Clubbing

man and woman

Sway @ Sankeys 22.4.08

Monday Murkage at Subspace became Tuesday Murkage at Sankeys last week, as for one night only promoter David Lewis brought the weekly grime night to a new venue for a special live PA by UK hip-hop artist Sway DaSafo. All of Monday Murkage’s regulars plus many more were out in force for their chance to see Little Derek himself in the run-up to the release…

Saturdays @ 112-116 Princess Street (AKA Paradise Factory) 26.04.08

This was my first visit to the Paradise Factory since it re-opened this year. Having not been best pleased with a recent visit to the gentrified poser hot-spot that is Sankeys, I was hoping to experience something more like the Warehouse Project, where most punters go, first and foremost, to experience the music.

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Mad Ferret Festival @ Platt Fields Park 04.06.08

Very much a student festival at heart, almost all the stalls and unique acts from comedy to drama and new music will be student or community run. This new concept, a daylong festival in Platt Fields Park after the end of exams, originated with two University of Manchester students Ben Tillet and Ben Cheetham, like all good ideas, over a pint.

man leaning against a wall

It’s a Riot at Moho Riotjazz w/ Skinnyman 16.04.08

It could have gone so wrong: amateurish MCs, a psychotic bouncer, and a silly door policy … however, despite the ridiculous hat and rhymes of Skinnyman, the night was saved by the talents of Riot Brass Band.

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Addictive Launch Night @ MTwo 17.4.08

It goes without saying that the launch of a new weekly club night should be a night to remember on all counts if it is to be popular with locals on a regular basis – and the launch of Addictive seemed to do just. There hasn’t been a weekly R&B night at MTwo for two years, so the pressure was on for Addictive to deliver.

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KittyKat Club Thursdays @ Birdcage

Kittykat Club has almost everything you could want in a cheesy, drunken, camp night out. Hosted by Miss Petra, the razor-tongued drag queen just that little bit too reminiscent of Lilly Savage, the night has highs that are well worth the three pounds entry fee and far outweigh the few lows.

two men in front of deck

Contort Yourself @ the Roadhouse

Every first and third Saturday of the month, the Roadhouse brings us Contort Yourself. It’s an eclectic melange of electronic music with anything being played, from Electro and Drum & Bass to Dub. The night also boasts an extensive and very impressive list of previous guests which include CSS, Nightmoves and South Central.

Clearance Sale sign

Student Rave Shut Down

An illegal student rave attended by 500 people in a Manchester warehouse was shut down by police. The party, organised by University of Manchester students, was part of a wider international two-day event in support of autonomous spaces and squatting.

happy bartender

Super Saki

The Hap-Clash approach for which Saki has become renowned for is being gently refined. The management clearly knows the audience it’s aiming for, and with the additions of better lights and sound it’s sure to get it.

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Poptastic Fantastic! @ Birdcage 08.04.08

Last Tuesday, The Birdcage hosted one of the yearly highlights of Manchester’s gay clubbing scene - Poptastic’s birthday party. Eagerly anticipated by the gay and straight community alike, the evening certainly didn’t disappoint. Despite a last minute no-show from “star” turn Pete Burns, Poptastic hosted a party to be remembered by all in attendance.

woman dancing

Culture Shock @ The Contact Theatre 12.04.08

Culture Shock, one off charity gig and brain child of fourth-year University of Manchester student Ajibola Omokanye, brought world music and people of different ethnic backgrounds and ages together for a highly energised and successful night at the Contact Theatre.

A Dive in the ‘Pool: A Mini-Guide to Liverpool Nightlife

This holiday I’ve been back in Liverpool, my first and favourite night-life love. Just over the water from my native (and infinitely more boring) Wirral, the city is at its best after dark.

Beetham Tower

Superclub Plans Cancelled

Killjoy Council chiefs have booted out plans to open a 2,500 capacity superclub in the city centre because local residents objected. Labyrinth, the proposed name of the new club, had put together plans to hold all night student parties in a car park next to Manchester's iconic Beetham Tower.

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Lethal Bizzle & Westwood @ Man Met Union 28.02.08

This night was certainly a novel experience. A strange concoction of aggravation and hilarity fed to an unusual crowd in an awkward venue.

Crowd of 5

Funkademia @ One Central Street - Every Saturday

Funkademia started in the city almost thirteen years ago, making it Manchester’s longest running club night. Back then its home was The Boardwalk, one of Manchester’s most significant venues of the late 80s and early 90s. Since then Funkademia has sampled the cosy constraints of The Attic as well as Subspace and Zumeba before moving into its present home early last year.

Easter bunnies and eggs

Easter Club Hunt!

Stuck in Manc-land over Easter vacation? Don’t fret! Check out some of these nights to get you out of the house and onto the dance floor…

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Kissy Sell Out @ Paradise Factory 22.02.08

This was my first visit to The Club, and I was excited to see what the people who brought Manchester the amazing showcases that were the Warehouse Projects and who restored our faith in a quality clubbing scene in the city were doing with a more conventional club.

Man drawing graffiti

Hoya:Hoya @ the Music Box 23.02.08

After the conclusion of the time-honoured monthly night, Electric Chair, something pretty special needed to take its last-Saturday-of-the-month slot at the music box.

The Wallbirds

Dickensian Disco @ Dry Bar 16.02.08

The fifth ever Dickensian Disco took place last Saturday at its home in one of Oldham Street’s most musically significant bars. The night is an innovative combo of live music and select DJ sets ran by Rob and Danny, also known as The Full Leather Jacket DJs. The Victorian feel is part of the attraction at DD with Russell Brand look-a-likes dotted about the place, alongside Oliver! on the widescreen.

KML Faithful

Keys Money Lipstick @ The Star and Garter 15.02.08

Heading away from the lights of the city, the Star and Garter hardly looks like the generic place you would spend your Friday night. That said, never judge a book by its cover. On entering, the traditional pub-styled downstairs is lively and packed to the rafters with the outrageously dressed Keys Money Lipstick (KML) faithful.

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