Iconic Manchester party series The Warehouse Project (WHP) has released its full 2023 lineup, getting us more than excited for an autumn and winter of sweaty warehouse raves stretching into the early hours.
This new season sees the team bring some huge parties to the city centre, ranging from Boiler Room’s biggest-ever Manchester event to Camelphat’s only northern headline show of the year.
DJ Mag hosts a TRICK label showcase headed up by Patrick Topping, Grammy-nominated producer, Fisher returns from his second Hï Ibiza residency to play a huge headline show, and Worried About Henry, Crucast and Garage People al join forces to present a unique DnB and garage showcase.
As ever, Annie Mac will be hosting her annual Halloween party, whilst London label FUSE will also bring a huge showcase to the city in honour of the spooky season, and – very excitingly – this new season also sees WHP head to Antwerp for its Belgian debut at the end of October.
Since its inception in 2006, the series has built its name on huge, diverse line-ups and unique locations, from its early days at Boddingtons Brewery to today’s industrial home at former Post Office Depot and train station, Depot Mayfield.
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Following huge success in Rotterdam earlier this year, as well as bringing some heavy hitters to Manchester the 2023 season will also see WHP head to pastures new with a debut one-night-only event in Antwerp, Belgium.
Clubbers and music lovers from all over can expect nothing less than another unforgettable season ahead, with the return of big-name favourites alongside some up-and-coming talent from Manchester and further afield.
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Black Coffee, Friday 22 September
Debuting his first appearance at The Warehouse Project, Grammy-award-winning producer Black Coffee takes over the stage in Concourse on Friday 22 September for a special and intimate evening, fresh off his Hï Ibiza residency. Established as one of the most prominent global names in electronic music, Black Coffee breaks down musical boundaries and brings his South African roots to the dancefloor.
Gorgon City, Friday 6 October
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Taking over Depot Mayfield, Gorgon City is set to present a special showcase on Friday 6 October as part of their Salvation tour.
Fisher, Friday 13 October
Continuing the run in Autumn, the Grammy-nominated producer, Fisher, returns to The Warehouse Project for a headline show on Friday 13 October. No stranger to big rooms following his second Hï Ibiza residency this summer, the surfer-turned-DJ star brings his infamously high energy to the Depot Mayfield.
Boiler Room, Saturday 14 October
Boiler Room is set to take over on Saturday 14 October which marks its biggest Manchester show with a unique line-up including Overmono who will be broadcasted live, plus Moodymann, Joy Orbison, VTSS, Barry Can’t Swim, and more.
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Campelphat, Saturday 21 October
The following week, Camelphat return on Saturday 21 October for their only Northern headline show for 2023 with a specially curated line-up includingBen Böhmer (live), Rebūke and Layla Benitez.
London label FUSE heads north on Friday 27 October with Enzo Siragusa, Apollonia, RPR Soundsystem (Rhadoo, Petre Inspirescu, Raresh), Chris Stussy and Sonja Moonear. This marks their biggest ever showcase in the UK and their annual Halloween special.
Halloween, Saturday 28 October
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Returning for another year, Halloween at The Warehouse Project takes place on Saturday 28 October with Annie Mac, Chaos In The CBD, Dan Shake, Sarah Story and more.
Worried About Henry, Crucast and Garage People showcase, Friday 10 November
Worried About Henry, Crucast and Garage People joined forces to present a unique DnB and garage showcase on Friday 10 November featuring Andy C, Sub Focus, Crucast, Skepsis + AD, Flava D and more.
DJ Mag’s TRICK label showcase with Patrick Topping,Saturday 11 November
On Saturday 11 November, DJ Mag’s Best British DJ of the year Patrick Topping returns to Depot Mayfield to curate its TRICK label showcase with Green Velvet, Alan Fitzpatrick, Hannah Laing, Schak, and more joining.
The Haçiendareturns, Saturday 2 December
Set to be another huge homecoming show, The Haçienda returns to Depot Mayfield on Saturday 2 December with some legendary live headliners including Ian Brown, Leftfield, Soul II Soul, Inner City, A Certain Ratio and DJ sets including David Morales, Roger Sanchez, Dimitri From Paris and more.
Over in Belgium and new for the 2023 season, The Warehouse Project expands its in-season run with an international debut show in Antwerp, Belgium.
Following the success of its first international edition in Rotterdam earlier this year, the much-anticipated club series returns to Europe for a special one-off show as part of its in-season run for the very first time.
The Antwerp show takes over the riverside industrial complex, Waagnatie, on Saturday 28 October and welcomes heavyweight headliners, including Bicep, TSHA, KI/KI and more.
Pre-sale tickets go live at 10am on Thursday 27th July, and general tickets go live at 10am on Friday 28th July.
David Morales | Roger Sanchez | Dimitri From Paris
Todd Terry | Mike Pickering | Graeme Park | Kevin Saunderson
Greg Wilson | Norman Jay MBE | DJ Paulette | Peter Hook | 808 State
K-Klass | Justin Robertson | Jon DaSilva | Hewan Clarke
Tom Wainwright | Kath McDermott | Chad Jackson
Russ | Buckley | Guy Williams | Jason Boardman
James Holroyd | Herbie Saccani | Mark XTC
Featured image – WHP
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Greater Manchester’s Christmas crime rate named one of the highest in the UK
Emily Sergeant
New research has revealed the UK regions that should expect to see a spike in crime over the festive season this year… and it’s pretty grim reading for Mancs.
For several years running now, our region has unfortunately found itself near the top of the list when it comes to seeing the highest rates of crime over the Christmas holidays, and according to a recent study conducted by ADT, 2025 is unfortunately no different.
With what’s supposed to be ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ only a few days away now, home security experts have decided to analyse crime rates from December 2020-2022, and have highlighted the percentage difference in crime during the festive period in a bid to reveal where ‘Christmas crime’ is most prevalent.
Cleveland Police still has the highest reported crime rate, according to the study, with approximately 147.7 recorded crimes per 1,000 population, and more than 5,000 police reports of burglaries in early 2024 – with ONS data revealing 79% of which were residential burglaries.
Greater Manchester’s Christmas crime rate has been named one of the highest in the UK / Credit: Wikimedia Commons | Aurelio Arantes (via Unsplash)
West Yorkshire Police also stays in second place, with crimes in the county having risen by 20%, going from a crime rate of 111.61 in December 2021, to 133.8 crimes per 1,000 population by March 2024.
And then, we have Greater Manchester.
Once again, Greater Manchester Police ranks third for the areas with the highest crime rates in England and Wales, with 129.7 crimes per 1,000 population.
ADT’s research this year found that theft offences accounted for almost a third of all crimes committed in our region, while residential burglaries and shoplifting had over 16,000 reported accounts, respectively.
Top 10 Christmas crime ‘hotspots’ in the UK for 2025
Rank
Police force area
Crime rate per 1,000 population
1
Cleveland Police
147.7
2
West Yorkshire Police
133.8
3
Greater Manchester Police
129.7
4
West Midlands Police
125.9
5
Merseyside Police
119.0
6
South Yorkshire Police
116.7
7
Humberside Police
108.1
8
Durham Police
101.8
9
Gwent Police
101.8
10
Metropolitan Police
100.2
Home security expert Michele Bennett, who is ADT UK’s General Manager, has shared some tips on how best to deter uninvited guests from your home during the Christmas period, and says it’s ‘important to remain vigilant’ at this time of year by enhancing your home security.
“This will ensure you and your loved ones have a safe and enjoyable holiday experience,” she explains.
“Several proactive measures can be taken to deter intruders throughout the holidays, including installing visible security measures such as smart alarm systems or burglar alarms, with visible cameras and alarms display signs that indicate your home is highly protected.
“Also, secure your doors, windows, and other potential entry points with strong locks and deadbolts… and indoor and outdoor lighting is a good option to maintain a lived-in appearance by using smart plugs connected to lights, motion-sensing cameras, and video doorbells in and around entrances and other key areas of your home to make it less attractive to burglars.”
“The combination of these measures can drastically improve your home’s security,” Michelle concluded.
“As the appearance of an active and protected home is crucial to deterring potential intruders during Christmas and throughout the year.”
Featured Image – ADT
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Five of the best things to watch on TV this Christmas 2025
Emily Sergeant
Christmas – it’s a hectic time, right? We all know that.
For some of us, if the run-up to Christmas wasn’t already busy enough as it is, there’s often not a moment to breathe on the big day itself between presents being opened, travelling to see people, entertaining guests, slaving over a hot stove for hours, and eating plenty of food.
Sometimes though, you may find yourself twiddling your thumbs with some time to spare, and that’s why the distraction of festive television is so brilliant.
For others, sitting around to watch the TV is an important part of Christmas itself.
No matter what your situation is, there’s some cracking things to watch on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day this year – with classic seasonal films, to festive specials of our favourite shows, and a few family-friendly additions all on the agenda.
Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Christmas Fishing 2025
BBC Two
Christmas Eve – 9pm
Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Christmas Fishing 2025 / Credit: BBC
Bob and Paul (and terrier Ted too, of course) are back for another Gone Fishing Christmas Special, and this year, they’re heading down to Devon and Cornwall for their festive treat.
The duo fish the stunning rivers Lyd and Camel in Devon, and even head out to sea in Cornwall on a traditional fishing boat.
There’s also appearances by other famous faces Dawn French and Dr Anand Patel, and they’re even welcomed into No6, Paul Ainsworth’s celebrated restaurant in the heart of Padstow, for some Michelin-starred fine festive dining.
You can watch Gone Christmas Fishing 2025 on BBC Two at 9pm on Christmas Eve.
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Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2025
BBC One
Christmas Day – 5:30pm
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2025 / Credit: BBC
We’ve all come to expect a Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special at this point, haven’t we? After the iconic ballroom dance competition programme has been bringing us smaller, festive editions of the show we all know and love since 2004, it’s back once again this Christmas Day.
Six celebrity contestants will be taking to the floor to impress the judges and battle it out for the Christmas glitter ball trophy.
Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt, singer and cook Melanie Blatt, and Irish singer-songwriter Brian McFaddan are just some of the big names competing this year.
You can catch Strictly Come Dancing on BBC One at 3:55pm on Christmas Day.
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The Great Peep Show Christmas Bake Off
Channel 4
Christmas Day – 8pm
The Great Peep Show Christmas Bake Off / Credit: Channel 4
For the first time since Peep Show wrapped in 2015, fan favourites David Mitchell, Olivia Colman, Isy Suttie, Matt King, and Sophie Winkleman are reuniting on screen.
And this time, they’re donning festive jumpers and rolling up their sleeves to tackle a series of seasonal baking challenges.
Under the watchful eyes of judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood, and with plenty of mischief and charm from Bake Off hosts Noel Fielding and Alison Hammond, you can expect laughter and chaos in this Great Peep Show Christmas Bake Off special.
Watch The Great Peep Show Christmas Bake Off on Channel 4 at 8pm on Christmas Day.
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Amandaland Christmas Special
BBC One
Christmas Day – 9:15pm
Amandaland Christmas Special / Credit: Natalie Seery (BBC/Merman)
Massively-popular BBC sitcom Amandaland is back for a festive special on Christmas Day.
You’ll get to see title character Amanda and her family head to Aunt Joan’s country house, but the plans change when Mal and Anne tag along and she struggles to recreate the magical Christmases she spent there as a child.
Anne’s in despair at being separated from her family, and Felicity is increasingly irritated by her sister’s constant high spirits. Meanwhile, Mal sees a hidden photo that seems to reveal a deep family secret.
You can catch the Amandaland Christmas Special on BBC One at 9:15pm on Christmas Day.
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Big Fat Quiz of the Year 2025
Channel 4
Boxing Day – 9pm
Big Fat Quiz of the Year 2025 / Credit: Brian J Ritchie (via Channel 4)
What’s Christmas without a quiz? It’s time to remember everything you’ve already forgotten from this past year, as the Jimmy Carr is back with the annual Big Fat Quiz of the Year for 2025, and a handful of famous faces will be put to the test.
This year, Jonathan Ross, Richard Ayoade, Katherine Ryan, Nick Mohammed, Roisin Conaty, and Lou Sanders all answer questions about Katy Perry, Lily Allen, and THAT Coldplay concert.
You can watch Big Fat Quiz of the Year on Channel 4 at 9pm on Boxing Day.
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Fancy a festive film?
As an added bonus, we thought we’d just round up all the Christmas films that are being shown on telly in the coming days, as there’s nothing like sitting down to watch a festive flick to get you into the spirit of the season.
Nativity! – Monday 22 December at 2:20pm on BBC One
Bridget Jones’s Diary – Monday 22 December at 10:10pm on BBC Three
Home Alone – Christmas Eve at 5:35pm on Channel 4
Love Actually – Christmas Eve at 9:10pm on ITV
When Harry Met Sally – Christmas Day at 11:35pm on BBC One
There’s also just plenty of great films on in general, ones that aren’t strictly Christmas films or set during the festive season like the ones mentioned in that list.
Here they are:
Mrs Doubtfire – Monday 22 December at 6:35pm on ITV2
Oppenheimer – Tuesday 23 December at 11pm on BBC Three
E.T – Christmas Eve at 1:35pm on ITV
Sister Act – Christmas Eve at 1:35pm on Channel 4
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse – Christmas Eve at 2:55pm on BBC One
Paddington – Christmas Eve at 5:30pm on BBC One
The Devil Wears Prada – Christmas Day at 6:50pm on Film4
Jaws – Christmas Day at 9:15pm on BBC Two
Edward Scissorhands – Boxing Day at 6:55pm on ITV2
Four Weddings and a Funeral – Boxing Day at 10:15pm on BBC One
Elvis – Saturday 27 December at 7:45pm on BBC One
2001: A Space Odyssey – Sunday 28 December at 6:15pm on ITV4
The Godfather – Sunday 28 December at 10pm on BBC Two
Challengers – Sunday 28 December at 10pm on BBC Three
School of Rock – Monday 29 December at 6:45pm on ITV2
Pretty Woman – New Year’s Eve at 9pm on ITV1
The Sound of Music – New Year’s Day at 3:15pm on BBC One
Back To The Future (the whole trilogy) – New Year’s Day from 7:10pm on BBC Three
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Featured Image – BBC | Disney+ / 20th Century Studios (Press Images)
Georgina Pellant -
25th July 2023 
