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Escape to Freight Island is throwing one of Manchester’s first restriction-free parties

A huge lineup of favourite Manchester DJs in a series of back-to-back sets.

Hannah Starkie Hannah Starkie - 14th July 2021

Now we have the go-ahead that all current COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted on 19 July, venues are finally able to confirm their plans for the big day – including Escape to Freight Island. 

The huge former railway station venue at Mayfield Depot has revealed it’ll be putting on one of the city’s first restriction-free events – aptly titled ‘Let’s Start the Dance’.  

So, to help wave goodbye to restrictions and finally start dancing again, there’ll be a series of extra special one-off, back-to-back sets from some of Manchester’s most legendary DJs. 

From 5pm until midnight, there’ll be no less than 14 DJs spinning all the best feel-good house, disco, garage, and drum and bass tunes to soundtrack your post-lockdown mood. 

Featured on the night will be: 

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  • Rich Reason b2b Chimpo 
  • P-RO Jones b2b Katbrownsugar 
  • DJ Paulette b2b Dave Haslam 
  • Jenna G b2b Mix-Stress 
  • Krysko b2b James Holroyd 
  • Gina Breeze b2b Will Tramp 
  • Unabombers b2b Tom Wainwright 

Hit&Run boss Rich Reason has hosted a number of more chilled out hip-hop fuelled Sit&Bun Sessions here over the past year, so he’s got the vibe well under control whatever the occasion.

Meanwhile, Mix-Stress and DJ Paulette are also familiar faces, having played countless times across the last couple of months. And not to mention there’ll be appearances from solid Manc faves Gina Breeze, Will Tramp and Jenna G.

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So, it’s good to know we’re in safe hands here.

DJ Mix-Stress is stood being the DJ decks at Escape to Freight Island.
DJ Mix-Stress back behind the decks at Escape to Freight Island. Credit: @mix_stress/IG

Freight Island has provided the city with such a unique atmosphere over the last 12 months. And alongside a full (and free) music and arts programme, there’s been a selection of top-quality street food vendors and drinks on offer to keep everyone fed and watered.

The venue has proven a massive hit amongst socially-distanced drinkers since opening in July 2020. But now, customers will be able to experience Freight Island in a brand-new unrestricted way for the first time.  

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Dan Morris, Managing Director of Escape to Freight Island, said: “We are proud to be preparing Manchester for one of the first restriction free parties happening on Monday 19 July at Escape to Freight Island. This will be a special gathering for everyone in attendance.  

“The setting of Freight Island is perfect – outdoor and overlooking the city as the sun sets, with sunny weather, great DJs and a rich diverse mix of people that Manchester is known for. It will be a beautiful moment, a special one-off event to celebrate.”

Tickets for Let’s Start the Dance are free but they are limited. Grab yours here before it’s too late. 

See you on the platform.  

Featured image: Escape to Freight Island

What's On

Canal-side Manchester hotel named one Britain’s best just one year after opening

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

One of Manchester’s newest hotels has been named as one of the best in Britain just a year after it opened.

Leven, a canal-side spot in the Gay Village, only opened its doors for the first time last December and has already gained itself some serious recognition.

The Times has published its list of The Best Places to Stay 2023, and Leven was the only Manchester hotel to get the nod from the prestigious guide.

Leven took over a former 20th century warehouse on the corner of Canal Street and Chorlton Street last year and turned it into a stylish, luxurious hotel.

Each room includes a free pair of limited-edition branded socks as well as a breakfast smoothie, plus bespoke furniture, natural mattresses and fast wifi.

Leven Hotel. Credit: Mariell Lind Hansen
Leven Hotel. Credit: Mariell Lind Hansen

Its penthouse suite sprawls over two floors, complete with sitting room, large kitchen and dining area, plus a terrace, two bedrooms, and three bathrooms.

Just this week, Leven unveiled plans for an ambitious art deco restaurant on its ground floor.

Maya will take over three floors, from a canal-side brasserie space serving modern-European classics to a lower ground-floor, elegantly designed dining room that will centre around an ingredient-led, locally sourced and seasonal menu. 

Leven Hotel
Leven hotel in Manchester. Credit: Mariell Lind Hansen

In its review, The Times said: “The Leven is housed in a handsome red-brick, former cotton warehouse on Canal Street. It’s now a mix of an intimate boutique hotel and an aparthotel, with an industrial design that provides personality without fuss.

“This is the spot for the kind of person who might book an Airbnb but wants the services, style and location of a hotel. Many of the rooms come with handy kitchens and are great value for money if you want an apartment without the price tag.

“Bedrooms come with tone-on-tone greys, black Crittall windows, exposed brick, green velvet sofas and blue velvet bed frames.”

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The paper was particularly impressed with Leven’s location, writing: “This is where the Leven really scores. It’s on pedestrianised Canal Street in Manchester, alongside the Rochdale canal, lined with alfresco tables and chairs and strung with overhead lightbulbs — great for a glass of wine and people-watching.

“The Gay Village has a thriving LGBTQ+ community, where Saturday night spills over into Sunday afternoon.

“The Leven looks over the canal towards Kampus — a cluster of newly renovated warehouses on cobbled streets that’s home to indie outlets such as Pollen sourdough bakery, Beeswing wine bar, Kampus General Store, and Madre for tacos and tequila.”

You can find out more about Leven and book a room here.

Featured image: Mariell Lind Hansen

What's On

Celine Dion diagnosed with ‘very rare’ incurable stiff-person syndrome and reschedules Manchester gigs again

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

Celine Dion has been forced to cancel and postpone another batch of tour dates after being diagnosed with an incurable neurological disease.

The Canadian superstar updated fans on her health with a video message posted on her social media platforms today.

She has already had to move her two concerts at Manchester’s AO Arena several times, once for Covid restrictions and again for her health.

She last moved the dates because she was ‘experiencing spasms’ and had planned to be back on stage on 5 and 6 April.

But in her video message, a visibly emotional Celine told fans she was too ill to perform for the time being.

Her Manchester shows have now been moved to 9 and 10 April, 2024.

She revealed that she’s been diagnosed with the ‘very rare’ stiff person syndrome, which she says only affects one in a million people.

Celine Dion when she had to reschedule previous dates. Credit: Celine Dion

The condition has caused her to experience spasms, which have affected everything from her ability to walk to her vocal chords.

She said: “As you know, I’ve always been an open book and I wasn’t ready to say anything before, but I’m ready now.

“I’ve been dealing with problems with my health for a long time and it’s been really difficult for me to face these challenges and to talk about everything that I’ve been going through.

“Recently I’ve been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called stiff person syndrome, which effects something like one in a million people.

“While we are still learning about this rare condition we now know this is what’s been causing all of the spasms I’ve been having.

“Unfortunately these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal chords to sing the way I’m used to.”

Celine continued: “I have a great team of doctors working alongside me to help me get better, and my precious children who are supporting me and giving me hope,” she said. “I’m working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to build back my strength and my ability to perform again, but I have to admit it’s been a struggle.

“All I know is singing, it’s what I’ve done all my life and it’s what I love to do the most. I miss you so much, I miss seeing all of you, being on the stage, performing for you. I always give 100% when I do my shows but my condition is not allowing me to give you that right now.”

The star added: “This is my focus and I’m doing everything that I can to recuperate. I want to thank you so much for your encouraging wishes of love and support on my social media. This means a lot to me. Take care of yourselves, be well. I love you guys so much. And I really hope I can see you again real soon.”

Featured image: Instagram, @celinedion

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