One of Manchester’s best-loved small venues is having to close its doors while essential work takes place along the railway arches where it’s based.
Gorilla has said it’s ‘really disappointed’ to have to shut its doors for a period of six weeks, forcing operators to reschedule upcoming gigs and events.
The venue has issued an apology to fans, bands and revellers ahead of the closure, which has begun this week.
Network Rail, the landlord for the building, is carrying out ‘unavoidable’ work in the area.
The intimate gig space is based in one of the railway arches along Whitworth Street West, close to Oxford Road train station.
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Its tiny stage has been graced by the likes of Everything Everything, Blossoms, Foals, and even Kylie Minogue.
Gorilla said in a statement: “HELLO! We have recently been informed by Network Rail, the landlord for our building, that essential work that needs to be carried out for six weeks from 18th July in our music hall. This means we are unable to proceed with any events during this time.
“We have spent a lot of time trying to reschedule shows, working with bands & promoters to reduce the amount of disruption to peoples calendars.
“Live music & parties are what make Gorilla. We are really disappointed to close even for a short amount time, but in order to maintain the building and ensure Gorilla can keep hosting and bringing incredible events in the future then this work is unavoidable.
“To all the fans, bands and party goers who have had plans disrupted by this – we really are sorry.
“If you have bought a ticket for an event during this closing period then you will be contacted by your ticket agent with updated plans for your event.
“Our front bar and restaurant will still be open for breakfast, bevs and boogying and we are excited to see you all for the above through the summer!
“Love you all loads, Gorilla xx”
Several scheduled gigs have now been moved to other venues, including Band on the Wall and Factory.
Featured image: Gorilla
News
Police appeal to find next of kin after man found outside Palace Theatre
Daisy Jackson
Police are trying to track down the family of a man who died after being found unresponsive outside the Palace Theatre in Manchester.
The man, who has now been named as Jonathan Bernard Carroll, was seen outside the city centre theatre at around 6.30am on Tuesday 12 November.
Emergency services rushed to the scene and Mr Carroll was taken to hospital.
Tragically, the 47-year-old passed away a short time later.
A large cordon was in place on Whitworth Street and Oxford Road while police and security attended the incident.
Greater Manchester Police are now appealing to find his next of kin.
It’s believed that he resided in the Salford area of Greater Manchester.
Anyone with any information should contact the Coroner’s Office on 0161 856 1376.
Greater Manchester public urged to help get people ‘off the streets and on their feet’ before Christmas
Emily Sergeant
Locals are being urged to help get hundreds of people “off the streets and back on their feet” this festive season.
As the temperatures told colder by the day, and Christmas creeps closer and closer, Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity is bringing back ‘1000 Beds for Christmas’, and the massively-important initiative is aiming to provide 1,000 nights of accommodation to people at risk of homelessness before the big day arrives.
Forming part of the ongoing ‘A Bed Every Night’ scheme, this festive fundraising mission is designed to provide food, shelter, warmth, and dedicated vital wrap-around support for those who need it most.
The charity says it wants to build on the “incredible success of 2023”, which raised more than £55,000 and provided 1,800 nights of accommodation.
Stockport-based property finance specialists, Together – which has supported the campaign for the last two years – has, once again, generously pledged to match every public donation for the first £20,000 raised.
Unfamiliar with the ‘A Bed Every Night’ scheme? Since 2017, when rough sleeping peaked, the initiative has helped ensure a significantly-higher rate of reduction in the numbers of people facing a night on streets in Greater Manchester than seen nationally.
The landmark scheme has given people the chance to rebuild their lives, while also giving them access to key services and opportunities that allows them to stay off the streets for good.
Despite the scheme’s recent success, organisations across Greater Manchester are under “a huge amount of pressure” to meet the demand for their services this winter, and given the current economic outlook, household budgets will continue to be squeezed – leaving people on the sharp end of inequality and poverty.
Daisy Jackson -
19th July 2022 
