A few months ago, it was hard to believe that we’d be inundated with so many club nights and music events that we’d have to be picky.
But since COVID-19 restrictions were lifted just over a week ago on so-called ‘Freedom Day’, announcements have come thick and fast – and what a lovely week it’s been. The clubs have been packed with happy faces and hope of the scene recovering is being restored.
We’ve gone from being stuck inside watching our favourite DJs and artists on screens to being spoiled for choice for nights out.
So, if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed and can’t decide what to do, we’ve put together a round-up of the weekend’s offerings to give you a hand.
A brand-new club night merging disco and garage
From the people behind Hit & Run comes a new event launching on Friday at the Northern Quarter’s Mint Lounge. ‘Disco In The Garage’ will bring together some of Manchester’s best selectors from both disco and garage to create something pretty intriguing.
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There’ll be a group of residents playing on rotation, including familiar faces Will Tramp, Rich Reason, Joy Social and Nanny Banton. And whilst we’re unsure what to expect here, that’s what makes it sound so good.
If you’re as curious as us, grab your tickets here.
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Friday 30 July 2021 | 10:00pm til 4:00am | Mint Lounge | 46-50 Oldham St, Manchester M4 1LE
A party in Victoria Warehouse’s basement
Kaluki Musik’s Summer Soundsystem series kicked off last Saturday with a packed-out opening night featuring Richy Ahmed.
The Victoria Warehouse basement – a relatively new and unused space – is currently playing host to the label’s nine-week residency this summer and is proving to be the ideal spot for a party like this. If you love that intimate basement feel from a night out, this one’s for you.
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The series continues on Saturday with a monster lineup of Kaluki favourites. The likes of AJ Christou, Pirate Copy, Rich NxT, Rossi and Seb Zito will all provide the house, tech house and minimal soundtrack across eight hours. And it runs until 6am so we expect you to be the last ones standing, really.
Saturday 31 July 2021 | 10:00pm til 6:00am | Victoria Warehouse Basement | Trafford Wharf Rd, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M17 1AB
Open-air dancing just off the Mancunian Way
The new venue sits right at the end of the Mancunian Way. Credit: Square One
Round two is on from Saturday afternoon at the city’s newest open air venue Square One. If you went to O’Shea’s Beer Garden you might recognise its Mancunian Way location. The popular Irish bar called this space home for 13 weeks from April through to earlier this month.
Last weekend saw some stellar DJ sets from the likes of Jaden Thompson and Denis Sulta in an unforgettable opening weekend for the Square One team. They’ve managed to create such a vibe over there, beneath that multicoloured canopy. You’d never believe cars were whizzing past on the Mancunian Way just over the fence.
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If you want a piece of the action, this weekend they’ve got Luigi Madonna, Nancy and Rebūke playing on Saturday. And on Sunday Hot Since 82 will make up the bill, with support from James Organ.
There are still a couple of tickets left for Saturday here and Sunday here but be sharp about it.
Sat 31 July/Sun 1 August | 2:00pm til 11:00pm | Square One | Cakebread Street, Ardwick, Manchester, M12 6HF
A party in a Skate Park under the Mancunian Way
The Projekts skate park doubles as an outdoor music venue. Credit: Projekts
If dancing just off the Mancunian Way doesn’t interest you, how about right under it? The Projekts Skate Park located beneath the road has become the unlikely host of a series of takeovers from some of Manchester’s biggest music labels and club nights.
If you fancy a day sesh, Saturday’s instalment of the series will feature Darius Syrossian’s Moxy Muzik from 2pm. The brand had an incredible first show back at Joshua Brooks last Friday and the team are fired up for another round in their hometown.
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Get in on more of this with the addition of that open air festival feel whilst also sheltered by the Mancy Way from this rubbish weather that they’re promising. What more could you want?
Saturday 31 July 2021 | 2:00pm til 10:00pm | Projekts Skate Park | 97 London Rd, Manchester M1 2PG
Sunday DnB crew at Tribeca
If you’re still going by Sunday night then fair play. Why not hit up Tribeca to see the weekend out with two floors of DnB, jungle dancehall and reggae?
The guys at Dubwoofah and Union Sound are bringing the party, with power sets from Manc DJs Boa, sl8r, Killamanjaro and Epicentre.
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Forget about work on Monday and get your tickets here.
Sunday 1 August | 10:00pm til 4:00am | Tribeca | 50 Sackville Street, Manchester, M1 3WF
For all your Manchester music content, head to The Manc Audio.
Featured image: Square One
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JD to host exclusive Josh Baker set at massive World Cup watch party in Manchester
Danny Jones
JD x JB: The well-known British and Manchester-founded sports fashion brand is teaming up with local artist Josh Baker for an exclusive pop-up set at a massive World Cup screening in the city centre tonight.
The two Manchester icons are teaming up at an otherwise sold-out Castlefield Bowl, getting the matchday vibes going ahead of the England vs Argentina game this evening.
With all eyes on the semi-final, keeping nerves steady will be a tall task, but Baker will be helping play his part in getting the energy up ahead of kick-off.
No matter what happens with the scoreline, it’s set to be a proper party atmosphere beforehand.
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Fresh off the plane from his White Isle residency over in Ibiza, the 30-year-old Manc musician will be taking to the stage from 6:15pm at none other than Castlefield Bowl, where nearly 9,000 people will be watching the big game.
In case you missed it, after wrapping up Sounds of the City ’26, the Bowl is now being taken over for Road to Victory’s outdoor fan zone.
Doors will be open from 5:30pm ahead of the 8pm kick-off, and you’ll want to get down there with plenty of time to make sure you get a good view of the action – and by that, we mean both the game and Josh’s exciting set.
Better still, not only are those at the venue in for a night of amazing music and incredible vibes, but they’ll be cheering on Thomas Tuchel’s men straight after, in a crucial clash that could see England reach a second consecutive final in the last two major tournaments.
There’ll be plenty of entertainment before, during and after the breaks.
We will, of course, be keeping our fingers crossed for you and the boys tonight; the only thing we’re certain of is that the man himself will deliver on the night.
We had the honour of chatting with JB ahead of the BRITs back in February, and he’s only looking to bigger and better things this year.
For those looking to go along for this special one-off, once again, tickets to the event are already sold out, so your only chance is to sign up for the waiting list HERE. Fingers crossed for you and a result at full-time!
Last but not least, keep your eyes peeled on the JD Sports Instagram page and their other socials for all other updates ahead of the huge night. We can feel it: it’s coming home…
Featured Images — Press shots (supplied via JD Sports)
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A local Manc musician is taking on a Three Peaks challenge whilst carrying a full drum kit
Danny Jones
A local musician dubbed ‘The Manchester Drummer’ is set to face an incredible twist on the National Three Peaks Challenge this summer, as he’s set to carry a full drum kit the ENTIRE way.
This makes our weekly stairmaster workout look like a walk in the park.
Aaron Youd, a.k.a. ‘TMD’ is set to take on the incredible feat next month in the name of mental health, especially among men.
Having sadly seen half a dozen loved ones and peers take their own lives over the last three decades, he’s putting himself through the wringer to show that mountains are there to be climbed, and chip away at those still surviving stigmas, one step at a time.
Set to ascend Snowdon, Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike – Great Britain’s trio of tallest summits – all whilst carrying his trusty drum kit, he’ll be putting himself through 23 miles of walking and over 10,000 feet/3,000 metres of elevation all told.
When we first came across his story, we assumed he meant the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge (still staggering at more than 5,200 ft), but it turns out he does nothing by half measures.
Having spent the best part of 27 years touring and performing across the UK and Europe, Aaron’s personal connection to mental health awareness and wellbeing has only deepened over that time, choosing to represent another native charity this August.
Mandem Meetup, who also have a strong base across Greater Manchester, hold completely free group walks, along with talking events, hikes and other activities, like Dungeons and Dragons games, homeless outreach work, even gym sessions with fellow Manc community hero Javeno McLean.
Speaking ahead of starting his incredible journey, Aaron said: “This challenge is about much more than endurance. It’s about raising awareness for mental health, encouraging people to speak openly, and raising as much money as possible for a cause that affects so many lives every day.
Credit: Supplied
“I’ve lost six friends and colleagues to suicide, and I know how important it is that people feel able to talk and ask for support. At each peak, I’ll be performing with the drums to spread the message that no one should struggle alone.
“Every step, every climb, and every beat played is dedicated to raising awareness and making a positive difference.”
As well as embarking on his voyage on behalf of Mandem Meetup, Aaron is also now working with a big brand soon to make a splash here in the region (nudge nudge, wink wink) who are helping back him on his challenge.
Following a chance encounter here in the city centre, he happened to meet Professor David Russell, who came across him busking, but also just happens to be the CEO of the upcoming Therme Manchester.
The £500 spa and resort set to open over in Trafford may still be a way off, currently scheduled for late 2028, but as part of their promotion ahead of establishing a base here in the North West, the talented percussionist was invited to be part of the official groundbreaking ceremony last September.
As for Aaron, he signs off by adding: “Music has always been my outlet and my way of connecting with people. If this challenge encourages even one person to open up about how they’re feeling or seek help, then every difficult step will be worth it.”
We wish him all the best and good luck with this superhuman and inspiring fundraising activity, not that he needs it – we have every faith he’s going to smash it.
Whilst you’re here, we’re hoping the grassroots music community can also come together to support another locally-based artist who could do with some help.
Hannah Starkie -
28th July 2021 
