A night at The White Hotel and the future of alternative venues

“I love coming to Manchester,” Ben Cowper says. “You guys are lucky to have a place like this – it’s special.” I catch the Bristol-born DJ, known as Count van Delicious, after an infectious set alongside Get Serious partner, Harry Fitz. It’s part of a buzzing night at Salford’s White Hotel, hosted by self-described ‘Manctalo’…

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Northern Voices: The legacy of Len Johnson and radical activism at The Old Abbey Taphouse

Breaking Barz has the most electric atmosphere of any gig I have been to in Manchester in the past few years. It started life as a series of workshops and talks by local historians celebrating the life of boxer and activist Len Johnson, before evolving into one of the most exciting nights in the city.…

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Sour Grapes: Making psych tapes on the third floor of Afflecks Palace

As you navigate the warren of walkways and stairwells in Afflecks Palace – the Northern Quarter’s alternative indoor market – you hear Sour Grapes’ sound-system before you see it. The DIY record label and promoter is tucked in a corner on the third floor, amongst a myriad of independent vendors, vintage boutiques and fashion traders.…

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