News

‘We ran out of road’ – Manchester’s hidden late-night piano bar Sonata announces closure

'Venues are facing near-impossible challenges in the current climate'

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 29th January 2024

Sonata, a late-night piano and jazz bar tucked down an alleyway in the heart of Manchester, has announced its immediate closure.

The hidden gem live music venue opened just 18 months ago in the summer of 2022, brought to life by Dale Bassett, a former theatrical and musical entertainer who used to perform on the London scene.

It was built in a basement unit just off Cross Street, down the alleyway that runs beside Mr Thomas’s Chop House.

With an entrance that was marked with a glowing sign and a lightbulb, it felt like a real local secret.

And despite building up a loyal following through its New York-style live music nights, Sonata has announced that it has shut down with immediate effect.

ADVERTISEMENT

The charming venue said that it has done ‘absolutely everything’ to try and stay afloat in the current economic climate.

They also thanked the community that has grown around the venue since its opening.

ADVERTISEMENT
Sonata, a jazz and piano bar in Manchester, has announced its closure. Credit: The Manc Group
Sonata, a jazz and piano bar in Manchester, has announced its closure. Credit: The Manc Group

Sonata’s full statement reads: “With a very heavy heart, we’re sorry to announce that Sonata has had to close its doors for the last time.

“Venues are facing near-impossible challenges in the current climate. We’ve done absolutely everything we could to keep going but, in the end, we ran out of road.

“Customers with bookings: we’ll be in touch regarding deposits in due course.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Thank you to our loyal supporters, our fantastic artists and our incredible team for being part of the wonderful community we’ve built together over the past 18 months.”

Read more

Featured image: The Manc Group

News

2024 Manchester Marathon raises £29 million for local economy and over £3.7m for charity

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester Marathon raises millions for city economy and local charity

Just under a fortnight on from the 2024 Manchester Marathon and the numbers are finally, with the annual race generating nearly £30 million for the local economy and raising over £3.7m for charity.

This year’s Adidas Manchester Marathon saw record numbers of runners and spectators as over 30,000 took part in the popular race, up by roughly 6,000 from 2023, and more than 125k turned up to line the streets of Greater Manchester.

As a result, these huge crowds spent upwards of £29.2 million at business around the city centre and around the 10 boroughs last weekend, serving as one of the most significant contributions to the local economy on the annual calendar.

Not only was this an approximately £8m increase on last year’s tally but, most importantly, a sizeable chunk of that went straight into both regional and national charities.

The 2024 adidas Manchester Marathon was a spectacular day for the city and its economy.

Beyond the boost to local vendors, the hospitality sector and retail businesses, over £3.7 million were allocated to charities such as Alzheimer’s Charity, Cancer Research UK, British Heart Foundation and The Christie. 

Over £32,000 was also raised for the Trafford Active Fund, with £1 from every paid entry to the Adidas Manchester Marathon and Manchester Half donated directly to the initiative that benefits local sports clubs and organisations through Trafford Council.

Better still, with City of Trees selected as the chosen ‘Green Runner’ charity, the eco-friendly drive saw roughly 7% of participants opt out of receiving either a finisher t-shirt, medal or both.

The money saved in production goes towards maintaining woodlands and wildlife across Greater Manchester.

Fundraising from the Manchester Marathon is one of it’s biggest upshots.

Read more:

This year’s Manchester Marathon also helped produce some of the highest number of passengers on public transport in the city’s history, with a over 175,000 journeys made on Metrolink alone – the highest number of journeys ever recorded on a single day.

This was a 20% increase on 2023’s race day (145k), spotlighting how the event continues to be more environmentally conscious as years go by.

With the 2025 adidas Manchester Marathon confirmed to be taking place on Sunday, 27 April next year – and over 12,000 places already sold – the city can already look forward to reaping the economic and social benefits of hosting one of Europe’s largest, flattest, friendliest and most-loved marathons. 

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Adidas Manchester Marathon/The Manc Group

News

Manchester firefighter surprises partner with proposal during new recruits parade

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester firefighter surprise proposal recruit passing out parade

We’re a sucker for a wholesome little video as we know you are, which is exactly why we thought of you lot when we came across this video of a newly graduated Manchester firefighter surprising his partner with a heartwarming proposal.

Just the kind of heartwarming that usually sets us off after a long week at work.

The clip shared by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) on Thursday, 25 April, shows Manc fireman James popping the question to his girlfriend sat unassumingly in the audience at a recent passing out ceremony.

Pass out ceremonies are when trainees go from recruits to fully qualified firefighters after completing their intensive operational training. It’s a long-standing tradition in the emergency services where friends and family gather to celebrate their achievements – it’s almost like it’s the perfect opportunity…

Watch as a Manc firefighter turns his passing out ceremony into a surprise proposal.

As you can see, since the graduates are usually the centre of attention, James couldn’t help but size his moment and instead of walking and lining up normally like everyone else, he decided to head straight over to his wife-to-be and get down on one knee.

You already know the rest.

Welling up immediately and barely able to remove her hands from her face, Melissa nods and says yes as the crowd cheers and the pair share a smooch.

You just love to see it.

Read more:

Writing on social media, the GMFRS said: “We managed to capture a VERY special moment at our new recruits pass out parade today… Congratulations to James and Melissa!”, adding, “Certainly one way to start your new career”.

If we don’t see all the groomsmen dressed as firefighters on a random viral video sometime soon we’re going to be gutted.

All the best to the happy couple and if you’ve got any more lovely clips like this to send in so we can make ourselves cry (in a good way), you know what to do.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service

More News

Peter Kay statement after Co-op Live gigs cancelled for the second time

Gigs & Nightlife

Peter Kay’s statement in full as his Co-op Live gigs are postponed for SECOND time

Co-op Live postpone The Black Keys and Peter Kay gigs again

Audio

Manchester’s Co-op Live arena postpones The Black Keys and Peter Kay (again)

Gary is outta here.

Audio

Co-op Live boss resigns just days before venue’s official opening

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches