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Parmogeddon is taking over Northern Monk in the Northern Quarter

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 12th March 2020
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What's On

The Charlatans’ Tim Burgess to host ‘Merch Market’ in aid of bands

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Tim Burgess, frontman of legendary band The Charlatans, is set to launch a one-off ‘Merch Market’ event, and its core purpose is to support bands.

He might have a ‘Jesus Hairdo’ but he’s currently serving as a good Samaritan as The Charlatans‘ Tim Burgess is putting on an event solely focusing on funding bands via gig merch and other apparel.

Running across a variety of live music locations within Manchester city centre, the day-long event is called ‘Merch Market’, and it’s encouraging music lovers and bands alike to tag along.

Although ticket sales, album sales and streams are critical in funding the careers of all the artists we know and love, one key drive in securing actual revenue in the music industry is merchandise.

The Charlatans Tim Burgess to host 'Merch Market' supporting bands.
Expect to pick up some rare finds and own some limited edition collections.
The Charlatans Tim Burgess to host 'Merch Market' supporting bands.
Band merch will be front and centre at this event which is hosted by The Charlatans’ Tim Burgess.
Credit: The Hoot/Audio North

‘Merch Market’ is taking place at O2 Ritz as well as adjacent venues Gorilla and Dog Bowl across the road with a special appearance from ‘Tim Peak’s Diner’, the caffeinated brainchild of Tim Burgess.

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The whole point of this event is to make sure that bands can receive the full 100% of merch sales without any cuts from any third party.

Fronted by The Charlatans lead singer Tim Burgess, ‘Merch Market’ is building off his 2021 gathering, which had a similar initiative with ‘Vinyl Adventure’ encouraging the sale of physical music and media.

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Alongside stocking up your wardrobe with all the latest band t-shirts, hoodies and everything in between, there will be an array of interesting performances and talks happening throughout the day.

Entry to this incredible celebration of bands is completely free of charge and, better still, there are chances to win some seriously cool prizes – including some tasty festival tickets.

The Charlatans Tim Burgess to host 'Merch Market' supporting bands.
Gorilla is one of the live music venues that ‘Merch Market’ is taking place at.
The Charlatans Tim Burgess to host 'Merch Market' supporting bands.
The Manc and Antony Szmierek outside O2 RItz, another venue which will be taking part in ‘Merch Market’.
Credit: The Manc Group

Expect stalls, live DJ sets, interviews, panels and even a chance to bag yourself VIP tickets for UK festival, Kendal Calling, which Burgess will be returning for 2025.

Burgess is a man of many talents as he will not only be hosting this fantastic initiative, but he will also be hosting a stall of his own and singing a couple of his biggest hits.

Bands don’t have to worry about forking out a fortune for renting a stall either as tables at ‘Merch Market’ are free, the only thing musicians have to bring is their merch and charming personalities.

So whether you’re an artist with leftover stock from your last tour or a music lover who just missed out on snagging a snap back, head down to these three venues on 25 May.

This also doubles as the perfect opportunity for any fans of The Charlatans to buy that all-so-important merch ahead of their Castlefield Bowl gig this summer.

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And if you needed any more reason to go, may we remind you that Salford’s very own blonde, bowl-cut bombshell, Tim Burgess, will be in attendance.

Once again, ‘Merch Market’ hosted by the man himself is taking place on 25 May and is completely free to attend.

Bands and businesses looking to sell their merch can sign up through Help Us Help Bands HERE.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image — Publicity Picture (via Supplied)

What's On

A queer comedy night is coming to Manchester next month

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

A comedy night packed with raunch and hilarious storytelling is heading to Manchester and its fronted by one of comedy’s leading queer comedians.

Titled ‘Queer as F*ck’ (we love a good pun), this night is devoted especially to queer comedy and sees Welsh comedian Morgan Rees taking the wheel with a wonderful roster of acts set to play too.

Taking inspiration from the cult-favourite queer comedy, this leading comedian is no stranger to seeing his work in the limelight as he has written for some of the funniest flagship shows like Mock The Week and The Great American Joke-Off.

Rees also doubles as the co-writer for smash internet hit The Uncle Roger Show, starring fellow comic Nigel Ng, and will definitely be bringing some of his razor-sharp one-liners on the night.

Ben Hodge, the MC for the queer comedy night in Manchester.
Ben Hodge, the MC for the queer comedy night in Manchester.
Morgan Rees, the comedian headlining 'Queer as F*ck'.
Morgan Rees, the comedian headlining ‘Queer as F*ck’.
Jenny Hart, one of the acts lined up for the queer comedy night in Manchester.
Jenny Hart, one of the acts lined up for the queer comedy night in Manchester.
Credit: Press Images (supplied)

The event, which has the full title of ‘brew. haha: Queer as F*ck comedy night’ will be MC’d by trans-male stand-up Ben Hodge and lesbian comedian Louise Young.

The latter may be a familiar name as she is currently supporting Alan Carr and Tom Allen on their latest tour while also stopping off in Manchester for this very special occasion.

Along with Rees and co., finishing the line-up are two impressive performers ready to raise the roof at this comedy night in Manchester: gay author Martin Dixon and trans comedian Jenny Hart.

Obviously, Rees doesn’t want to give everything away, but he has revealed an insight into what guests can expect to be chuckling away at in their seats.

Morgan Rees is excited to talk about “bad one night stands, growing up queer in a Welsh working class town, coming out late, and starting my first relationship in my 30s – it’s all in there.”

Taking place at Contact Theatre, this much-loved arts space is tucked away just behind the University of Manchester and another impressive city centre venue, Manchester Academy.

And if all this comedy talk wasn’t enough to get you down there, brew will be serving up Detroit-style pizzas with a range of draft beers and ciders – what a night you’re in for.

‘brew. haha: Queer as F*ck’ is coming to the Contact in Manchester on Wednesday, 9 April and ttickets are already on sale.

You can grab yours HERE.

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For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Rachel Sherlock/Press Shots (supplied)

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