They’ve had a massive opening weekend but what else is there to look forward to in the first full week at Festival Square for MIF 2019…
Mary Ellen McTague & Craig Potter (Elbow)
Monday 8th July @ 10pm
One of Manchester’s most impressive and well-respected chefs – Mary-Ellen McTague is putting down her vinaigrette and picking up her vinyl for a night of music alongside Craig Potter from Elbow. I’m not entirely sure what kind of music Mary-Ellen is in to – I’ve only really ever talked to her about food – but I’m positive her tastes will be excellent. Alongside an Elbow legend too – this should be a cracker.
DJ Yoda
Tuesday 9th July @ 10pm
One of the biggest and most impressive hauls this MIF – DJ Yoda is known for his cut and paste sampling, his unique sets (with one once comprising entirely of viral YouTube clips) and his unquestionable mixing and scratching talent. He typically sways between hip-hop, drum & bass, funk and soul – so expect that.
BBC Music Introducing with Mouse Outfit, OneDa, Argh Kid and more
Wednesday 10th July @ 8pm
The people over at BBC Music are set to present a host of Manchester’s up-and-coming music stars, including hip-hop ensemble Mouse Outfit, female rapper and vocalist OneDa, alternative hip-hop band Argh Kid, synth indie-hop singer Phoebe Green and more.
House Gospel Choir
Thursday 11th July @ 8pm
House meets Gospel Music with this outstanding collection of dance/electronic singers and musicians – marrying the spirituality of church music with the euphoria of the dancefloor. The London-based ensemble blew the roof off MIF 2017 and look like they’re going to do the same this Thursday night.
Hattie Pearson
Thursday 11th July @ 10pm
Following the electric House Gospel Choir will be DJ and radio presenter Hattie Pearson – who’s been smashing out the biggest and best 8p’s and 90’s hits every week down at The Deaf Institute with her night – Girls on Film. You should probably expect more of the same in Festival Square – with the likes of Madonna, Duran Duran, Human League, Bananarama and all of that brilliant stuff.
Fabaret!
Friday 12th July @ 8pm
An evening of funny, sexy, soulful and surreal cabaret featuring performers from Manchester’s explosively creative LGBT+ scene. Drag, pop, dance, comedy, spoken word, satire, DJs and hilarity will ensue, presented by the stars of some of the city’s finest creative parties and queer communities, including Drunk At Vogue, Rainbow Noir, Cha Cha Boudoir and A Queer Revue! Includes wild dancing, political satire, awesome music, and a very special tribute to Martyn Hett.
Homoelectric at MIF
Friday 12th July @ 10pm
Part of the “Dave Haslam curates…”, the legendary Homoelectric will be heading to Festival Square this Friday with DJ’s Kath McDermott, Will Tramp, Gina Breeze and Luke Unabomber. Homoelectric is ALWAYS a top night – and this should be no different.
Deptford Northern Soul Club
Saturday 13th July @ 8pm
Since opening last year YES has had a packed programme of live gigs, DJ sets and club nights – with one of their most popular being the Deptford Northern Soul Club – spinning out all the classic Northern Soul tunes so people can dance in flares on some talcum powder. Get yourself a few ciders and go hell for leather on that dancefloor.
Dave Haslam DJ
Saturday 13th July @ 10pm
The Manchester legend and former Hacienda resident has been working very closely with most of the acts and performers at this year’s Festival Square and this Saturday sees him step from out of the shadows and present his own evening on the decks. Expect some classic Manc belters.
Soundsystem PA with Horace Andy & Blood & Fire
Sunday 14th July @ 8pm
Absolute reggae legend Horace Andy will be heading up Festival Square this Sunday and I for one could not be any more excited. Not only is this a rare opportunity to see him perform – it’s also absolutely FREE – something you wouldn’t find elsewhere nowadays. See you there!
