by Jess Carruthers
This year the almighty ‘Warehouse Project’ has left Victoria Warehouse and returned to their roots at the legendary venue, Store Street.
‘The Warehouse Project’ is an exceedingly popular chain of consecutive club nights in Manchester, that take place from September to New Years Day. Sacha Lord and Sam Kandel are the brains behind the raves, founding it in 2006. The original Store Street days were from 2007 to 2011, until it moved to Victoria Warehouse for the 2012 and 2013 seasons. When ‘The Return’ was announced you could hear the ecstatic cheers of dancing revellers across Manchester and the whole of the UK; as it was confirmed that the best UK dance night was returning to its throne, for a mind-blowing comeback. To say everyone was ‘excited’ would be a massive understatement.
As a Store Street virgin, I was personally confused as to how anywhere could top the venue of Victoria Warehouse. The key feature being the huge Room 1, hosting the likes of Annie Mac and Disclosure, combined with the enchanting lights and the killer sound system. But I was very, very wrong.
The Store Street experience is one like no other. Hidden under the huge brickwork arches of Piccadilly train station, I was taken deep beneath the streets into a raver’s paradise. The rugged exterior and interior of Store Street gives the venue the ultimate grunge effect; adding to the perfect atmosphere. There are two stages; the bigger of the two contains brickwork archways forming a wall, giving you the perfect option of being right in the center of the crowd or escaping to the sides beneath the archways for a chilled break, while still experiencing the vibes of Room 1. Room 2 is smaller and more intimate; combining booming music and mesmerizing lights leaving you in a trance of sheer amazement.
Of the 33 nights this season only 17 remain, starring DJ’s such as Jon Hopkins, MK and the absolute legend that is Fatboy Slim! To not experience Store Street to me would be a crime against dance music. My advice would be to hunt down a ticket and enjoy.
Jessica Carruthers is a second year student studying English and Linguistics, she enjoys music fashion and reading, you can find her at @jesscarruths
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