YES is a powerful word. YES marks the affirmative, and just as it unlocks endless possibilities, it’s about to open a new chapter in Manchester’s vast musical history.
Independent promoters Now Wave (Wesley Jones and Jon Wickstead), along with live promoter Ruth Hemmingfield (formerly The Deaf Institute, Gorilla, The Albert Hall and Band on the Wall), mean the YES team have earned the respect and admiration from fun-seekers and the live industry alike over the last decade, hosting more than 1000 shows from the likes of Parquet Courts, Savages, Diiv, Mac Demarco, Jon Hopkins, Deerhunter and The XX.
Finding its home in the former auctioneers’ house and printing press which has stood on Charles Street since 1912, YES retains many original features including timeless mosaics and vibrant decor (enhanced by additional trippy monochrome Alice in Wonderland style tiling in the bathrooms).
YES will provide a social hub and creative space for all to come together, spread between a basement club, ground floor beer hall bar, live Pink Room and an open roof top terrace boosted by the venue’s NASA-approved sound system.
“Manchester has some beautiful venues so whilst our Pink Room is more minimal, we’re going all out on sound quality,” tells Ruth of the sound-quality which could, theoretically, lift gig-goers off their feet. “Manchester’s Neuron Pro Audio have fitted Danley Sound Labs PA speakers – they were designed by one of the most innovative loudspeaker designers in the industry who pioneered technology for NASA and invested acoustic levitation.”
Whilst venues around the world battle to stay open and the demise of others has become an all-too-familiar headline, YES will thrive as a child and dog-friendly, equipped with the city’s finest street food vendors. Think Pepperoni Playboy pizza slices and Firebird + Hope providing chicken and vegan burgers) sharing their delectable wares, worldwide beers will be served to the booths and Vermouth will be the taste on everyone’s lips during YES’s £5 Negroni festivals in the rooftop V&T bar.
“We are very aware people’s money needs to stretch a long way,” tells Jon. That’s why you’ll always be able to get a decent cheap pint at YES, and it will always be free entry into the bar and our roof terrace seven days a week”.
The rhythm of YES is soundtracked by its city centre location as trains rattle alongside the all-weather rooftop terrace and DJs who share the team’s love for music provide an eclectic soundtrack.
“All Jon and I ever wanted to do was play our favourite songs and that passion is something we now recognise in others,” explains Wes, “whatever you encounter at YES, you know it’ll be of the highest quality.” Adds Jon, “we’re proud to be able to contribute to the city’s independent scene which is why we’ll continue promoting events in its other amazing venues and we hope YES will allow our collective experience to help others do amazing things as well.”
YES will make its mark on Charles Street during the opening weekend, 21st – 23rd September – precisely 10 years to the day since promoter Now Wave’s first show. Launched with a festival feel, music fans can indulge in free pizza slices and 5000 free drinks, whilst enjoying extra food stands on the roof terrace, rising and established live acts and DJs.
Opening Party / / Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd September / / Live bands and DJ’s from 12 noon
YES, 38 Charles Street, M1 7BD
www.facebook.com/yesmanchester/
