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The Warehouse Project Rotterdam: all you need to know

WHP's first-ever international event is nearly here and we actually can't explain how excited we are.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 24th April 2023

It’s now just a week until The Warehouse Project Rotterdam and knowing how good a weekend is at Depot Mayfield, we can’t wait to see what a full bank holiday is like on tour in the Netherlands.

The Warehouse Project was recently voted the best club night in the world (yes, the world), so you know for a fact that their first foray into hosting abroad is going to be just as impressive.

Now, if you’re anything like us then you need to plan ahead of any festival, let alone one overseas, so we thought we’d put together a little gig guide for anyone attending or even those of you who are still on the fence.

That being said, here’s all you need to know.

When is it and where?

Let’s start with the easy stuff: The Warehouse Project Rotterdam kicks off on Friday, 28 April and runs until Sunday, meaning you still have the bank holiday Monday to recover and make your way back home.

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Situated over at RDM Rotterdam, an old shipbuilding facility located on the docks of the city’s canal system, this warehouse of choice can cram in around 5,000 people, so it’s going to be quite the atmosphere in there.

The party kicks off at 8pm on the Friday with curfew at 4am and it’s the same closing time on Saturday only you can get there from 6pm; Sunday is even earlier start at 2pm with a midnight curfew, but you’ll probably be thankful for it in the morning.

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Are there still tickets left?

Yes, lucky for you there are still tickets for WHP Rotterdam and depending on your plans for the weekend you can either grab a single general admission day ticket for £60 for Friday/Saturday and just £45 for Sunday, or secure yourself a full weekend pass for £150 that will cover you for all three days.

Better still, as well as the full WHP Rotterdam weekender pass, if you’re interested in any of the boat and after parties, they’ll only set you back £20 plus booking fee.

Lastly, if you really fancy treating yourself for the weekend, there is the option to upgrade to VIP after booking for £49 per person, which includes Fastlane entry, VIP Toilets and a private bar. Boujee.

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WHP Rotterdam Lineup

As for who you’ll be seeing, in case you haven’t peeped it already, the lineup for WHP Rotterdam is absolutely insane — well up there with any night you could hope for back in 0161 — with big names across all three nights.

With the likes of Bicep, Peggy Gou, Overmono, Seth Troxler, DJ EZ and many more on the bill, it’s easy to see why WHP Rotterdam is set to be one of the biggest nights of the year.

As if this wasn’t enough, you’ve also got boat parties and after-parties once the sets are said and done, and you can also download the official WHP app for a full list of set times to make sure you manage your clashes and don’t miss a second. Here’s who you’ll be seeing:

Accommodation

When it comes to where you can stay for the Rotterdam weekender, there are still a handful of rooms left at the main WHP accommodation hub, King Kong Hostel, which will also be featuring exclusive pre-parties in their in-house bar. Here’s what it has to offer:

King Kong Hotel & Hostel

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  • Award-winning hostel and hotel in Witte de Withstraat (cool district)
  • Movie lounge, live entertainment and bar
  • Mixture of dorms and stylish private rooms from just £50 per person

You can add any available rooms that are left to the rest of your booking and even if choose to simply book an Airbnb as well, RDM Rotterdam isn’t far from the city centre anyway, so getting back and forth won’t involve the usual stress that often follows going to a festival.

Travel

Speaking of travel, there will be shuttle services running from a few key locations in Rotterdam to RDM, including the after-parties after the event.

There are also water taxis which can help ferry you around to and from the venue, not to mention around the city, with more than 50 mooring points available.

As for how you get to Rotterdam itself, well that’s up to you; you can get a Eurostar train from London, a ferry from either Hull, Newcastle or Harwich, or even get WHP coach pick-up from around £90.

You can find out plenty more about travel on the ‘routes’ section of the website and if you want all the logistics sorted for you, you can always just book a full accommodation and travel package.

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If that lineup alone doesn’t convince you, Rotterdam is a gorgeous destination and has plenty to offer throughout the day and The Warehouse Project has also put together a helpful city guide so never have to wonder what to get up to in the hours before the party starts.

WHP RDM is the legendary music event’s first-ever international date and it’s set to be a night you’ll never forget — or three, to be precise.

You can grab your tickets HERE and we’ll hopefully see you there!

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image — The Warehouse Project

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Moovin’ Festival 2024 – full line-up announced for Stockport’s much-loved festival as it hits major milestone

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Moovin Festival has announced its 2024 line-up. Credit: Supplied

Stockport’s proudly independent Moovin’ Festival is back on the farm this summer for its 10th anniversary edition.

The beloved local music event, which takes over Whitebottom Farm in the picturesque Etherow Country Park, has announced its full line-up for this year’s celebration.

Moovin’ Festival 2024 will include headline performances from Leftfield and legendary DJ Laurent Garnier, plus Sampa the Great, Erol Alkan, Crazy P, David Rodigan, Souls of Mischief, Mr Scruff, Greg Wilson, Jaguar Skills, Congo Natty, Ray Keith, DRS, Nicky Blackmarket, Nubiyan Twist, K Klass and many more innovative bands, DJs and live acts from across the spectrum. 

Taking place over the August bank holiday weekend, Moovin will also bring together up and coming local performers and events like circus performances, yoga sessions, holistic treatments, and ethically sourced cuisine.

Widely considered one of the region’s best music events, Moovin has gone from being ‘Manchester’s best kept secret’ to a staple in the calendar every year.

The festival pitches itself as an ‘exceptional celebration of sonic brilliance, eclectic music, and quirkiness, set in a beautiful and intimate environment’.

Moovin Festival has announced its 2024 line-up. Credit: Supplied
Moovin Festival has announced its 2024 line-up. Credit: Supplied

The packed line-up will take places in the stunning surroundings of the eco-friendly Whitebottom Farm, where spaces to be discovered include a hidden oasis adorned with lush trees, serene lakes, and a captivating gorge plus stages like the iconic Barn Stage, a spacious cow shed with cosy hay bales for relaxation.

The ‘adult playground of music and magic’ features state-of-the-art sound systems and a relaxed ambiance.

French techno legend and scene hero Laurent Garnier will be among the headliners – a rare chance to catch this pioneering artist who isn’t frequently touring these days.

He will be joined by Leftfield, fellow icons in the scene who have put out seminal albums, lay down heavy techno beats and have endless classic hits in their arsenal. 

Iconic hip-hop group Souls of Mischief and reggae legend David Rodigan, along with Afro beats pioneer and global star Sampa The Great are also on the bill for Moovin’ 2024.

Moovin regular and Hacienda legend Graeme Park makes a welcome return to celebrate 40 years in the scene, Congo Natty celebrates 30 years as a pioneer of the jungle revolution, Erol Alkan brings his raucous mix of indie dance sounds, Crazy P will play a DJ set that explores all forms of disco, and Prince Fatty & Horseman will lay down their dub sounds. 

Moovin Festival has announced its 2024 line-up. Credit: Supplied
Moovin Festival has announced its 2024 line-up. Credit: Supplied
Moovin Festival has announced its 2024 line-up. Credit: Supplied

The line-up continues with the captivating sounds of Nubiyan Twist, the infectious beats of K Klass, and the mesmerising performance artistry of Oh My God It’s the Church and their unique gospel sound.

Dub FX is set to deliver an electrifying performance that will keep the crowd moving, while Moovin residents DJ Paulette, Mr. Scruff, Krafty Kuts, Greg Wilson, and Jaguar Skills are back to showcase their unparalleled talents on the turntables as they traverse the world of disco, funk, hip hop, breaks, soul, jazz, and plenty in between. 

Fans of drum & bass and jungle music are in for a treat once more with heavyweight offerings from DRS, Ray Keith, DJ Randall, Nicky Blackmarket, Mark XTC, and many more.

DJ Paulette says: “Whenever I get to play Moovin Festival it’s a highlight of my festival calendar. As soon as I see the waterfall I feel like I’m home.The crowd is just beautiful and tech energy is electric.”

Groove Armada said: “At the bottom of a tree lined valley, a hay barn with a fat sound-system. A freewheeling crowd, no VIP red ropes, no hassle , just music and good vibes. 90s free party? No its the brilliant Moovin’ festival.”

And Graeme Park commented: “I absolutely adore DJing at Moovin’. It’s truly a unique and magical experience with totally incredible vibes!”

Tickets for Moovin’ Festival 2024 are on sale now here.

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Featured image: Moovin’ Festival

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A guide to the brand-new Co-op Live Arena: drinks prices, how to get there, capacity and more

Danny Jones Danny Jones Co-op Live Manchester guide important info

The brand spanking new Co-op Live Arena finally opens this week and while it might be a touch later than expected, it’s still a huge deal for Manchester and the region as a whole.

While the inaugural pair of shows by British comedy legend Peter Kay might have been postponed due to unexpected power supply problems, that’s exactly what test events are for and Co-Op Live is still due to open its doors to the public later this Saturday as they welcome The Black Keys.

Boasting a jam-packed and ambitious programme already, with shows lined up well into 2025, there’s a lot to take in and as always with new venues, it can be helpful to know all the important details before your first visit – and we’re all in that boat in this case.

But don’t worry, we’ve got you sorted with a whirlwind guide to the Co-op Live.

Everything you need to know about Co-op Live Manchester

Let’s start with why everyone’s getting so excited. Well not only is it going to become the UK’s biggest indoor entertainment venue and one of the biggest in Europe full stop, boasting a maximum capacity of 23,500 people but, like the newly opened Aviva Studios, it’s also set to bring huge revenue into the city.

All told, the total cost of the venue has clocked at approximately £365 million, making it one of the most expensive buildings to ever be erected in the region.

With the arena promising to rival not only the biggest and best venues in Manchester but the UK in general, they are looking to “change the way business is done within the music, sports and live entertainment industry“.

Attracting not only huge artists, comedians and other live acts but now even the likes of the UFC later this year, it really is poised to be an all-purpose entertainment space.

Who is Co-op Live backed by?

So who exactly is behind this huge new addition to the city? Well, there are a few big names involved, first and foremost the City Football Group (yes that one – they are neighbours after all).

Man City owner and UAE royal Sheikh Mansour has put forward the lion’s share along with the Oakview Music Group, co-founded by American music mogul and ex-Ticketmaster CEO, Irving Azoff.

Thirdly, another key investor who has played a big role in the marketing for Co-op Live, in case you haven’t already seen him in the promos, is Harry Styles.

Putting in an undisclosed amount into the building as a minority equity shareholder along with Emma Spring, co-director of his record label Erskine Records, Emma Spring, his brand alone is set to help rake in big sums for the venue.

The former One Direction star speaks ahead of Co-op Live opening to the public.

Those drink prices…

Yep, a lot of you will have surely heard about them already and if you haven’t about Co-op Live’s drinks prices yet, you might want to sit down for this one.

As confirmed by many accounts on social media, the cheapest pints available at the flashy new arena are £8.35 for a Grolsch, with Guinness, Asahi and Salfordian brewers Seven Brothers‘ IPA all setting you back £8.95. Double pints are priced at £16.35 and £17.45.

If you’re looking to save money with bottles or cans, you’ll still be paying around seven quid and wine will cost you £8.95 or £9.25 for 187ml or 200ml servings, respectively. A bottle of vino clocks in at £35 and sprits range anywhere between £9.50 and a whopping £17.40 for a tequila. Yikes.

You’re better off sticking to a soft drink at £4.80 for a pint and that way you can still save money in case you need a bite to eat, as pies are £8.25 and you’ll have to cough up £11.50 if you want a burger. We’ll let you draw your own conclusions on this front, though we’re sure we could make an educated guess.

Seating chart and venue map

co-op live venue
Seated for Peter Kay
seating plan co-op live
Standing and seated for Olivia Rodrigo
Credit: Ticketmaster

You’ll find the typical arrangement for seated events and standing gigs above but, like most modern event spaces like this, the ‘top-in-class’ venue will likely be able to shuffle into different configurations where needed.

As you can see, there a three main tiers – the ground floor standing area in the lower bowl, level one seating and the upper tier – and there are a total of 32 bars, restaurants and various lounges wrapped into the entire complex.

When it comes to how you get into the arena itself, guests are encouraged to consult their gate (A-G) allocation through their tickets on the dedicated Co-op Live app, which also includes all info regarding shows and the latest announcements from the venue.

Here’s a wider look at the lay of the land:

A rough guide to getting around Co-op Live (Credit: Supplied)

How to get to Co-op Live, parking and more

Tram

Now, as for how you’ll get to shows at Co-op Live, luckily it’s right next door to a rather famous big blue stadium and its integrated Metrolink stop.

Head along the light blue or orange lines directly to the Etihad Campus or Ashton-under-Lyne and you can get off the tram literally spitting distance from the arena. You can find the full map HERE.

Trams run frequently on the Ashton-Eccles line to the Etihad Campus stop, with services leaving every six minutes from the city centre and until 01:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

Bus

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If you want to take another new and improved arm of the Bee Network public transport system, not only is there a whole host of routes that drop you off close to the venue but there’ll also be a free shuttle bus from the city centre to and from events between 20 April-30 June 2024.

You can find the full list of bus routes HERE, with the one in closest proximity to the venue being the 53 bus which runs from Cheetham Hill through to Higher Crumpsall, Old Trafford and Pendleton, leaving just a two-minute walk to Co-op Live.

Better still, as part of Manchester City Council and TfGM embracing the new addition to the skyline, they’re also helping cover the costs of people’s journeys when using public transport.

Co-op Live and TfGM to offer FREE trams and buses to and from new arena for all event ticket holders

Getting there by car and parking

If you’re driving, there is limited parking available at the venue but this must be pre-booked ahead of time. Parking will be released up to 4 weeks before the event and there are designated drop-off areas.

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The postcode is M11 3DU and you can follow the signs towards the wider Etihad Campus as you get closer; directions to the adjacent drop-off points will also be signposted.

Keep in mind that congestion on the roads close to the Etihad Campus is expected to gather around two hours prior to any event, so if you are travelling on the road, these are the suggested times they provide come event day – though estimates will obviously vary:

  • Alan Turing Way (both directions): plan an additional 20 minutes into any journey by road.
  • Hyde Road (eastbound): expect an additional 15 minutes to be added to your journey.
  • Mancunian Way (westbound): plan for an extra 10 minutes of travel time.

There are also three park-and-ride facilities near Co-op Live but be advised that the Velopark and Holt Town stops will be closed post-event to help safely manage crowds:

  • Ashton Moss (Ashton line) – 183 spaces and 12 disabled spaces
  • Ashton West (Ashton line) – 184 spaces and 11 disabled spaces
  • Ladywell (Ashton-Eccles line) – 332 spaces and 22 disabled spaces

Walk/cycle

Lastly, it’s also just a half-hour stroll from Manchester Piccadilly and you could even walk along the canal all the way to the front door if you fancy taking the scenic route.

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Greater Manchester now also offers the option to hire bikes through the Beryl, with riders able to locate, unlock, get to their destination and then safely lock up the boke all through an easy-to-use app. There are hire points just near the south-west corner of the Etihad Stadium on Ashton New Road.

For more information on all travel options, you can check out the enhanced journey planner.

Co-op Live opening and closing times

While times will obviously change depending on the show, you can expect doors to open around the standard window between 6-7pm.

That being said, the venue is urging visitors to arrive at evening events in the main bowl no later than 9pm. As for curfew, Co-op Live gigs are due to finish by 11pm unless otherwise stated.

Accessibility info

One thing they’re taking very seriously at the Co-op Live is accessibility and after teaming up with disability charity Attitude Is Everything, you can find a full guide to access the arena HERE.

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Having installed lowered service counters, step-free access to all floors, a designated respite room, support for assistance dogs, hearing loops for those with aids/implants, ambulant seating and plenty more, they’ve got it covered so all you have to do is come along and enjoy the show.

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And that just about wraps up everything we can think when it comes to what you need to know ahead of Co-op Live’s grand opening at the end of this month.

It’s set to be a world-leading venue and we can’t wait to see it lit up in its full glory when the first acts roll through the doors of big shiny black box this weekend.

Speaking of, once the action is underway, there’ll be a lot of acts coming thick and fast. It’s a new era for Manchester’s live music and entertainment scene.

What’s on at Co-op Live, Manchester’s huge new arena with packed programme of gigs and shows
Here’s your guide to everything happening at Co-op Live so far – and there’s a lot of it.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — The Manc Group/Co-op Live

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