineup for the 2026 Sounds of the City series, with a hometown hero also joining the ranks as of this month:
Wet Leg are in good company when they rock up to Castlefield Bowl.
Set to play the Bowl on Wednesday, 8 July, before heading to Leeds and then London for consecutive nights, we’re sure you’ll see them playing tonnes more big stages throughout festival season.
Tickets for all three of Wet Leg’s confirmed dates for 2026 go on sale this Friday, 31 October from 9:30am, and you can get ready to grab yours HERE.
We reckon this one will be a real ticket scramble, so we wouldn’t mess about if you want to bag yourself a ticket; in fact, given that all of their live shows this year sold out, we know it will…
Daisy Jackson -
24th July 2023 
