BBC Radio 1Xtra is broadcasting a special show dedicated entirely to Manchester’s renowned music scene and celebrates all our local talent tonight.
From 7pm-9pm tonight, BBC Radio 1Xtra’s DJ Target will cast aside his usual schedule and dedicate his entire show to the music of our brilliant city, celebrating the achievements of our local talent and artists, and getting to know a little bit more about the city’s unique and growing musical scene.
BBC Radio 1Xtra will be connecting with artists and DJs in our area, and during the show, will speak to special guests about the rising prominence and influence of the city on the UK’s music scene.
It’ll also shine a spotlight on the success that’s already been achieved by local artists such as Aitch and Bugzy Malone.
This show will feature an interview with rising star, Nemzzz, and include some worthy contributions from 1Xtra’s Hot For 2022 artist, Meekz, as well as by local youth-run radio station, Pie Radio.
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The special show is part of BBC Radio 1Xtra’s UK Touchdown Tour, which will see the station touchdown in a total of 22 different cities across April, including Birmingham, Newcastle, Cardiff, Bristol, Brighton, Edinburgh, and Liverpool, as well as here in Manchester.
For each show, including tonight’s Manchester special, BBC Radio 1Xtra will be sourcing tracks using BBC Music Introducing’s extensive network of local Introducing shows and feature the music of undiscovered and emerging artists from the city.
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Artists set to be included in Manchester’s show tonight include KSR, Frenzy, July 7, Children of Zeus, Piri x Tommy Villiers, and more.
BBC Radio 1Xtra’s DJ Target is shining a light on Manchester tonight on the Touchdown Tour / Credit: BBC Radio 1
“I’m so excited to take the Touchdown Tour to Manchester,” DJ Target says ahead of the show.
“At 1Xtra, we’re all about finding and supporting the best new talent wherever they are in the UK and there are some incredible artists coming up in Manchester’s scene right now [so] this tour is an amazing way for us to connect with the region and shine a spotlight on Manchester.”
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Tune in to DJ Target’s UK Touchdown Tour show tonight on BBC Radio 1Xtra 7-9pm, or listen back afterwards on BBC sounds.
Yet another major Deansgate Locks nightlife spot has closed in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Deansgate Locks is set to lose yet another of its nightlife spots, with Ark confirming it will be shutting its doors ‘within weeks’.
The multi-room, multi-storey, multi-genre nightclub has been part of the canalside development for more than a decade, having first opened back in 2014.
At that time, Deansgate Locks was arguably Manchester’s leading nightlife destination, drawing hundreds of students and party-goers to its mix of venues.
The railway arches have been home to iconic clubs and bars including Baa Bar, Lola Lo, Revolution, and Sugar Buddha, as well as The Comedy Store.
But with news that Ark Manchester is closing too, it leaves only Popworld left at what was previously one of the city’s hottest destinations.
In a statement shared with the Manchester Evening News, a spokesperson for Stonegate said: “The hospitality sector continues to face significant challenges.
Ark Manchester will be closing for goodIt leaves Deansgate Locks with just one venue
“After careful consideration, and despite our best efforts, Ark Manchester is no longer commercially viable and we have taken the difficult decision to close the venue.
“Our priority is to support our hard‑working team during this time, and we would like to thank them for their commitment and dedication. We would also like to thank our guests and the local community for their support over the years.”
It’s believed that Ark Manchester will close on Deansgate Locks in the next few weeks.
The Streets announce big change for Castlefield Bowl gig in Manchester amid World Cup clash
Daisy Jackson
One of the biggest gigs taking place in Manchester this summer has announced a pretty major change to its plans.
The Streets are set to perform two nights at Castlefield Bowl this weekend, taking to the magnificent outdoor stage in the heart of the city.
But one of those shows happens to clash with a pretty major event – England’s quarter final World Cup match against Norway.
But The Streets have got the nation’s interests at heart, and have announced a plan to make sure fans can watch both their gig and the football.
Mike Skinner et al will be shifting their entire Saturday gig forward by a full hour, which means gig-goers should be able to escape Castlefield Bowl and peg it to the nearest pub in time for the footy.
“Fear not,” they wrote in an update on Instagram today. “Saturday’s show will begin early to accommodate England vs Norway at 10.”
It also means their support acts – Mancunian artist Antony Szmierek, and rap and grime MC CASISDEAD – will be playing an hour earlier than planned.
The Streets’ gig on Friday will remain at the time originally planned.
Doors to Castlefield Bowl will open earlier ahead of Antony Szmierek’s performance at the revised time of 5.50pm.
Then CASISDEAD will perform at 6.15pm, with The Streets on stage at 7.45pm.
Fans have been delighted with The Streets’ decision to move their Manchester Saturday show forward, with one writing: “THANK YOU CASTLEFIELD BOWL AND MIKEYYYY. We had a very difficult decision on our hands today, this is what dreams are made of. See you Saturday!!!!”
Many more are calling for the England games to be screened at Castlefield Bowl, but no plans have been confirmed for that just yet. Watch this space…
Emily Sergeant -
11th April 2022 
