The evolution of house music in Manchester, from the Hacienda to Warehouse Project

Manchester has always been home to an undying admiration of house music and was the true instigator to the evolution of rave culture in the city. From the Hacienda to Warehouse Project, Manchester continues to produce some of the greatest house music ever.

The infamous Hacienda closed 20 years ago on June 28th 1997, yet it still remains Manchester’s best-known nightclub.

The Hacienda took a twist on the traditional style of a nightclub. It adapted a warehouse-themed appearance, and innovated a new style of music known as acid-house.

Some of the greatest names to grace the stage include; Madonna, The Smiths, The Happy Mondays, The Stone Roses, Graeme Park, Oasis and many, many more.

But after its notorious reputation with drug abuse and gangs, the nightclub shut its doors for good following a string of shootings and the UK’s first ever ecstasy-related death.

House music and acid-house didn’t stop on June 28th 1997 It only grew from there, with the scene now becoming one of the most popular nights out for today’s younger generation.

Could Manchester ever relive the Hacienda era?

Potentially, yes. Warehouse Project Manchester was set up in 2006 and returns each year to the buzzing centre of Manchester.

The WHP is a series of club nights that take place across 12 weeks and feature some of the biggest DJs in the current house music scene.

WHP takes place on Store Street in Manchester underneath Piccadilly Station, which once served as an air raid shelter, adapting the ‘warehouse’ appearance that the Hacienda once claimed.

The event has played host to some of the world’s most acclaimed current DJs and musicians, such as Deadmau5, Pete Tong, Carl Cox, The Prodigy, Happy Mondays and Disclosure.

Last Friday, WHP held the Paradise event with headliners such as Jamie Jones, Maceo Plex, Green Velvet and many more.

Heavy heavy tunes from @JamieJonesMusic at @WHP_Mcr #Paradise pic.twitter.com/nXTbUJ5IzV

— cam (@Camcrook) November 20, 2017

But,

Where did Manchester’s underlying devotion to house music come from?

What is the attraction to the scene by the majority of the youths of today?

Luke Walsh, 21, from Manchester, works for Warehouse Project during the week and is a resident DJ at the weekend.

If you wish to attend any Warehouse Project events, visit their website here.

They are even doing a Hacienda- Fac51 night on 30th December 2017. For tickets to that event click here.