Now we have the go-ahead that allcurrent 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:
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
So, it’s good to know we’re in safe hands here.
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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
Elf is back in UK cinemas this week to celebrate its 20th anniversary
Emily Sergeant
One of the best-loved festive films of all time is returning to UK cinemas this week to celebrate 20 years since it was released.
Whether you can believe it or not, it’s actually been two whole decades since the 2003 Christmas cult classic that is Elf was released to the world, and with December literally just a few days away now, there’s no better way to celebrate this special anniversary than seeing the film return to the big screen for a limited time only.
From this week, you can head on down to Vue cinemas in both Manchester Printworks and inside Quayside MediaCity, as well as others throughout the region, to watch the beloved festive flick.
Going on to become a much-loved festive favourite that’s watched by families all over the world every time December rolls around, Elf is a Christmas comedy film that tells the story of a human raised by Santa’s elves.
Elf is back on the big screen in UK cinemas from this week / Credit: Warner Bros.
As Buddy grows older, he eventually learns about his origins, and heads to New York City on a mission to meet his biological father.
Directed by on Favreau and written by David Berenbaum Elf has been hailed by many as a modern classic, and it’s often listed as one of the best Christmas films of all time.
It stars legendary comic actor Will Ferrell as the title character Buddy the Elf, alongside a talented ensemble cast of famous faces such as Zooey Deschanel, James Caan, Mary Steenburgen, Bob Newhart, Jon Favreau, Peter Dinklage, and more in supporting roles.
Ferrell’s performance as Buddy was also praised by critics and audiences alike at the time of the film’s release, and many have even called it one of the best performances of his career.
It’s to celebrate 20 years since the beloved festive flick was released / Credit: Warner Bros.
Speaking ahead of Elf’s return to cinemas this Christmas, Mike Anton, who is the General Manager of Vue Manchester Printworks, said: “Christmas is all about spending quality time with friends and family, and creating treasured moments to last a lifetime.
“So we’re glad to be marking the merry occasion with a lineup of some of the most iconic and beloved Christmas classics.”
Tickets to see Elf at Vue Manchester Printworks and Vue Manchester Quayside are now available to get your hands on from just £4.99 when booked online here.
If you also find yourself at a loose end in Manchester city centre over the next couple of weeks, there’s another a little hidden cinema tucked away inside popular hotel King Street Townhouse that’s screening a jam-packed lineup of classic Christmas films throughout December too – including Love Actually, Home Alone, and How The Grinch Stole Christmas.
You can also sip on festive cocktails, and snack on popcorn and pick n mix while you watch all the festive flicks too.
Featured Image – Warner Bros.
What's On
Nickelback announce huge Manchester gig on European leg of Get Rollin Tour
Daisy Jackson
Nickelback have just announced a massive gig here in Manchester on the European leg of their Get Rollin’ tour.
The Canadian rockers have been whizzing around North America touring their 10th studio album of the same name and are soon heading across the pond.
The group will be stopping off at the AO Arena in Manchester as well as venues in Glasgow, London and Birmingham.
Nickelback’s European tour will kick off on Thursday 16 May 2024, with 12 cities and eight countries on their radar.
And they’ll be supported by Wigan rising stars Lottery Winners, who sadly postponed some recent gigs after receiving some ‘tragic news’.
Nickelback said of their upcoming tour: “We can’t wait to get back to Europe and see everyone. It’s been far too long, and these will be incredibly special shows for us.”
The diamond-certified, award-winning band, who are behind hits including Photograph, Someday, and Rockstar, released their first album in five years on 18 November 2022, debuting at number two across current rock, alternative, hard music and digital album charts.
Tickets for Nickelback’s Get Rollin tour will go on sale through an artist presale on Tuesday 28 November at 10am, with general sale on Friday 1 December at 10am.
You can book tickets for Nickelback through See Tickets.
Nickelback Get Rollin 2024 European tour dates
Thursday 16 May 2024 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro
Monday 20 May 2024 – Manchester, UK – AO Arena
Tuesday 21 May 2024 – London, UK – The O2
Thursday 23 May 2024 – Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena
Sunday 26 May 2024 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome
Tuesday 28 May 2024 – Frankfurt, Germany – Festhalle
Thursday 30 May 2024 – Cologne, Germany – Lanxess Arena
Saturday 01 June 2024 – Zurich, Switzerland – Hallenstadion
Sunday 02 June 2024 – Bologna, Italy – Unipol Arena
Tuesday 04 June 2024 – Vienna, Austria – Wiener Stadthalle