Venture down a rarely-trod Manchester backstreet in the King Street area of the city, and you’ll discover that work is currently underway on a new piano and cabaret bar.
Inspired by the speakeasies of New York, it’s called Sonata and is tucked away on St Ann’s Alley opposite Mr Thomas’s Chop House, and when it opens its doors this summer will be accessed via a partially concealed ‘speakeasy’-style entrance just off the beaten path.
Founded by a former entertainer who himself performed on the London cabaret scene many years ago, the new music-led venue draws inspiration from the cabaret scenes of the capital, as well of those in New York and Berlin.
Image: The Manc Group
From pop standards to Broadway ballads, from jazz classics to quirky cabaret, the bar’s soundtrack will play host to a mix of genres as it showcases singers, pianists and cabaret artists from across the UK and beyond.
Open seven nights a week with a license from 12 noon until 1.30am, drinks will be served into the early hours whilst food-wise there will be a selection of tempting cheese and charcuterie to nibble on.
Full table service will be provided, with drinks and snacks brought to your table whilst you enjoy a collection of performances from disciplines like music, dance and theatre.
A trained singer and cabaret artist who left performing for a career in education and business, owner and founder Dale Bassett decided to return to his musical and theatrical roots after spending some time reflecting on what was important to him during the pandemic.
Owner and founder of the new New York-style speakeasy, Dale Bassett. / Image: Sonata
Sonata is the realisation of his dream, bringing to life up north the thriving cabaret scene he fell in love with during his time in the capital before moving back up to Manchester.
Speaking on the new opening, Dale said:
“I am so excited to be creating a unique addition to Manchester’s nightlife and legendary music scene, and in a completely new and custom-designed venue.
“Sonata is more than just a bar – it’s a special place to relax and feel at home while you enjoy the piano and song that take centre-stage. Whether you discover something new or enjoy an old favourite, I will be hand-picking our performers to make sure you have a memorable night.
“Sonata has been my lifelong dream, and to bring it to life in the city I love is such a privilege. I can’t wait to share my passion and our fantastically talented artists with our guests.”
Feature image – Sonata / The Manc Group
News
Bob Vylan dropped from Manchester music festival following Glastonbury controversy
Danny Jones
English punk rap duo Bob Vylan have been dropped from an upcoming music festival in Manchester following the recent controversy surrounding their set at Glastonbury 2025.
The media storm surrounding their much-talked-about and heavily televised Glasto appearance has seen them reportedly dropped by their agency and their US Visas cancelled, along with multiple concerts – one of those being right here in Greater Manchester.
Bob Vylan were scheduled to play RADAR Fest at Victoria Warehouse in Stretford this weekend, but now the organisers have informed gig-goers that the artists will not be performing in their planned slot on Saturday.
The alternative music event did provide any additional details, posting nothing but this image:
For anyone unaware, Vylan were heavily criticised for the pro-Palestine chants, which Glastonbury itself has deemed as having “crossed a line”, labelling the chants against the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) as antisemitic.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has also commented on the situation.
In addition to RADAR, Vylan were also due to appear at Kave Fest in France the following Sunday, 6 July, but the music event has also decided not to host them.
The BBC also opted not to broadcast Northern Irish band Kneecap as part of their coverage this year, as the Belfast rap trio have also been outspoken on the issue, among many other musicians of late.
Responding to the decision on social media not long after the news broke, the act simply shared the post on their Instagram story along with the caption: “Silence is not an option. We will be fine, the people of Palestine are hurting. Manchester, we will be back.”
Trafford Centre launches school uniform drive to help disadvantaged Manchester families
Emily Sergeant
A school uniform drive has been launched at the Trafford Centre to support local families ahead of the new school year.
With schools across Greater Manchester soon set to be out for the summer holidays, many parents, guardians, and carers in the region may be looking ahead to the new school year in September, concerned about how they may be able to provide their children with the necessary uniform items needed.
According to a 2020 survey by The Children’s Society, 23% of parents reported that the cost of school uniforms led to their children wearing ‘ill-fitting, unclean, or incorrect’ items.
It’s these statistic that highlight the ongoing pressure faced by families.
This is why the Trafford Centre has partnered with both Manchester South Central Foodbank and local charity, Bridging the Gap, to launch a school uniform donation drive aimed at supporting more than 700 children across Manchester this summer.
The Trafford Centre launches a school uniform drive to help disadvantaged Manchester families / Credit: Trafford Centre
From now up until the 15 August, anyone heading to the region’s largest shopping centre is encouraged to donate new or pre-loved school uniforms.
“The cost of living crisis has deeply impacted our community, with more and more families unable to afford the essentials,” commented Emily Jeremy, who is the Assistant Project Manager at Manchester South Central Foodbank.
“As an anti-poverty charity, we recognised the need for school uniform support years ago. Though costs vary between schools, a full set of branded secondary school uniform can total around £150, which is a significant burden for many households.”
All items can be donated at the shopping centre’s Guest Services point / Credit: Darren Robinson Photography | Trafford Centre (Supplied)
Simon Layton, Centre Director at the Trafford Centre, added: “We’re proud to be working alongside Bridging the Gap and Manchester South Central Foodbank to support local families during these challenging times.
“School uniforms shouldn’t be a barrier to education, and we hope this initiative will ease some of the pressure many parents face as the new school year approaches.”
The school uniform donation drive is running up until 15 August.
All items can be taken to the Trafford Centre’s Guest Services Lounge, which is located on Lower Regent Crescent next to M&S, and they must be clean and free from stains or damage.
Georgina Pellant -
1st March 2022 
