Summer’s over when we say it’s over, and with that in mind, we’ve decided to team up with Kampus to throw a big summer disco this September and you’re all coming — no excuses.
The Big Kampus Disco is taking place in the city centre’s coolest new canal-side garden neighbourhood, where we and the wonderful team over there will be providing all the big hits and disco classics from the dancefloor, as well as promising dancers, performers and general festivity.
Expect bright lights and a ridiculous amount of glitter.
Taking place on Saturday 9, September, the lineup is looking absolutely ace and we can’t wait.
The Kampus Kampus Disco is going to be one of this summer’s highlights. (Credit: Kampus)
With the party set to get started from 3pm onwards, guests can rock up in what we’re sure will be a sunny afternoon and evening to will enjoy DJ sets, amazing live music, as well as a massive Manchester silent disco.
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Around 400 music lovers are set to come along, so it could genuinely be one of the biggest silent discos the city has ever hosted and even if the weather is being typically Manc, we’re sure you lovely lot will bring plenty of sunshine with you.
Foodies won’t be disappointed either, as there’ll be an endless choice of delicious food and drink from the resident traders like Nell’s, Seven Brothers, Three Little Words and more — all of which will be serving everything al fresco so you don’t miss a single disco beat.
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Who needs a holiday?
Just look at the vibe.
Super talented DJ Pops Roberts will get the glitter ball rolling from with an inferno of a setlist featuring disco, funk, rare groove and all things soulful before the baton is passed on to Manchester’s very own The Untold Orchestra, who’ll be playing amazing live classical renditions of some of the biggest disco hits from legendary artists like Diana Ross and Chic from 5pm.
There’ll be plenty ofglitter make-up artists glamming people up and disco dancers getting you in the mood and, of course, a few of us will be there so come and say hello.
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You’ll have to do it before 7:30 though because that’s when the headphones come out as the huge silent disco gets underway with DJs Hannah O’Gorman, who’ll be continuing with the disco beats, and Kat Brown Sugar (great name), who will be delving into her party hip hop and R&B collection.
Speaking on the exciting collab, Adam Higgins, co-founder of Capital&Centric, said: “This is one of many amazing live events being hosted at Kampus this year. We’ve had Kampus Fest; a weekend of festival vibes and tunes to coincide with Glastonbury.
“We’ve also had food and drink takeovers from our fantastic indie operators at Kampus and we have a packed line-up planned for the August Bank Holiday raising funds for LGBTQIA+ charities, as the city celebrates Pride. Kampus offers the perfect outdoor venue for The Big Kampus Disco, and we’re excited to be keeping the summer party in full swing as we head into September.”
As for us lot, we’re so excited to be a part of this event; we love a silent disco and we should have recovered from Manchester Pride by then, so can’t wait to boogie the night away (touch wood).
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A disco dress code is encouraged but not mandatory. Tickets for the silent disco are £5 (plus a £10 refundable deposit) in advance but can also be bought on the door. The ticket fee and deposit will secure a set of headphones for the silent disco but all the events prior to the silent disco are completely free.
You can grab yours in advance HERE. Be there or be square.
Manchester Open exhibition to return in 2026 with ‘biggest celebration’ of local creative talent
Emily Sergeant
The biggest celebration of Greater Manchester’s creative talent is making a much-anticipated return next summer.
Taking place every two years and now in its fourth iteration, Manchester Open exhibition sees the HOME Gallery walls filled with hundreds of artworks selected by a panel consisting of art experts and community representatives.
The exhibition is open to all and welcomes entries from people of any level of experience, including established professionals, students, graduates, new and emerging talent, enthusiastic amateurs, and even first-time artists.
Artists are invited to submit work into eight different categories, with the aim of creating an exhibition ‘rich in variety’ for visitors to explore.
Manchester Open exhibition is set to return in 2026 / Credit: Jason Lock Photography
This means you’ll get to explore works of ceramics, digital/moving images, drawings, prints, paintings, photography, sculptures/installations, and textiles.
Several awards will also be up for grabs throughout the exhibition – which is set to run from Saturday 20 June and Sunday 6 September 2026 – including a prestigious new award in honour of philanthropist and business leader, Kate Voke.
Three artists will also be awarded with artist development packages, managed by HOME and Castlefield Gallery.
“Following our 10 year anniversary in 2025, we are looking forward to 2026 and welcoming applications to HOME’s biggest celebration of Greater Manchester’s artistic talent,” explained Karen O’Neill, who is the CEO of HOME.
“With a record number of applications to the last Manchester Open, we’re hoping for even more in 2026 and to demonstrate how the city continues to grow as a place where artists and creativity can thrive.”
Manchester Open exhibition is taking place in 2026 from Saturday 20 June and Sunday 6 September, and the application and submission process is now live – with all submissions being reviewed by the selection panel who make the final selection of work to be included in the exhibition.
Artists will only be able to submit one artwork, and the selection panel members will be announced in spring 2026.
Featured Image – Jason Lock Photography (Supplied)
What's On
The biggest New Year’s Eve parties taking place in Manchester city centre for 2025
Danny Jones
Yes, New Year’s Eve 2025 is nearly upon us, and it still surprises us how many people haven’t sorted proper NYE plans right up until the last second, so we thought we’d round up some of the biggest parties happening in Manchester city centre on 31 December.
From simple pubs and bars pouring away, to those offering live music, entertainment and other packages, there’s something to suit everyone.
That’s it – we don’t need a big, long intro to explain what’s going on here; just dive in, see what might suit you, and party like it’s your last night on Earth.
The biggest and best NYE parties happening in Manchester | 2025
1. Mulligans – Deansgate
Where else to start than with the biggest, booziest Irish bar in town? Yes, just like any old night out, Mulligans of Manchester is going big and won’t be going home until well into the early hours, as their New Year’s Eve party is set to be one of the best in town.
There’s no booking ahead, it’s just a case of paying £20 on the door for admission, which also comes with a drink token that you can exchange at the bar. Simple as – slàinte!
Credit: The Manc Group
2. Albert’s Schloss – Peter Street
Where do you go before and/or after Mully’s? Plenty of people will say Albert’s Schloss no matter what the occasion or even night of the week, and they’re going full Y2K-themed this time around.
Ringing in the New Year just like the world did back in 1999, expect 90s fashion, tunes, free-flowing food and drink throughout the day, as well as an unforgettable evening of live entertainment. Click HERE to grab the last few tickets.
One of Greater Manchester’s recent openings, Tangerine is located right under the Salford Central and just across from Spinningfields, and it also happens to be one of the coolest new canteens, martini and music hall.
Dubbing their very first NYE in the city, ‘The New Year’s Experiment’, the stylish orange-hued arthouse has live bands booked, as well as DJs and dancers until late. If you haven’t tried it out yet, now’s the perfect time to give it a go, so grab tickets while they last.
Now, for those of you wanting an equally classy affair with the promise of even more top-quality food, steak and seafood restaurant Cut and Craft in the city centre is bringing a party atmosphere along with stunning dishes in a stunning room, champagne and more.
With a performance by the legendary house vocalist, Julie McKnight of Diamond Life, plus support from Glitterbox DJ, Raven Mandella, not to mention showgirls, welcome glasses, bar tabs, and the option of a three-course menu to choose from, there are various tiers to enjoy. Book now whilst you still can.
Heading over Ancoats way to Detroit-style pizza, tater tots and spicy margarita specialists, Ramona and their late-night counterparts of Firehouse are hosting what they’re calling ‘The Velvet Hour’.
Expect the usual chaos, featuring drinks table options with welcome drinks and the Firehouse NYE feast, as well as regular standing admission if you just want to be in the room for the countdown and beyond. Grab your tickets HERE.
Another very welcome newcomer to the city is the stunning Italian paradise that is Circolo Popolare inside Gary Neville’s new St Michael’s tower on Jackson’s Row. To celebrate their first New Year here, Chef Alfredo is creating a towering GOLDEN version of their famous lemon meringue pie.
Available alongside a three-course ‘Italo’ feast filled with next-level DJs, live music, and plenty of shots throughout the night, you can find where to book as well as the full festive menu online, and get ready to be blown away. For starters, just look at the normal room alone…
Circolo Popolare HAS to be one of the most beautiful restaurants this city has ever seen. 😍🍋
Big Mama Group’s Manchester debut is an absolute stunner. 🤌
Diecast is delivering ‘NYE BANG’ to the Manc masses across all three big rooms, but there’s so much more on offer. We’re talking aerialists, circus stunts, vertical staging, lasers and light shows and even a 10-piece live band.
The debut of The Old Foundry dancefloor is the centre piece of the whole thing, though, and will serve as the perfect place to step into 2026. You can see all ticket options HERE.
Yet another recent addition to the city, House of Social food hall is going for a house party feel, complete with beer pong, pool, red plastic party cups and nothing but good vibes all around.
Best of all, this one is completely FREE entry, you just need to reserve your ticket online, and enjoy great food and drink from their five independent kitchens between 7pm and 1am on 1 January, 2026.
BAR MAYA is also delivering the house party festivities, including plenty of drinks, feel-good tunes and a buzzing crowd. Meanwhile, down in the dining room, their new supper club are serving four sensational courses alongside 90 minutes of limitless beer and bubbles for £100 per person.
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Besides DJs and a big dancefloor, ‘The Pump Room’ will serve as the late-night club space with a few more surprises in store, too. Enquire about bookings HERE.
Credit: The Manc
10. Electric Shuffle – Deansgate
Fancy something with a little more activity and some friendly competition to see you through the night? Well, there are plenty of places that do shuffleboard, but few quite as high-tech and well-rounded for a part as Electric Shuffle.
It’s a pretty boilerplate affair – not that we’re complaining: prosecco in hand, a few games and bar snacks to tide you over and, obviously, some DJs. You can put your name down for a table HERE.
Bar Lina – the low-lit, sister bar to Lina Stores – is hosting their own NYE takeover in collaboration with Manchester’s longest-running club night. They’ll be supplying the funk, disco, soul, R’n’B, hip-hop and everything in between from 9pm until 2am.
Tickets are £25 per person and include a glass of Prosecco on arrival, a Bar Lina signature cocktail, as well as another glass of fizz at midnight. We’ll cheers to that!
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Credit: The Manc
12. Nell’s – Media City
Now, if you fancy chasing your NYE cocktails with some big ol’ slice of New York-style pizza, then Nell’s new site over in Salford Quays is the place to be. The drink in question will be plenty of margs, naturally.
We’ve been to plenty of seasonal parties at their Kampus venue before, so we can vouch for their hosting skills, and you can secure entry to this one for just a fiver, or get 90 minutes of non-stop 22″ pizzas plus a welcome drink and some midnight fizz for only £40. Find all the timings and tickets HERE.
13. Thomas St NYE Takeover (4 venues) – Northern Quarter
This one is another we can personally vouch for after having done it one year, when other plans fell through, before making it a tradition for a few NYEs in a row. Taking place across four fantastic NQ favourites, you buy a wristband and get one drink in each of the venues.
Admittedly, a different lineup this time around – Bay Horse Tavern, Cane & Grain, The Social NQ and Crazy Pedro’s – you’re guaranteed to have a good time. Maybe see you there…
14. Bongo’s Bingo – Albert Hall
Now, THIS one is going to be carnage – but the good kind, of course. We don’t need to talk you through the Bongo’s Bingo format; it’s a British nightlife institution at this point, and if you’ve never given it a go before, their ‘Big Fat Bingo of the Year’ edition will be unforgettable.
Heading over to the ever-growing St John’s district next, The Trading Route on Good Yard’s Street are also getting involved with the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Being hosted by promoters Love Dose, they’ve confirmed former Hacienda DJ, Tom Wainwright, as the resident for the night. Running from 9pm until 2am, you can grab your tickets HERE.
16. Founder’s Hall – Albert Square
Last but not least, if you just fancy more classic pub vibes, J.W.Lees’ new central hub, Founder’s Hall, is also throwing a big New Year’s Eve bash which kicks off from 7pm.
Bookings are live now, and there’ll be DJs all night long and plenty of local ale, including ‘The Cream of Manchester’, Boddington. Say no more – see you there.
Oh, and if none of these tickle your fancy and/or you don’t want to spend too much money, you could always pop just outside or round the other side of Town Hall…
Danny Jones -
18th August 2023 
