One of Manchester’s best-loved music venues has finally confirmed when it’ll be reopening after a prolonged closure.
After quietly – and somewhat mysteriously – shutting up shop due what were cited as “unforeseen circumstances” back in the spring, Gorilla has finally taken to social media last night to confirm when it will be reopening its doors to the public, and has revealed how it plans to properly welcome back Manchester music fans.
The intimate music space and bar on Whitworth Street had originally said back in April of this year that it would only be “temporarily closed”, which left many to assume it would just be back open after that weekend – but sadly, that wasn’t quite the case.
Forfeiture notices appeared in the windows of the venue a couple of weeks later, and the countless gigs that were scheduled to be held there kept getting moved to alternative similar-sized venues around the city centre.
Since then, several months passed with no formal word of reopening.
ADVERTISEMENT
Manchester music venue Gorilla finally confirms its reopening date after a prolonged closure / Credit: Gorilla
Until back in June, that is, when the venue confirmed that it will be reopening, but fans would just have to sit tight for a bit longer, as the space was having some “essential building work” done by its landlord.
And now finally, after six long months, Gorilla took to its official social media platforms tonight to thank all its supporters for their patience and the love they’ve shown during the prolonged closure, and more importantly, confirm the date it’ll be reopening once again – which is MUCH closer than most were probably expecting.
ADVERTISEMENT
Gorilla will be throwing its doors open to the Manchester public on Friday 3 November.
Announcing its reopening plans in a statement to Instagram last night, Gorilla wrote: “Well it’s been a wild six months, but we are so buzzing to finally announce that we are back [and] we honestly have not stopped thinking about getting back to Gorilla since we found out we were being closed.
“We reopen on 3 November with ‘Hits Different’, a night dedicated to all the pop bangers.
“Our first gig back is with our good mates and local legends Spangled, which we think is a perfect way to kick off celebrations [and then] straight after Spangled, we kick-off another party with Revolver, all the indie tracks, all night long.
“Whilst we have everyone’s attention, we just wanna say a big thank you to everyone for being so sound and supportive to us whilst all this has been happening.
“It’s been a big battle – but not one we ever gave up on.
“To the Gorilla team, we adore you all and never take any of your dedication for granted. Gorilla babes for life. See you at the bar.”
Featured Image – Gorilla
Music
Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics is returning to Manchester next year
Clementine Hall
IconicDJ and radio presenter Pete Tong MBE is making his way back to Manchester with a whole host of guests ready to help you dance the night away.
Known for his live radio shows such as the ‘Essential Mix’ on BBC Radio 1, Tong is bringing back his widely successful Ibiza Classics club night to Manchester with an equally impressive roster of guests.
The ‘Ibiza Classics’ concept originated and debuted back in 2015 with Tong and co. taking on Royal Albert Hall as part of BBC Radio 1’s Proms schedule, paying homage to the island’s infectious anthems.
Since then, the English DJ has built a music event bigger than he could have ever imagined, and after a milestone year marking the 10th anniversary of the acclaimed Ibiza Classics show, Pete Tong has announced a brand-new run of UK arena dates for 2026.
Some of Tong’s notable releases include ‘Where’s The Music Gone’ and ‘Apocolypse’, alongside some very respectable dance music artists.
Other tracks to his name include ‘You Got The Love’ and ‘Time’, both collaborations with Jules Buckley, one of the famous faces you’ll get to see on this special Ibiza Classics tour.
The seven-date arena tour kicks off in Glasgow’s before heading to Manchester’s AO Arena on Friday 4 December 2026.
He will also be playing in Leeds, Birmingham, and Nottingham, culminating the tour with two huge nights at The O2 London.
Ibiza Classics Live 2026
Thursday 3 December – Glasgow, OVO Hydro
Friday 4 December – Manchester, AO Arena
Saturday 5 December – Leeds, First Direct Bank Arena
Wednesday 9 December – Birmingham, Utilita Arena
Thursday 10 December – Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena
Friday 11 and Saturday 12 December – London, The O2
He will be joined by long-standing collaborators Jules Buckley and The Essential Orchestra.
This night is expected to be filled with pure dance hits, and based on recent shows, there might even be appearances from even more musical talents and special guests.
Pete Tong, Jules Buckley, and The Essential Orchestra are bringing Ibiza Classics to AO Arena on Friday 4 December 2026.
Tickets go on sale next Monday 15 December, and you can get them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
Music
BBC is back looking for more Mancs to test their music knowledge and win £10,000
Emily Sergeant
Consider yourself a music fan? Spend your days with tunes on in the background? Would you be able to identify a song within the first couple of seconds?
Well, this might be your chance to win £10,000 then.
Once again, the BBC is back casting for the next series of its smash-hit competition show The Hit List, where contestants get their music knowledge put to the ultimate test, and the broadcaster is now looking for people from across Greater Manchester to apply and be in with the chance of winning a massive pot of cash.
The Hit List, presented by popstar couple Marvin and Rochelle Humes, sees three pairs of music-lovers go up against each other.
Across three rounds, the contestants attempt to identify huge hits from across the years, and the three teams must prove their ability to recognise songs from across all genres of music, both artist and song title, if they want to take home the win.
A casting call for the next series of The Hit List on the BBC website reads: “Could your love of music win you a £10,000 cash prize? We are looking for lively pairs of contestants to take part.”
Any one can apply to take part in the show, but producers and casting directors say they would particularly love to hear from couples, grandparent and grandchild, siblings, best mates, and parent and offspring.
“Anything goes, as long as you love your music and know your hits,” the casting call concludes.
Anyone who applies to the show must be a legal UK resident, and be available for potential filming dates in early March 2026 up in Glasgow.
Emily Sergeant -
25th October 2023 
