One of the most exciting bars in Manchester, Red Light, is hosting a big street party to mark an incredible first year of service.
To mark their first birthday over on Little David Street, they’re turning Kampus into one big party neighbourhood – and we already know they’re pretty good at that – teaming up with Flash, pioneers of the iconic Ibiza party scene, to make sure it’s a belter.
Positioned as one of the liveliest LGBTQ+ bars in Manchester city centre, they’ve built up a really strong following in their first 12 months and now they’re set to celebrate in style.
As promised by the expert mixologists themselves, guests can expect expertly crafted Red Light cocktails in an inclusive and carefree atmosphere, all tucked away in arguably the coolest little side street in Manchester.
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There’ll also be plenty of summer classics like Aperol spritzes and daiquiris, as well as some special Red Light party treats, such as Frozen Irish Coffee and Pink Picantes.
Tunes will be provided by Guy Williams, Flash’s founder, who currently houses the self-proclaimed “polysexual party where everyone’s welcome” at Ibiza institution, Pikes, so you already know they’re going to guarantee a good time.
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We saw similar street party scenes at Kampus last year and they didn’t disappoint – well, Manchester never does.
The boutique hotel and Balearic island clubbers have been going since 1980 and are famous for their inclusive nightlife and rich cultural history.
It’s where they filmed George Michael’s iconic ‘Club Tropicana’ after all and if it was good enough for Freddie Mercury (one of their most famous regulars), then it’s more than good enough for us.
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Red Light’s first birthday street party takes place on 1 June with last entry at 5pm, so be sure to get there early and soak up as much of the atmosphere as possible.
You can grab your tickets HERE and we’ll catch you there!
Manchester’s Beyond The Music festival returns for second year with exciting first-wave lineup
Danny Jones
One of Manchester’s newest and most exciting festivals, Beyond The Music, is set to return for its second instalment later this year and the first raft of artists has just been announced.
BTM is a multi-venue live music festival and fundamentally global music conference that spotlights new up-and-coming artists, grassroots gig spaces, as well as key voices in the industry, with an at changing the face of the modern music landscape.
Having first launched in 2023, much of their flagship Manc music festival and conference still felt somewhat like a work in progress, but with the inaugural weekend now under the bag and plenty of time and experience to build upon, year two is looking promising already.
Announcing Aviva Studios as the main hub for this year’s festival, along with a number of beloved Northern Quarter venues this week, you can find the first wave of artists set to play Beyond The Music 2024 down below:
Taking place from 9-12 October, they have already confirmed 70 artists and 20 different stage partners (BBC Introducing, Clash and Unity Radio just to name a few) who will serve as ‘tastemakers’ alongside the multiple venues helping put on what is, without doubt, one of the UK’s most diverse live showcases.
Set to platform over 200 artists when the full lineup is confirmed, this is one of the best ways for any budding musical talent based in and around Greater Manchester to try and find a platform, with plenty of out-of-towners sure to join too.
On the conference side of things, under the title, ‘Is It Time For The Music Industry’s Great Rest?’, the groundbreaking look at the inner workings of the music industry will centre around Aviva Studios as already mentioned, with new-look summits and talks programme available to all attendees.
The hope is not just to make this an even bigger and better music festival than last year but to create a unique and global music forum to find solutions to the most pressing issues within the sector. They already made a decent start on it in 2023.
Commenting on its return, festival partners Clash said of the event, “There is hope and we felt it in Manchester… the beginning of something incredibly special”, and Hunger Magazine added, “It could be the spark that sets the scene alight. Manchester is already a centre of creativity, but the extra push could see it become the centre of the musical universe” – as if it wasn’t already.
To sweeten the deal even more, there’ll be a whole host of afterparties following the horde of gigs being held over the weekend and if you sign up for pre-sale, not only do you get a discount on your entry fee but you’ll also be entered into a prize draw, with drinks vouchers and upgrades up for grabs.
Pre-sale for Beyond The Music 2024 is already live and tickets are now more affordable than ever before, with a standard Delegate Pass (including full festival access) priced at £170, a one-day festival ticket costing only £20 and a full weekend pass to enjoy all three days of music setting you back just £45.
Sugababes and Rita Ora added to huge Manchester Pride Festival 2024 line-up
Daisy Jackson
Manchester Pride Festival 2024 has announced its final headliner, with girlband icons Sugababes added to the huge line-up.
Rita Ora has also been announced as a special guest, joining Jessie J and Loreen on the massive billing.
The huge LGBTQ+ celebration will return to Manchester over the August bank holiday weekend, centred around the four-day Gay Village Party and the parade through the city.
Also added to the Manchester Pride 2024 line-up is The Greatest Showman actress and singer Keala Settle.
This year’s Manchester Pride Festival will kick off on Friday 23 August with Brit-award-winning popstar Jessie J – her first performance in Manchester in six years.
Keala Settle will also perform on Friday, belting out classic Pride anthems with a live band on the Alan Turing Stage.
Also on the Friday you’ll see drag artist BIMINI, Trans Filth & Joy and Runway by Banksie, Manchester’s very own 7-foot drag supermodel.
Moving onto Saturday 24 August, and The Village Stage will be headlined by two-time Eurovision winner Loreen.
Rita Ora has just been added as a special guest to the Saturday line-up – the global star delivered an unforgettable performance at Manchester Pride back in 2018 and will be back for an exclusive pride performance in 2024.
Also on Saturday, the Indoor Arena will pay homage to Manchester’s warehouse clubbing legacy and will host the Gaydio Dance Arena. Headlined by DJ Paulette, there’ll be a line-up of Gaydio DJs including Dave Cooper and Forbid.
There’ll be disco, house and funk galore at The Village Stage when Black Pride MCR takes over, while the Queer Asian Takeover returns to the Alan Turing stage.
Sugababes. Credit: Publicity picture
Then on Sunday, Sugababes will deliver a nostalgic performance with a headline appearance on The Village Stage.
They’ll be joined on Sunday 25 August by Atomic Kitten’s Natasha Hamilton with Danny Beard & Friends; and Steps’ Claire Richards over on the Alan Turing Stage, alongside Pride Divas with Misty Chance.
As Sunday draws to a close, audiences can expect to be dazzled by, Queenz: The Show with Balls, reigning Drag Race UK champion Ginger Johnson, and so much more at Danny Beard & Friends on The Village Stage.
The festival will conclude on Monday 26 August with, as always, the Candlelit Vigil in the sacred setting of Sackville Gardens.
In collaboration with George House Trust, this special moment will honour those we have lost and stand in solidarity with those living with HIV. This heartfelt experience will be a powerful reminder to combat stigma and come together as a community in unity and support.
Second Release Weekend and VIP tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster now from £27.50 for a day ticket and £42.50 for a weekend ticket.
A fixed donation of £2.50 from every ticket sold goes directly to the Manchester Pride Community Fund, ensuring that LGBTQ+ causes and projects in Greater Manchester receive vital support with grants that are distributed throughout the year. Pledge Band tickets must be purchased to facilitate the event.
More information about Manchester Pride Festival 2024 and ticket purchasing can be found on the Manchester Pride website.