Manchester is gearing up for one of the biggest nights out of the year – and there’s a lot of pent-up energy heading out to party on New Year’s Eve.
It all looked a bit touch-and-go as to whether parties would be able to go ahead this year, after 2020’s celebrations were called off.
Hospitality in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have all been plunged back into limited operations, but England is set to ring in the New Year without restrictions.
There’s loads going on in Manchester on December 31, with tickets still available for a lot of the city’s biggest parties.
We’ve rounded up some of the best – including a slightly more relaxed option for those of you who would prefer to mark the occasion with a knife and fork in your hand.
‘Come As You Are’ at The Refuge
Without a doubt, this is one of the biggest New Year’s Eve parties to take place in Manchester. The Refuge, co-owned by local DJ and party legend Luke Unabomber, throws a huge bash every year hosting sets from a fistful of selector heroes in its public bar.
This year, the NYE lineup features a full takeover from original Hacienda resident DJ Paulette and four-piece collective Supernature Disco, both part of the venue’s ‘very special DJ family’.
Expect everything from uplifting party hip hop, raw funk and rare grooves, to soulful vocals and diamante strewn disco, jacking/deep house and tearing techno.
Get tickets here.
Ducie Street Warehouse
One of Manchester’s newest and biggest venues will be throwing a show-stopping New Year’s Eve party this week.
The entirely free entertainment will be hosted by Cheddar Gorgeous, and will include a peep show at the Mini Cini with a burlesque performance from Lady Wildflower.
There’ll also be a fortune teller, contortionists, fire palm dancers, disco divas, a lit-up dancefloor, and music from The Untold Orchestra and DJ Neil Diablo in a thoroughly avant-garde knees-up.
Tickets are free but you need to pre-book here.
Hit & Run NYE party (held in a secret location)
It’s the first NYE party Manchester bass night Hit & Run has put together in some time (maybe nearing a decade?) – and it looks set to be a big one.
Sets come from the likes of Biome, Daseplate, Dogger B2B Mindstate, Ghoulish, Johnny Opo, Mako MCR, Kaz and more, with guest MCs still to be confirmed.
Early bird tickets have sold out but there are still three staggered releases left – priced at £20, £25 and £30 respectively.
Get tickets here.
Cafe Mambo at Albert Hall Manchester
Following last year’s sell-out event, Ibiza institution Cafe Mambo is heading back to Manchester.
The Albert Hall will be turned into New Year’s Eve extravaganza, featuring performances from Todd Terry, Lovely Laura & Ben Santiago, Erik Hagleton & House Gospel Choir.
There’s a VIP experience available too, which gets you access to your own VIP loos, bar, and a separate area, as well as queue jump and champagne.
Get tickets here.
New Year’s Eve at The Blues Kitchen
One of Manchester’s newest music venues and bars will be celebrating its first New Year’s Eve in the city with cocktails, beer, bourbon and blues.
The Blues Kitchen house band will perform live sets of fun and soul from 9pm, before a DJ takes over until 3am.
It’s set to be a top night out and tickets are already selling out fast.
You can grab yours here.
Funkademia at Mint Lounge
For the 25th year running, Funkademia will host its belting New Year’s Eve party in Manchester at Mint Lounge in the NQ.
Head down for bashment, disco and funky floor fillers spun by residents David Dunne and Les Croasdaile from 10.30pm until 4am. Last entry is 1am.
This night sells out every year, and by the way that ticket sales are going since Monday night’s announcement promoters are pretty confident it will again.
Get tickets here.
Escape to Freight Island
It’s going to be a busy evening over at Escape to Freight Island, which is also celebrating its first NYE in Manchester.
Their plans span right across the day and night of December 31, and will include all the usual fare (the festive Winter Market is still going too) soundtracked by DJs.
Then as night draws in, the indoor Ticket Hall will be transformed into Freight Island’s very own Revue – a homage to and celebration of soul, funk, disco, house and everything in-between.
Girls On Film will take over The Plantroom outside with 80s and 90s classics – including confetti, glitter stations and silent discos.
Get your tickets here.
NYE-3redrum3 (New Year’s Eve) at The White Hotel
A truly legendary place to party in Manchester, The White Hotel never disappoints – and this New Year’s Eve is set to be no different. The guaranteed last entry for advance tickets is 4am, just to give you a flavour of the vibe here.
Split into three parts, NYE celebrations start at 23.59pm on 31 December with Club Martyr (feat. Bitzer Maloney, Lupini, Rosa Menthol, Sonice, Hesska, Conor Thomas) running until 6am New Year’s Day.
From 6-10am it’s $hotta Rave with Tom Boogzim holding it down, then W.O.M takes over from 6pm to 2am with a headline set from High Hoops (world disco, psychedelic house, acid and electro), plus more from Handle (live), Proteus, Vendel, Nova and Rose A.
Get tickets here.
Habitat NYE at Off The Square
Promising a mix of afrobeat, dancehall, R&B, trap, funky and UK garage, Habitat makes its return to Lever street venue Off The Square with a solid lineup featuring the likes of AK Gramm, Yung OMZ and Tone Rarri.
The dress code here is ‘no effort, no entry’ – but that doesn’t exactly mean shiny shoes and a tie. Check out their Instagram for some inspiration.
Get tickets here.
Or just go out to dinner…
If a full-blown night out seems a little much for you this year, the slightly quieter side of Manchester’s hospitality industry has got your back.
Restaurants throwing New Year’s Eve celebrations include Peru Perdu with an evening filled with champagne, Cottonopolis with Joy Social on the decks (but also food served on the night), and Baratxuri at Freight Island with a £60-a-head dinner.
Port Street Beer House is collaborating with The Crafty Cheeseman for a night of free cheese and beer tastings kicking off from 10pm; The Beagle is chucking out pizza slices and hits from the 80s, 90s and 00s; and newcomer BOX on Deansgate will have a ‘game-changing’ party.
Featured image: Escape to Freight Island
