Car Boot Sale @ Alexandra Park
Saturday 17th August
I went to the last car boot sale at Alexander Park a few weeks back and although we turned up a little late there were still some good bargains to be had. I ended up buying a couple of Cherry B glasses, a Fondue Set and some little basil plants which are all happily growing away in my kitchen as I type. Get yourself there early doors this weekend and I’m positive you’ll find yourself even better things – like a rare Natwest pig for 50p, or a genuine Picasso for £1. All you have to do is have a root around and you’ll find ’em.
Swing Ting w/ HMD, The Dance Pit, Fox & Residents @ Soup Kitchen
Saturday 17th August
This Saturday my mam will be 60 years young and I suspect she will be celebrating in style with a pile of Cherry B’s and an endless supply of rum from the bar in her back yard. If she was a fan of urban tunes instead of George Michael I’d suggest she head on down to Soup Kitchen to celebrate because they’ve got a massive night on from the gang over at record label Swing Ting. It’s a very impressive line-up with HMD, The Dance Pit, MC Fix and the Swing Ting residents – banging out tunes until the early, early hours. Mam, if you do end up going – don’t get too pissed up and start any fights. Thanks. x
From Dusk Till Dawn @ 33 Oldham Street
Sunday 18th August
As part of 33 Oldham Street’s collaboration with Manchester Classic Films, they’ll be showing a true ‘classic’ this Sunday in the guise of From Dusk Till Dawn – a truly bat-shit crazy film that should be watched by everyone at least once in your life. I don’t want to spoil anything for any of you who haven’t seen it but the film features one of the most surprising (and brilliant) tone and plot shifts in the history of cinema – it’s great! There’s no better way to watch it than on a 100-inch screen with world-class speakers and a free pint of Kaltenberg lager. They also do 2-4-1 cocktails and Estrella too. Oh and FREE popcorn. Lovely.
Hang Out with Dave Haslam
Sunday 18th August
I’ve met Dave Haslam a few times in my life – mostly while absolutely leathered asking him to put on a bit of ABBA so I could dance with a girl and show her my outstanding moves. He’s always been a rather polite and nice fella – no matter how annoying I was. You’ll have the chance to meet him too this Sunday as he heads to the brilliant Wilderness Record Store in Withington for a bit of DJ’ing, a signing of his book ‘A Life in Thirty-Five Boxes: How I Survived Selling My Record Collection’ and a general chin wag over a few tins of lager. It’s FREE too!
Come Hang Out with Hacienda legend Dave Haslam at Wilderness
Diablesse Rum Club at Revolucion de Cuba
Tuesday 20th August
I’m a huge fan of this new rum, made by Manchester’s very own ‘Rum Queen’ Cleo Farman – and thus I wholeheartedly endorse this event and/or product. The event in question is in fact an ‘Aroma and Taste Masterclass’ where Cleo will take you on a journey through the characteristics of her rum, where they come from and why she chose them. You’ll learn all there is to know about rums, as well as (of course) trying and tasting plenty of the good stuff itself. It’s only a fiver and you can book it below…
Old Forester x Cane & Grain
Thursday 22nd August
This Thursday sees the Northern launch of a unique super-duper batch of Old Forester bourbon at Cane & Grain – the only place that you’ll be able to actually get this batch in the whole of the North. To celebrate the launch of it, they’ll be having a week long selection of cocktails on the go, as well as the aforementioned launch party on Thursday 22nd. Old Forester will be sending down their Master Blender (what a job!) who will be bringing along some super rare whiskeys to taste and sip and raise an eyebrow to. Should be a good one so get on down if you’re a fan of bourbon.
The Museum Menagerie with Family Gorgeous & friends
Thursday 22nd August
Manchester-based drag queens Family Gorgeous will be hosting a bloody brilliant afternoon of drag cabaret down at the Manchester Museum (that one down near that horrible tin of beans University building). Head on down for 1pm and you’ll be treated to some top-notch cabaret from some of Manchester’s biggest and best drag acts – and best of all – it’ll cost you ‘eff all because it’s FREE.
Come As You Are Weekender @ The Refuge
Friday 23rd – Sunday 25th August
The Refuge are famed throughout the land for their excellent Come As You Are Weekenders and his Bank Holiday will continue this legacy with a packed list of events and performances. The whole thing kicks off on Friday at around 5pm, conveniently when you’re just getting out of work, with Abs Ward, Claud Cunningham and Kim Lana on the decks in the Public Bar. There’ll also be a performance by all-male voice choir The Sunday Boys as well as a film screening of ‘Beyond: There’s Always A Black Issue Dear’ with Superbia in the Basement. All of this will be followed by a super-special Pride show by Horse Meat Disco.
The Refuge ‘Come As You Are’ Weekender August Bank Holiday 2019
2 Many DJs @ Gorilla
Friday 23rd August
The Belgian lads will be heading to Gorilla to kick off the Bank Holiday in style. I can’t really be bothered writing anything about them – if you know, you know, so instead – here’s a playlist for your ears…
Horse Meat Disco Pride Party at Refuge
Friday 23rd August
A massive part of The Refuge’s Come As You Are Weekender, this special Pride show from the Horse Meat Disco lot should be an absolute belter – one not to be missed. Joining the HMD crew will be London-based duo RAW SILK who will be aiming to get your hands, legs and lips all warmed up ready for the big event. It’s highly likely that I will turn up in here with my dancing shoes on – so get ready for that and give me a big sloppy kiss and/or hug – it’s PRIDE after all!
Manchester Pride 2019
Friday 23rd – Monday 26th August
This year the whole thing is wildly different from previous ones, with 2 big parties happening – one in the new Mayfield bit near Piccadilly Gardens and the other in and around Canal Street. Most of the big performances are in the Mayfield bit – such as Ariana Grande and Bananarama while the more niche/fringe stuff is down in the village. Whatever you think of it all I’m not too fussed – just try and enjoy yourselves and have a good time. Oh and go to Love Party at the Star & Garter on Saturday.
