An extremely rare Oasis gig contract that requests “sober-speaking” staff members is to be auctioned off this month.
The Primary Talent International contract was drawn up on 18th April 1994.
This was just a few weeks ahead the iconic Manchester band’s show at The Old Trout in Berkshire on 7th May, and three months before they released their debut album Definitely Maybe.
The venue had played host to other Britpop names of the era including Oasis’ chart-rivals Blur, as well as performances from groups such as Everything But The Girl, fellow Manchester band Inspiral Carpets, Spiritualized and Pop Will Eat Itself.
If “sober-speaking” staff wasn’t a bizarre enough request for a contract as it is though, that’s not all it specifies either, as a two-course meal that’s “not fast food”, water, fruit juice and soft drinks are also among the catering requests that feature, as well as a comprehensive snack list of “crisps, nuts, biscuits, fresh fruit (minimum of eight pieces)”, which is seen scribbled out.
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And of course, as most Oasis fans would expect, “24 large cans of quality lager” was the main request.
If you’re wondering what the “sober-speaking” staff are for, it was requested that the venue management should provide them to “assist the band’s road crew” in moving equipment and setting up the stage.
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Hansons AuctioneersHansons Auctioneers
The paperwork is expected to sell for up to £1,500 at Hansons Auctioneers in Derbyshire later this month.
Hansons said the seller is a woman who worked in the music industry and bought it directly from a man who organised gigs at The Old Trout at the time, and she is looking to sell the contract, along with a flyer advertising the gig, ahead of her retirement.
A music memorabilia specialist at Hansons said items like this were “extremely rare”.
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Claire Howell – Music Memorabilia Specialist at Hansons – said: “Items like this are extremely rare and this lot comes with great provenance. It also includes a flyer advertising the gig.
“It’s valued at £1,000-£1,500 but I wouldn’t be surprised to see it sell for more.
“It could easily whip up a bidding frenzy among fans at auction, such is the enduring popularity and nostalgia for Oasis. The seller is a lady who worked in the music industry and amassed an interesting collection over the years [and] she is now looking to sell some specialist pieces ahead of retirement”.
Hansons Auctioneers
Claire continued: “The contract was purchased directly from a man who organised gigs at the time.
“Memorabilia linked to Britpop bands from the 1990s is gaining in value and UK groups don’t come much bigger than Oasis.
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“This 27-year-old find has certainly brought memories of the band’s early days flooding back.”
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The paperwork is set to go for auction at Hansons Auctioneers’ music memorabilia sale on 23rd March, and you can find more information ahead of the sale here.
Music
You can line dance to Lily Allen’s West End Girl in full right here in Manchester
Thomas Melia
After a fun way to kickstart the New Year? Some people might suggest hobbies like ‘Tennis’, but how about a line dancing class playing Lily Allen’s new album in its entirety – we know which we’d rather do.
Grab your nearest ‘Nonmonogamummy’ or take ‘Madeline’, if you know one, because there’s a line dance class where you get to line dance to Lily Allen’s West End Girl in full right here in Manchester.
Hosted by Red Rodeo Club, a queer line dancing group based in Manchester, who have hosted monthly artist-inspired events city wide including Chappell Roan, Beyoncé, Charli XCX and more.
This troupe even managed to line dance all the way to one of Manchester’s most reputable LGBTQIA+ nights of the year, performing on the Archive stage at Homobloc just last month.
Now, Red Rodeo is returning with another special night that is sure to interest all the West Endand North West girls across Manchester, as it prepares a Lily Allen line dance spectacular later this month.
If you’re ‘Ruminating’ about attending this event, there’s absolutely no pressure or dance experience needed as the group prides itself on providing ‘classic boot-scootin tutorials with a party vibe’.
You’ll definitely be in good company regardless of your dance partners, as hosting the event is Violet Blonde, known for their extraordinary outfits and love of Country icon Dolly Parton.
We’re already onto a winner…
Your dance instructor for the night is the remarkable Shanika Sunrise, a rapper and producer, who boasts a seriously impressive roster of acts they’ve opened for, including Chappell Roan, Cupcakke and Moonchild Sanelly.
Opportunities like this aren’t always feasible for everyone, which is something this line dance group is aware of as they’re offering a ‘Red Rodeo Club Low Income Ticket’, suited for students, unwaged and disabled attendees.
Red Rodeo Club is bringing the ‘Lily Allen edition’ line dance class to Fairfield Social Club in Manchester on Thursday, 29 January 2026, from 7-10:30pm.
If you’re interested in grapevine stepping or electric shuffling your way to the Lily Allen West End Girl line dance event in Manchester, you can find tickets HERE.
The smash-hit daytime rave where you can still be in bed early is returning to Manchester
Clementine Hall
That’s right: Day Fever, the daytime rave designed to still get you tucked in at a reasonable hour, is coming back to Manchester city centre this year.
Following their biggest raft of shows across the UK and Ireland in 2025, the smash-hit night out that is very much aimed at those of us 30 and over – but fellow sleepy heads are obviously more than welcome – Day Fever are targeting big things in 2026.
Launched in early 2024 by actress Vicky McClure and Reverend & The Makers frontman, Jon McClure, Day Fever has become a cultural sensation.
From its debut in Sheffield to a tour that sees thousands of ravers hitting the dance floor each month, the message is clear: people want to dance and let loose, but still be in bed before 9pm – and let’s be honest, who can blame them?
The founders (L-R): Jon McClure, James O’Hara, Jonny Owen, Vicky and Chris McClure. (supplied)
Running from 3-8pm, Day Fever provides a proper night out that doesn’t completely write you off for the entire weekend.
“It started as a WhatsApp idea”, says Jon McClure. “Jonny just said, ‘A daytime disco, how good would that be?’ We’re all a bit nuts, so we just said, ‘Come on then!’”
“It feels like a massive house party at your nan’s,” laughs Vicky. “No drama, no egos, just people acting daft, getting dressed up, and having the best time.”
From here in 0161 and our mates over in Leeds, to Newcastle, Glasgow and many more, each Day Fever event has its own unique flavour.
There’ll be local DJs who know their crowds keep the energy high with a nostalgic mix of Northern Soul, disco, indie, and 90s classics. “Manchester goes mad for Oasis,” says Jon, “and if Vicky’s there, we have to play Whitney, it’s non-negotiable!”
For starters, just look at the turnout they got over Christmas:
Emily Sergeant -
9th March 2021 
