After the successful launch of Come As You Are in 2016, this August bank holiday sees the return of the gaiety to The Refuge for a full joyous weekender of inclusive love, music, celebration, food and a cornucopia of much more, running alongside Manchester’s Mardi Gras.
The three-day line-up includes; Don Letts, Disco Queen Danielle Moore, Luke Solomon and HiFi Sean, Meat Free, Homoelectric’s Jamie Bull as well as Refuge regular, DJ Paulette.
Beginning on Friday 25th, The Refuge public bar will see one of Manchester’s most beloved musical heroes – James Holroyd – open the proceedings in a style that has seen him play throughout the city and beyond for well over 20 years.
Daytime celebrations begin on the Saturday (26th) and the Courtyard will again be brought back to life at midday for what is guaranteed to bring 1970’s New York to the city with it’s unique street party atmosphere. The day will feature a collection of artists including Infolk, Dr Sid, the legend that is Don Letts, Souljazz Soundsystem and the Manchester Disco queen – Danielle Moore.
Closing the evening will be Down To The Sea & Back (Balearic Mike & Kelvin Andrews), two musical masterminds who’s long affinity to this city reaches so deep their names are the only introduction needed. The Refuge Basement will be handed over to the capable hands of So Flute.
There will be no let-up on the Sunday for the climax of Come As You Are. Again the courtyard will open midday and welcomes DJs from across the board, from the uber-talented Kath McDermott, Andrea Trout and Blasha & Allatt (Meat Free). The Disco Dukes of Will Tramp and Jamie Bull will be making an appearance, as will the welcome sounds of Paulette and Dave Kendrick. Playing in the public bar and courtyard is a man who seems to be on tour more than the Rolling Stones, a one man disco machine – Dicky Trisco, and closing off in style with another of the cities longest serving DJs, Krysko.
The Refuge Basement has already held some legendary parties in its relatively short party incarnation, and this is sure to be another one for the memory. The subterranean space is welcoming one of the UK’s house music legends – an exceptional DJ and prolific producer who has made more records than Muscle Shoals – Luke Solomon, playing alongside his co-resident at Savage London, HiFi Sean. This final soiree will be supported by Sprechen Music label boss and another acclaimed Manc musical all-rounder, Chris Massey.
The Refuge, Oxford St, Manchester M60 7HA
0161 233 5151
www.refugemcr.co.uk
