New Century to open new 450-capacity gig venue in Manchester

Lydia Mastrolonardo Lydia Mastrolonardo New Century to open new 450-capacity gig venue, Locker, in Manchester

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. 

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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. 

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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 Manchester
New Century to open new 450-capacity gig venue, Locker, in Manchester
Locker will be opening where the existing New Century Kitchens is based
Locker 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 newsletter HERE.

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Featured image: Supplied

Teams and fixture date confirmed for first-ever regular season NBA game in Manchester

Danny Jones Danny Jones NBA Manchester game date teams tickets

In another major coup for Manchester, the NBA is coming to our shores for just the second time in our history, and now the teams set to take part have finally been announced.

Having only been played in the UK on a relative handful of occasions, this is nothing short of a massive milestone for the city.

Last crossing the pond back in 2019, the NBA has only visited 0161 once before over a decade ago at the old AO Arena, and there’s only been a total of 19 transatlantic meetings up until now.

As if that wasn’t exciting enough, being confirmed as part of the NBA’s new European slate, Manchester is also set to be one of the first venues in the UK to ever host a regular-season game outside of the United States. Massive. Here’s who’s playing and when:

NBA Europe managed to secure a three-year programme of fixtures that will feature as part of the league’s normal competitive season in late 2025.

As you can see, kicking off next year and running until 2028 at the very least, the current deal will see the much-loved sport watched worldwide first land on the continent for a pair of games next year in Berlin and London, before heading to Paris and our very own Manchester in Q1.

Florida’s Orlando Magic and Tennessee’s Memphis Grizzlies had already been announced for the first two games last July, and now the San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans are set to face off for the Manc meeting.

With Basketball England being officially headquartered within the wider Etihad Campus, there was no question that the Manchester NBA fixture was going to be held at Co-op Live.

As well as being not just the biggest indoor entertainment venue of its kind in England but all of Europe, the arena has also recently welcomed the likes of the UFC, WWE and multiple boxing bouts, proving it can serve as the perfect host for premier live sporting action on a global scale.

In addition to the matches themselves, the Spurs and Pelicans will also be holding various fan activities and events within the region as part of the NBA Cares social impact programming initiative, with a focus on health, wellness, sustainability and coaching, as well as both player and even referee development.

Speaking on the seismic news last summer, the leader of Manchester City Council and representative for Burnage, Bev Craig, could only echo how big a deal this is for the region.

“Manchester once again has shown what a magnificent draw it is for major events, and we are thrilled to welcome the NBA back to our city”, she said. “This city is known for big names, big games and a reputation for showcasing world-class events on the biggest stage possible.

“With a growing basketball scene in Manchester, this event feels like the perfect fit and will give so many people in our city the chance to see what the best athletes in the sport can do on our home turf.

“When it comes to delivering world-class events, we know that Manchester is now firmly on the map. Now, working with our partners, we want to continue driving investment towards our city, creating new jobs, increasing growth and providing new opportunities and experiences for all of our residents.”

You can register your interest for tickets to see Spurs vs Pelicans in a proper competitive NBA regular season round right at the Co-op Live in Manchester, right HERE; remember, you can always spring for the discounted posh seats, as well.

We got to see a music legend from the best seats in the house – here’s how you can too
One of the best new ways to see live music, sport, comedy and more.

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Featured Images — The Manc Group/Publicity pictures (via Manchester City Council)

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