Location: Manchester, UK
Capacity: 10,000
Launched in 2006, Manchester’s The Warehouse Project is a rite of passage for many. Led by local nightlife entrepreneurs Sacha Lord and Sam Kandel — who also run Parklife festival — its unique approach presents line-ups that reach all corners of electronic music, rotating within a limited three-month window. Events have been curated by Caribou, Annie Mac and Jamie XX over the years, while collaborations with brands such as Rush Hour, elrow and Defected are a core part of the brand’s appeal.
The venue has switched between several vast, industrial spaces. After leaving the iconic Store Street, the 10,000-capacity Depot Mayfield became The Warehouse Project’s new home in 2019. Hi-tech specs transformed the disused railway station into a clubber’s delight; the main room, Depot, boasts huge LED screens and seven-strong stacks of d&b audiotechnik J8/J12 speakers, while Concourse encourages 360-degree dancing. Though only running for six months before Covid-19 forced clubs to close, huge festivals such as Homobloc, and all-night-long sets from pioneering duo Underworld, cemented its reputation as one of Manchester’s must-visit spots.
Adapting to Covid-19 led to the launch of Freight Island, a hub of food, drinks and entertainment across 7,500 square feet of outdoor space. In 2021, more promoters will use other previously untouched parts of the venue. Sticking to its seasonal schedule, The Warehouse Project will reopen in September this year, featuring collaborations with Chic, Repercussion and Bicep, and a roster of residents that have risen throughout the past 12 months: Anz, Effy, Bklava, India Jordan and Jaguar.