The Manchester Rum Festival is returning to Manchester this year, promising to take things to the next level with a brand new venue.
The event, which features DJs, Caribbean food, games, and of course, a lot of rum, will this year be taking place at New Century Hall.
The beautiful historic gig venue, brought back to life in 2022, will be welcoming the Manchester Rum Festival and more global rum brands than ever before.
Its move to a larger venue follows eight years of sell-out success at venues across Manchester, and will allow the much-loved annual event to welcome even more rum fans.
This year’s highly-anticipated event will coincide with World Rum Day on Saturday 13 July.
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Each ticket for the Manchester Rum Festival gets you access to the festival – the food, the calypso-inspired DJ sets, the tastings, and more – as well as the opportunity to try new-to-market expressions from more than 40 rum brands.
Master distillers, experts and brands from across the globe will be in attendance to celebrate all things rum, offering tastings throughout the festival.
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Manchester Rum Festival is returning to the city. Credit: Supplied
Making debuts this year will be prestigious brands including Bristol Classic, a rum firm that produces limited quantity rums from countries including Guyana and Mauritius, as well as Trinidad and the Dominican Republic; Ron Carúpano, a Venezuelan brand with the only female Master Blender in the country; Rhum Depaz from the volcanic terroir of Martinique in the Caribbean; and Don Q from sunny Puerto Rico.
The refreshing Caribbean lager, Carib, will also be heading to Manchester for the first time.
Other notable brands making an appearance at the Manchester Rum Festival include Chairman’s Reserve, Pusser’s, Worthy Park, Cockspur, Damoiseau, Don Papa, Ninefold and Aluna, plus Manchester-based One-Eyed Rebel from the Spirit of Manchester Distillery.
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London Essence will be the official mixer partner for 2024, bringing their distinctive drinks – including elegant tonics, crafted sodas and lemonades, and delicious gingers – to the festival.
Authentic Caribbean food will come from Nyammin’, who will have their world-famous rum cake in abundance.
And DJ Dom will keep the party, and the tropical atmosphere, going all day long.
Festival founder and rum expert, Dave Marsland, said: “This year, we are expecting the best Manchester Rum Festival yet as we relocate to a bigger, better, bolder venue.
“New Century Hall is absolutely iconic and we can’t wait to party all day with more rum brands and more experiences than ever before. Guests can really get set for an incredible day!
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“The event really has gone from strength to strength and we are one of the biggest rum festivals in the country outside London. As always, I’d recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.”
Tickets for Manchester Rum Festival on 13 July are available now from Eventbrite.
You can get an exclusive £5 discount when you book through The Manc using this link.
The Liquor Store is putting together the perfect package for Oasis fans heading to Heaton Park
Danny Jones
Manchester bar The Liquor Store is putting together the ultimate pre and post-gig package ahead of the Live ’25 Oasis reunion shows, perfect for anyone heading to Heaton Park for the momentous series of shows.
The brilliant Manc boozer, which borders Blackfriars Street and the edge of Deansgate, has been a popular spot both before and after nearby concerts for years, so it’s no surprise that they’re getting involved with the shows of the century.
With Oasis set to play a whopping five nights at Heaton Park this summer, people are already trying to figure out their plans for the big day(s), with fans flocking from all over the country to see them wherever they could manage to get tickets, especially at this massive outdoor show.
Good job the Liquor lads and ladies have you sorted.
Set to run ‘The Masterplan’ service (very good) for each of Oasis‘ huge hometown shows throughout July, The Liquor Store are making sure gig-goers get to the venue without any trouble and get plenty of time to get in the mood beforehand.
As well as a good old party afterwards, of course.
Offering a comprehensive concert package, complete with coach travel to Heaton Park, not to mention bottomless beer and pizza from 2-3pm when you’re in the bar itself, this music-obsessed bar is set to be the perfect place to fuel and carry on the Britpop party afterwards.
Littered with music memorabilia and images of local bands like the Burnage boys themselves, plus an absolutely unreal playlist of Oasis classics all day and all night, it’s the ideal setting to get you in the mood for the day.
There’ll also be a DJ set from much-loved local Jon Lowe from midday onwards. Oh yeah, and complimentary bucket hats and tambourines for wristband holders should help the good vibes along too.
Better still, even for those not buying ‘The Masterplan’ ticket – which includes the bus to the location and as much suds and scran as you can muster – entry to the venue for the before and after-parties is completely free. After all, it’s still a popular city centre watering hole whether Oasis are in town or not.
As for the coach, the service will depart at 4:30pm and is set to leave Heaton Park around 11:15pm, heading straight back to The Liquor Store, of course.
Ticket holders will be issued with a wristband that will allow them entry onto the coach and access to the bottomless scran and bevs. If you’re not on that bus 10 minutes before they set off, you will be left behind, unfortunately.
With that in mind, tickets are very limited, with less than 50 spots to secure, so if you want to be a part of the ultimate pre-drinks and post-gig party, you’d better act fast.
You can grab yours and find out the full terms and conditions HERE.
The massively underrated rooftop terrace in Manchester with great views and top cocktails
Daisy Jackson
Manchester city centre is generally STARVED of outdoor space, but we’ve found the perfect sun-soaked oasis where you can enjoy a bit of fresh air and a whole lot of great food and drinks.
Tucked up on the sixth floor of the award-winning boutique hotel King Street Townhouse, you’ll find a rooftop terrace with beautiful views of the city’s skyline.
As Manchester buzzes along beneath you, you can tuck in to everything from full charcuterie grazing boards to seasonal snacks and small plates, all served alongside an impressive wine and cocktail list.
This often-overlooked local spot is a firm favourite of those in the know, thanks to its sheltered location that basks in the sun all afternoon.
And although it’s in a prime city centre location, just a stone’s throw from Deansgate, St Peter’s Square and Market Street, it’s a luxurious escape from it all – as is the entire boutique hotel it’s part of.
Whether it’s a post-work social, a relaxed date night, or a cheeky afternoon cocktail, the King Street Townhouse Terrace is open to the public and available for walk-ins or bookings when it isn’t privately hired.
On the menu you can expect locally-sourced dishes like Pollen sourdough served with whipped butter, a meat or cheese grazing board loaded with British produce, and larger plates like a beef and bone marrow burger or a fried fish roll topped with crisps.
British charcuterie grazing boardSpritzes on the King Street Townhouse terrace
Pairing perfectly with a spritz or a beer are snacks like deep-fried Gordal olives, stuffed with fennel sausage, and a brioche garlic bread packed with cream cheese.
The hotel has a cocktail list that celebrates classic drinks and a few of their own signature concoctions, and it doesn’t feel much more luxurious than when you treat yourself to a glass of sky-high champagne with views like this.
The South Terrace can also be hired privately for leisure or corporate events, with tailored catering options including summer BBQs.
And you can ramp up your trip to this oasis by staying overnight in one of the boutique hotels’ rooms, or visiting the King Street Townhouse ESPA spa for a treatment.
Find out more about the terrace at King Street Townhouse HERE.
The terrace at King Street Townhouse hotelThe terrace at King Street Townhouse hotelDeep-fried olivesGarlic bread with creamed cheeseKing Street Townhouse hotel
Daisy Jackson -
3rd April 2024 
