‘Tidal wave of redundancies’ coming for ‘forgotten’ Manchester music industry, claims Nightlife Adviser
Rishi Sunak's latest support scheme will replace furlough from November 1, but according to members of the Manchester music sector, these new measures do not protect employees.
The Chancellor has been accused of ‘turning his back’ on music and nightlife in Britain – with key figures in Manchester responding in dismay to his new winter economy package.
Speaking in the House of Commons on Thursday (24 September), Rishi Sunak said his latest package – which involves subsidising wages of staff working fewer hours than normal – aimed to prevent mass redundancies in a challenging economic climate.
The new support scheme will replace furlough from November 1, but according to members of the Manchester music sector, these new measures do not do enough to protect employees.
The Chancellor admitted he “could not save every job”, and the music industry is concerned they will continue to be hit hardest.
According to nightlife representatives, the music sector has been left “forgotten”.
While these new financial aid measures are helpful, they do not go far enough to keep many businesses viable, and I predict a tidal wave of redundancies across the UK night time economy as we enter the end of the year.
Sacha Lord, the Nighttime Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester, responded in detail to the Chancellor’s statement on Twitter, predicting that the lack of support would result in “a tidal wave of redundancies” nationwide.
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“While these new financial aid measures are helpful, they do not go far enough to keep many businesses viable…” commented Lord.
“At the start of the crisis, the Chancellor assured us he would stick by all businesses, but today has turned his back on this commitment. Live Music Venues, Nightclubs, Musicians, Performers, Freelancers, Events. All forgotten.
“In hospitality alone, there are 900,000 workers still on furlough, and a further 1.3million people across the UK work within the nightclub industry. For many operators, it will be easier to remove these individuals from payrolls completely than go under.”
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The Parklife and Warehouse Project founder added: “We need reassurance that the workers who will inevitably be out of work will be able to claim benefits easily and quickly, that they can apply for retraining schemes, grants and initiatives where possible, and that their mental health will be supported throughout this time.
“Those caught in the midst of local outbreaks, including the hospitality operators in Bolton who have been forced to close, will undoubtedly suffer and the local lockdown support packages will not be enough to maintain their survival.”
The government also announced a Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) as part of the winter package – which “enables smaller businesses to access finance more quickly during the coronavirus outbreak.”
However, this has also gone down like a lead balloon with local performers.
Hacienda legend Graeme Park called the government response “absolutely disgraceful”.
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Speaking directly to the Chancellor, the DJ asked: “Why should I take out a ‘bounce back loan’ when my main source of income has completely disappeared? How do I pay it back when I receive zero financial support from the government and my sector remains closed?”
So, @RishiSunak why should I take out a “bounce back loan” when my main source of income has completely disappeared? How do I pay it back when I receive zero financial support from the government and my sector remains closed? Absolutely disgraceful. #ForgottenLtd#ExcludedUK
The Music Venue Trust has also denounced the government package, with CEO Mark Davyd claiming that “no part” of the sector is in a position to take advantage of the latest support.
“The new job support programme is built around the premise of returning to work, and employers returning to some level of income arising from that work to support those workers,” said Davyd.
“The government has made it clear that it does not believe that the time is right for the live music industry to return to work, and where limited events, under substantial restrictions, are permitted, the income generated is insufficient to meet any of the government targets for employer contributions.
“Bluntly, no part of the live music industry is in a position to pay 55% of its employees salaries in order to access the government support which is entirely conditional on doing that.”
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New Century to open new 450-capacity gig venue in Manchester
Lydia Mastrolonardo
New Century has announced it will introduce a brand-new live music and events venue, ‘Locker’, this autumn.
Ever since the much-loved, reborn building announced that the current food traders would be moving out, with the New Century Kitchens food hall concept making way for a ‘new chapter’, we’ve been on the edge of our seats wondering what would take its place.
And now the legendary mid-century building has confirmed that a second, 450-capacity gig venue will be opening beneath the iconic existing music hall.
New Century have just revealed that part of their ground floor space will now be a brand new live music venue called ‘Locker’, and it’s opening to the public this autumn.
This new intimate venue joining Manchester’s ‘live music ecosystem’ is set to host both Manchester-based and nation-wide artists, catering to all music lovers and showcasing a whole range of music genres from rock, jazz and hip-hop to electronic music and more.
Manchester has always been home to some of the most influential live music venues, and this one is hoping to leave its mark as a platform facilitating the exposure of emerging talent, whilst remaining an exciting food and drinks space, in the heart of Manchester.
New Century believe in the importance of supporting smaller artists and pride themselves on providing new opportunities and a platform for promoters and talent new to Manchester’s music scene, whilst simultaneously providing an affordable space for the public to enjoy live music.
New Century Kitchens is to remain operating throughout the transformation later this year, with the current food vendors moving out on a staggered basis over the summer, to make way for the introduction of one central food concept.
New Century to open new 450-capacity gig venue, Locker, in ManchesterLocker will be opening where the existing New Century Kitchens is based
The new food concept will operate alongside the new separate, sound-proofed space that is ‘Locker,’ equipped with a high-spec live setup, described as one of the best available to us here in Manchester for a venue of its capacity.
Fear not – the existing bar is there to stay, alongside the spectacular outdoor seating area which will remain capturing the sunlight just right in these summer months, as well as there being plenty of exciting plans in place for us over summer, including screenings for the World Cup and much more.
Abby Mudge, Managing Director of New Century, said: “Locker aims to reimagine our ground floor in a way that enables us to support grassroots talent further, as well as providing independent hospitality for which New Century is known and loved.
“Our loyal guests will still be able to enjoy the same look and feel, the same great team, our beautiful bar and an exciting new food concept throughout the day and into the evening. We’re proud to be creating more space in the city for emerging artists and promoters in a building that lives and breathes music.
“Locker will also provide even more experience and opportunities for the students who call our building home at dBs Institute, supporting New Century’s musical ecosystem. We can’t wait to welcome Manchester to Locker in the Autumn!”
The arrival of Locker is also warmly welcomed by the Music Venue Trust, as Jay Taylor, the organisation’s Regional Venues Alliance Coordinator added: “New Century expanding to incorporate a second 450-capacity grassroots space is a huge step forward which will create significant opportunities for artists, promoters and audiences.
“This is a really encouraging addition to Manchester’s live music ecosystem, strengthening our vital infrastructure and grassroots scene.”
Nestled within Manchester’s NOMA district and a only short walk from both Manchester Victoria Train Station and Shudehill interchange, this venue is easily accessible to all music and food lovers on the hunt for a refreshing new venue to visit.
We never thought we’d say it but autumn can’t come soon enough.
For the latest news on Locker and exclusive access to 25% off opening tickets plus the chance to win a £200 food and drinks tab sign up to their newsletterHERE.
Salford Pride’s popular Pink Picnic returns this summer with ‘iconic’ headliners
Emily Sergeant
Boney M, The Cheeky Girls, and Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK stars are all on the lineup at Salford Pride’s popular Pink Picnic this summer.
As this summer marks 15 years of Pride in Salford, Salford Pride has announced a whole host of exciting events to celebrate – including the return of The Pink Picnic, its biggest family-friendly celebration yet, with headliners like 90s and 00s music icons, community talent, and even a ‘bigger and bolder’ Youth Zone for 2026.
Returning to Peel Park once again, The Pink Picnic brings together LGBTQ+ community, allies, families and friends for a day built around community, joy, and belonging.
For 2026, Salford Pride is expanding the experience further with even more to do across the park than ever before.
The Pink Picnic has been part of Salford’s Pride story since 2011, but this year’s 15th anniversary addition is set to be one for the history books, as alongside a headline lineup featuring Boney M, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’s Kyran Thrax and Paige Three, The Cheeky Girls, Big Brovaz, Booty Luv, and Baby D, a strong programme of community acts will also be spotlighted.
Some of the exceptional community acts already named on the lineup so far include Tallulah Guard, Fear of Marko, and John Tucker.
Across the day, visitors can also shop from dozens of community stalls and market traders, take part in or watch the much-loved annual dog show, and visit the ‘bigger and bolder’ Youth Zone that’s designed to help young people feel seen and celebrated.
“Celebrating 15 years of Pride in Salford feels really special, and we wanted 2026 to feel like a proper thank you to the community that’s built this with us” said Scott Turzański, who is the Head of Marketing and Brand at Salford Pride.
The Manc -
24th September 2020 
