Hacienda Classicalhas confirmed another hometown show for 2021 – bringing the orchestral clubbing series back to its Madchester roots at Mayfield Depot in November.
Originally launched in 2016 as a joint project between Manchester Camerata, DJ Graeme Park and musical director Tim Crooks, Hacienda Classical reimagines the soundtrack of world’s most famous nightclub with a live orchestra and choir.
The unique show is embarking on a fresh tour this year – having played to millions of viewers through online platform United We Stream on New Year’s Eve.
Two dates have been scheduled for Manchester – with the already-sold-out Castlefield Bowl show being moved to September 25.
A second performance has been confirmed for Mayfield Depot on November 12 – which will take place as part of a huge event with The Warehouse Project.
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The full lineup will be announced over the coming days.
Hacienda legend and Classical showrunner Graeme Park commented: “After a year of frustration, I’m excited that Hacienda Classical is back to thrill the nation with positivity and love.
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“I’ve never been more ready to return to the stage with the whole crew to share the joy with some big new songs as well as some massive favourites too. I’m pretty sure the country is ready to share the love too.”
Musical director Tim Crooks added: “I’ve spent the past year thinking how incredible the post-lockdown gigs will feel, and the long wait is finally over.
“I can’t wait to feel the noise and see that pent-up energy explode. It’s going to be something very, very special…”
Two decades at the forefront of clubbing: Manchester is celebrating 20 years of WHP
Danny Jones
You heard us right: The Warehouse Project is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and with 2026 already shaping up for another stellar programme, it’s a truly great moment in which to mark the milestone.
But besides the still-to-be-completed WHP26 lineup itself, the promotion has gone TONNES more in-store to help toast two decades of remarkable nightlife and music-filled autumns and winters.
From its raw beginnings over at the Boddies Brewery in Strangeways, through its formative years at Store Street, the Victoria Warehouse era, and now the modern Depot Mayfield era, WHP has truly only gotten bigger and better as time has gone on.
Now world-famous and even hosting overseas events in the likes of Rotterdam, people travel all over and from all over; nothing quite compares to a long night and well into the early hours over at the warehouse.
As you can see, in addition to the upcoming gigs and sets themselves, they’re looking back on their contribution to Manc club culture, including a brand-new film, podcast series, photography exhibition, and tonnes more.
WHP are even commissioning a special limited-edition print magazine.
This will document the countless people, artists and spaces, as well as Greater Manchester and creative communities that have shaped The Warehouse Project since its inception in 2006.
Speaking of the new six-minute documentary movie, Twenty Years In Manchester, is directed by filmmaker Leigh Powis, reflecting on the WHP story through the lens of iconic and some never-before-seen archive footage, as well as fresh scenes shot across Manchester.
Alongside the film, WHP is also launching a new podcast uncovering untold stories from its history, an outdoor photography exhibition, which will also feed into the aforementioned one-off music mag. documenting the artists, nightlife and culture that have shaped the past 20 years.
Shot across three nights in Manchester, this ‘definitive’ piece of cinematic art positions the city itself as a central character alongside a cast of authentic local dancers and clubbers who have graced these rooms over the years.
Some of it’s even been captured on the last remaining rolls of Kodak Ektachrome film in the world.
A cross-generational retrospective on pure Manc and UK dance music heritage.
The WHP film is set for digital online release globally from Thursday, 29 May, and will be available exclusively to Apple Music subscribers 48 hours before general release HERE as part of their continued collaboration with the streaming platform.
WHP co-founders, Sam Kandel and Richard McGinnis, said in a statement: “Reaching 20 years is a huge moment for us. The Warehouse Project has always been about progression and pushing the boundaries wherever possible.
“Since that first event when Public Enemy played the opening night at Boddingtons Brewery, we’ve always tried to keep things moving and respond as the music and culture around us have evolved.
“That feels like only yesterday! We have some truly incredible parties and line-ups in the pipeline for this 20th season, and both feel so proud to still be here in Manchester, being able to do this.”
We’re already thinking ahead to 2026 and we want to hear your feedback on your experience with us this year. Share your thoughts in our survey and you’ll be in with the chance of winning a season pass to WHP26, giving you access to two tickets to every… pic.twitter.com/xUpsudM4SL
Featured Images — The Warehouse Project (supplied)/Rob Jones
Music
New Century to open new 450-capacity gig venue in Manchester
Lydia Mastrolonardo
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.
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.
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 ManchesterLocker 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 newsletterHERE.
The Manc -
29th March 2021 
