Ethos Public Relations Manchester

Legendary music venue reopens doors to the North West

by Ethos public relations

After a four year major renovation, Manchester's legendary music venue Band on the Wall is back.

The venue, which reopens on the 25 September, secured itself a place in music history where the likes of Joy Division, Bjork, Simply Red and Buzzcocks performed some of their very first concerts. As a powerhouse for music, fans came from all over the North West to see UK and international artists perform live at the venue.

Deborah Drinkwater, aged 47 and from Hope, recalls the unforgettable atmosphere of the venue, including a particularly memorable night when she got chatting to Manchester United star Eric Cantona in the audience watching some jazz.

"As a huge Cantona fan, it was amazing to see him standing by the bar - like any other regular - at Band on the Wall," said Deborah. "After a couple of drinks, I finally summed up the courage to go over to him and tell him how much I liked him, which would be fine, but I did it in French! Not a good idea when you can hardly speak a word of the language," she laughs.

"Band on the Wall was hands-down my favourite Manchester club in the 80s and 90s - with no other venue able to top it for entertainment, atmosphere, bands and mix in age groups. I can't wait for the doors to be reopened!"

Cyril Hyland, 66 grew up on Cross Lane in Salford and his job installing food machinery in flour mills across the country in the 70s and 80s meant that he would travel all over the UK. He spent his time after work visiting different jazz venues.

"Band on the Wall beat other legendary venues at the time, such as Ronnie Scott's in London, because of its unique atmosphere," said Cyril. "You were so close to the stage and all of the action and the artists performing there also seemed to feel so at home."

The not-for-profit venue has been awarded £4 million in combined awards by Arts Council England, Heritage Lottery Fund and Manchester City Council to transform it into a 21st Century centre for music.

New facilities include a new sound system, audio-visual and sound studios, multi-use social space The Picturehouse and education suites from where a series of initiatives with local schools and colleges will be run.

Gavin Sharp, CEO of Band on the Wall acknowledged the crucial role of funding in bringing the venue back into use.

"We would not have been able to do any of this without the support of the Arts Council England, Heritage Lottery Fund and Manchester City Council," said Gavin. "We are incredibly grateful for their help, and for the support of all our other sponsors, and look forward to reclaiming our place as one of the cornerstones of the North West's music scene."

Band on the Wall relaunches with Back To Our Place - a month-long international music showcase which will run from 25 September - 31 October. Highlights include soul diva Mica Paris performing a one-off concert with legendary jazz pianist Julian Joseph, 2008 Mercury Music Prize nominated The Unthanks, sonic dub master Mad Professor with The Ariwa Posse and internationally acclaimed Malian ngoni player Bassekou Kouyate.

With its new facilities, Band on the Wall will not just be a platform for international artists, but will be a centre for visitors young and old from around the North West and beyond.

"We have developed the building next to the main auditorium, The Picturehouse, so that the public can access our archives on music, artists who have performed here and on the fans who came to see them," Gavin added.

"We also have a new Learning and Participation programme which will offer activities for everyone regardless of age, experience or ability.

"So we're really sure that the new, improved Band on the Wall won't disappoint."

To receive advance event notification and obtain discounts sign up to the venue's mailing list at www.bandonthewall.org or call 0845 2 500 500 to buy tickets.

Posted at 23^rd September 2009