The team behind one of Manchester‘s best-loved festivals has launched a new clubbing series in the city centre.
The organisers of Moovin’ Festival – which is known for taking over the fields of Stockport every summer – are bringing the festival’s eclectic vibes to dance floors across the region with a new series of unique club shows, which is aptly named ‘Moovin-In’.
Popular Manchester city centre venue O2 Victoria Warehouse is set to become the host of one of the year’s biggest parties.
The third edition of the Moovin-In clubbing series at O2 Victoria Warehouse on Friday 5 May sees previous Moovin residents and pioneers bring a mix of Drum and Bass, Jungle, Reggae, and Dub to headline what sounds set to be an unbeatable night.
The legendary David Rodigan, who is known as the original Reggae selector and soundclash champion, and is famous for his electric on-stage energy, is set to make his Moovin-In debut, and joining him in a rare Manchester appearance is Congo Natty, aka Rebel MC, who is widely-respected as one of the trailblazers in Jungle music.
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The team behind one of Manchester’s best-loved festivals has launched a new clubbing series / Credit: Supplied
Also on the lineup for the night is Mad Professor – a Guyanese-born British dub music producer known for leading the second generation of dub reggae through his ‘Dub Me Crazy’ album series, which helped take Dub to a mainstream audience.
Alongside him is another true veteran of the urban music scene, General Levy – who is still one of the most in demand MCs in the country, and is famous for his exhilarating sets.
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British Jungle and D’n’B duo, Micky Finn & Aphrodite, who are known for their long-standing anthems and have been a mainstay on the worldwide rave scene after living and breathing underground music for over 30 years, will also be making an appearance.
Dillinja, who is one of the more prolific producers in Jungle music with records on over 10 different labels – including his own – will also bring his innovative and ever-evolving style to Moovin-In.
O2 Victoria Warehouse Manchester will host of one of the year’s biggest parties / Credit: Supplied
As mentioned, some of the residents, locals, and upcoming acts who always play their part in Moovin Festival will remain to do so at the new club shows – with some of the names on the lineup set to bring a taste of their Mancunian D’n’B flavours to the stage including Mikey D.O.N, Mark XTC, Dawn Raid, Helen K, Jazzy Lioness, Indika, Woodstar, and Cameron Saccani.
Featured Image – O2 Victoria Warehouse (Academy Music Group)
Gigs & Nightlife
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 -
18th January 2023 
