Gigs & Nightlife

Manchester’s arcade bar NQ64 is giving away classic consoles, £250 bar tabs and more in unmissable competition

NQ64 Peter Street is set to be a "levelled up" version of the original venue - and The Manc has some incredible prizes to giveaway in celebration.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 14th June 2021

Manchester’s underground arcade bar NQ64 is gearing up to open another city centre venue this month, and there’s an unmissable competition giveaway to celebrate.

If retro gaming, classic consoles, and craft beer are up your street – we’ve got a treat for you.

Ahead of the opening of the second location of the iconic “neon-splattered drinking den full of retro arcade games and classic consoles” on Peter Street next week – which will take over the old Club LIV site next door to Albert’s Schloss – The Manc has teamed up with NQ64 to give away some seriously impressive prizes.

NQ64 Peter Street is a “levelled up” version of the original venue – which has been luring gamers into the Northern Quarter since 2019.

Containing all the bar’s hallmarks of neon lighting, retro art, classic consoles and more, the site will also boast a bigger bar area, more seating and a variety of new arcade machines.

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Accompanying the likes of Pac-Man, Time Crisis 2 and Guitar Hero will be additions such as the Mario Kart arcade game, Time Crisis 3 and NBA Jam, and NQ64 Peter Street will utilise the same ‘token system’ in which users swap cash for game tokens to play.

MegaDrive, PlayStations, GameCube and Super Nintendo consoles will all be free to use.

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A new themed cocktail list featuring NQ64 classics such as Princess Peach, Bubble Bobble and Pacs a Punch will also be available too.

NQ64’s Peter Street venue is a “levelled up” version of the original venue / Credit: NQ64

It’s definitely as cause for celebration – and there’s no better way than with a giveaway.

The competition – which has been exclusively launched with NQ64 on The Manc’s Instagram (@the.manc) – will see the lucky winner take home 3x classic consoles (GameBoy, MegaDrive, Gamecube) WITH games, some NQ64 merch and an NQ64 Black Card (unlimited tokens for a year), alongside a whopping £250 bar tab and some goodies Hooch.

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That’s not all either, as there’s some cracking prizes for two runners-up too, who will also get their hands on some NQ64 merch, an NQ64 Black Card, a £250 bar tab and their own supply of Hooch to accompany.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CP_MxF0o2zH/

Fancy it then?

To be in with a chance of winning, all you’ll need to do is follow these four simple steps:

  1. Go over and follow @the.manc on Instagram.
  2. Then make sure to also follow @nq64mcr on Instagram too.
  3. Tag as many mates as you like on the post, one comment = one entry.
  4. Share the competition post on The Manc to your Instagram story for bonus entries, and make sure you tag @the.manc so we see it.

The competition has already received a massive amount of attention since first being launched, but there’s still plenty of time to get your entries in before NQ64 Peter Street opens its doors on 21 June.

The winners will be announced via DM from The Manc’s official verified Instagram account only.

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The Manc is already aware of a number of fake Instagram accounts which have been created in our name with the intention to scam competition entrants, so we urge you to remain vigilant and never provide your personal details / information to anyone.

You can find more information and get your entries in here.

Featured Image – The Manc

Gigs & Nightlife

All the best Joshua Brooks gigs and events on this February-April

Danny Jones Danny Jones Joshua Brooks gigs 2023 February to April

Now the January slump is finally behind us, we’re raring to get stuck into a new season of live music, club nights and more. Thanks to Joshua Brooks’ line-up, we’ve already got a fair few in our diary.

Since its revamp back in 2021, JBs has gone from strength to strength, not only welcoming back returning customers who’ve frequented the much-loved Princess Street venue for years but ushering in a whole new crowd. With plenty of food, booze, music and live events, it never disappoints.

With that in mind, Joshua Brooks has an absolutely jam-packed schedule of live music, club nights and more this month and leading right up until April, not to mention plenty more to come this year.

Here are just some of the ones we’ve picked out:

February

1. Shogun Audio – 10 Feb

With the likes of Pola & Bryson, Monrroe, GLXY, DUSKEE and Kira headlining, legendary drum, bass and jungle label Shogun Audio is returning to Joshua Brooks this February. Expect a thumping sound system, cutting-edge visuals and a room packed full of ravers. Grab your tickets HERE.

2. Super Bowl LVII – 12 Feb

Although the majority of dates on the list are music-related, the Super Bowl is one of the biggest sporting events of the year, so of course these lot are showing the game. With sharing platters and £2 pints on offer, not to mention table packages, it’s going to be one of the best places to watch the Bowl.

3. Whippin Label Paty with Melé – 17 Feb

Whipping Records are bringing two of their most popular artists back to the Brooks with Mele and Toby Simpson set to rock up and play a mix of world music-influenced house, transatlantic hip hop, UK techno, classic Chicago grooves and more. There’s something for everyone. Find out more HERE.

4. TS7 – 18 Feb

Treating the basement to what’s bound to be a banging DJ set, Joshua Brooks is one of the next stops on TS7’s massive headline tour, kicking off hours of house beats and basslines from 10pm onwards. You’ll want to grab a ticket for this one.

5. Luuk Van Dijk – 24 Feb

Amsterdam DJ Luuk Van Dijk is one of the most diverse we’ve come across in recent years and he’ll be greeting this beloved Princess Street venue with his unique sound once again just before the end of the month. Secure your tickets now and you’ll get to listen to him all night long.

6. Yousef – 25 Feb

Yousef is one of our absolute favourites, playing a variety of deep and tech house to all-round floor-filling dance music and everything in between. With support from Powda and the Dunmore Brothers, he’ll be playing for three whole hours — what a way to close out February. Get your ticket HERE.

March

7. Ammara and Nick Spencer – 2 March

Heading into March, we all know how great Thursday nights at Joshua Brooks are, even more so when they tea up with Tribal to bring you resident trick label DJ Ammara, as well as Nick Spencer, Max Rottier and Mcminn. Now that’s value for money. You can book in for any phase or all of them (why not?) HERE.

8. Moxy Muzik with Darius Syrossian – 3 March

The following day, you have JBs second night of Moxy Muzik for 2023 with Iranian DJ Darius Syrossian, who’s set to put on a three-hour set of house, UK garage and minimal techno. Moxy is one of the best up-and-coming local labels and definitely know how to put on a hometown show. Don’t miss it.

9. Free From Sleep: Ilan Bluestone – 4 March

A pioneer of modern progressive house, London-based producer Ilan Bluestone has shot to fame on the international dance music scene. With some big singles and remixes over the past few years, not to mention his sophomore album Impulse, this master of synths is a good reason to stay up. Tickets HERE.

10. Horse Meat Disco – 10 March

Not just one of the best-named dance nights: it’s simply one of the best dance nights full stop. The London stallions are bringing the likes of Supernature, Scott Forrest and Rhod Parry to set the night off on a four-horse race to fill the floor and take the roof of 106 Princess Street. We’ll see you there.

11. Mason Maynard – 11 March

That’s right, Mason Maynard is making a special appearance at Joshua Brooks along with guests Calvin Clarke and Ervs. The set will run from 10pm until 4am and tickets are bound to go quickly. Grab yours now while you still can.

12. What Hannah Wants – 17 March

Let’s. Effin. Go. What Hannah Wants is to be heard and with a dedicated fan base already behind after some unforgettable nights at Warehouse Project, she certainly will be. Give us that hard-hitting house or give us death. Tickets will go on sale soon, so keep your eyes peeled.

13. Seb Zito – 18 March

A true raver born on the underground scene, Seb Zito sets are legendary. The owner of Seven Dials Records and Fuse London, not to mention a resident at Infuse Ibiza, the Joshua Brooks crowd will be treated to a full night of techno and deep house until 4am. Say no more — tickets HERE.

14. Hannah Laing – 24 March

Dundee’s Queen of House, Hannah Laing is making her way down to Manchester as part of her North Headline Tour and we can’t wait — her ‘Murder On The Dancefloor’ edit alone is worth coming along for. Tickets aren’t yet live but you can join the waiting list now.

15. Max Dean – 25 March

Next up is Max Dean, who after absolutely killing it at JBs back in December has been invited back to the basement once again. The house and minimal tech DJ is only 21 but is already making a splash on the electronic scene. He’s also got a few unreleased tracks just raring to go — maybe you’ll get to hear them.

16. Toman – 31 March

To close out Joshua Brook’s March offerings, Manchester is being treated to another rising Dutch DJ in Toman, as well as support from Pirate Copy. He’ll be playing what’s sure to be a lively three-hour set from 10pm and the student discount tickets have already sold out, so grab yours while you still can.

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April

17. Just Skank ‘The Reunion’ – 1 April

Joshua Brooks is kicking off April in style with a throwback for the ages. It’s been seven whole years since the last Just Skank event anywhere in Manchester and it just so happens that JBs has been selected for the night garage, D&B, dub and bassline. You simply cannot miss this one.

18. Fleur Shore – 14 April

As we hit the middle of the month, Birmingham’s very own Fleur Shore is back at JBs and playing all night long, from start to finish — this girl doesn’t need support. After a huge year playing all over the globe, she’ll be making the basement her own. Tickets HERE.

19. Retro In The Park (Warm-Up Party) – 15 April

With festival season on the horizon, JBM Music and Retro Events are doing their bit to get you in the mood by hosting a warm-up party for this year’s Retro In The Park. The massive weekend line-up of DJs, worldwide acts and local artists might be over in Burnley but you can get in the mood a month in advance right here in 0161. Might as well get started early.

20. Full Circle – 21 April

Last but not least, our final pick from Joshua Brooks’ events this April is their Full Circle night which will take you back to what they call ‘the golden era of deep house’. With the likes of Route 94, Infinity Ink, No Artificial Colours, Brian Murphy and more on the playlist, we tend to agree. Get in booked in HERE.

Read more:

These are just some of the gigs and events Joshua Brooks have on for the rest of the winter and heading into Easter/Spring. To see the full list of events leading into Spring and Easter, click HERE.

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And don’t forget they show plenty of live sport on the big screens there most weekends, so don’t feel like you have to be able to stay up until 4am to enjoy a visit.

We’re sure we’ll see a fair few of you there on one night or another.

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

Featured Image – Joshua Brooks (via Instagram)

Gigs & Nightlife

Watch live – Sticky Heat rave in Cheetham Hill to be streamed this weekend by StreamGM

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

Renowned suburban club night Sticky Heat is partnering with StreamGM for a rave in Cheetham Hill, to be live-streamed across the globe.

The massive party will celebrate Sticky’s big ‘3’ at The Yard, a music and creative venue on Bent Street.

Part of the night will be live-streamed, as episode four of StreamGM’s ongoing MainRoom series – you can join in the party below with our stream on The Manc website.

The digital clubbing series platforms emerging DJ talent and underground club nights across Manchester, but reaches an audience across the world, taking our globally-renowned nightlife scene to far-flung cities and towns.

The MainRoom streams are used as soundtracks to house parties, or rewatched for research into future nights out in the city.

Previous partnerships have included FAC51 The Hacienda, Supernature Disco, Not Bad for a Girl and Bombard Groove, with loads more ‘off piste’ raves to be announced in the coming weeks.

This weekend’s Sticky Heat rave will be headlined by Belgian DJ duo The Glimmers, supported by residents Muddy Feet, Massey and Marco Giannini.

Sticky Heat parties focus on bringing over artists who have either not played in Manchester before, or haven’t visited the city for a long time, taking over venues like The Carlton Club, Gorilla, YES and their new home The Yard.

The actual event at The Yard is expected to sell out and promises to be a night to remember – the final tickets are on sale now with Skiddle.

And if you do miss out on tickets, you can always join the MainRoom broadcast below instead, which will go live between 10pm and 1am on Saturday 4 February.

MainRoom episode 4 with Sticky Heat

MainRoom producer Laura Graham said: “We are made up to be partnering with Sticky Heat one of THE best, musically minded nights out in Greater Manchester.

“MainRoom is all about shining a spotlight on brilliant & talented DJs, and eclectic and inclusive events in the region that people outside of the M60 may not be so familiar with, and Sticky Heat more than fits the bill.

“The Yard is also a real gem of a venue, and the team are super excited to be broadcasting from such a unique space in the heart of Cheetham Hill.”

Sticky Heat’s music policy is as eclectic as their booking policy, with artists encouraged to play with no musical boundaries, and to go in whatever direction they choose to do so. Added with a loyal community who are as musically open minded as they are welcoming.

Sticky Heat co-founder and resident spinner Marco Giannini said: “Sticky Heat is incredibly excited to be collaborating with Stream GM for our 3rd birthday and housewarming party at The Yard in February.

“The Yard is such a special and culturally significant venue for Manchester, and fully accessible for wheelchair users, which is important for Sticky Heat as we always try and make our events as inclusive as possible.

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“We have always taken pride in putting together well thought out and planned lineups for our parties, so to bring The Glimmers back to Manchester (and we think maybe even the UK), for the first time since 2015 is quite a coup.”

He continued: “Couple this with our community who really are the backbone of our parties, our new home at The Yard and our trio of residents Muddy Feet, Massey & Marco Giannini, this promises to be a really exciting live stream for those tuning in at home and in different countries. You’ll really get to see what makes this night so special.

“You can tell the second you walk into Sticky Heat that it’s just a really strong community.”

StreamGM have recently partnered with digital wallet app Folio, to ensure their users never miss their live broadcasts, with benefits including: exclusive content, priority guest list at in person events and ticket notifications.

Become a StreamGM member and get a reminder for the Sticky Heat MainRoom stream going live – hit the ‘Get Membership’ button on the homepage.

Featured image: Marco Giannini

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