Full marks to Bekki and the crew at Red Cardinal for helping out those of you heading to university in Manchester this month. I remember heading to Bradford in the 90’s which, at the time, had a great rock scene… but ending up going to all the usual trendy places as I only knew all the other freshers for the first few weeks and that’s all that was organised. So for those who’re moving to the NW of England for the next 2-3 years…
An Alternative Freshers’ Week in Manchester
Freshers week is the time where new university students will seek to make new friends and, of course, explore the local nightlife of their new city.
The typical student in Manchester will venture to Fifth, Factory and Tiger Tiger but for the alternative student this may sound like their idea of Hell. They would prefer to hear some good old rock and metal. Here is a guide to help those students to find the best alternative places in Manchester.
Monday 19 September – Remake Remodel at Soup Kitchen
Every Monday Remake Remodel brings alternative rock n roll to Soup Kitchen, taking the party back to 1969. In the upstairs bar you can get your face painted to reflect your inner rockstar, or head to the Davie Bowie photobooth and take some quirky new photos to put up in your uni halls.
- Tuesday 20 September – Riot at Satan’s Hallow
Every Tuesday, Satan’s Hollow offers a free bar between 10pm and 11pm. Drinks include vodka and a mixer, gin and a mixer, bottles and more. The décor of the venue is designed to look like hell with melting walls and a giant Satan in the DJ booth – you’ll find something interesting everywhere you look. Satan’s free bar is an alternative fresher’s right of way! Expect eclectic music ranging from System of a Down to Die Antwoord.
- Wednesday 21 September – Pub Crawl
Wednesday nights are quieter for clubs in Manchester in the alternative scene, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a good dose of rock and metal! Check out the local rock/metal bars in Manchester – start at Pub/Zoo, move further up the Oxford Road to The Salisbury and Grand Central and around the corner from this you will find Retro Bar. All of these places offer cheap drinks and fantastic jukeboxes, loaded with everything from new tracks to the classic we all know and love.
Thursday 22 September – Oink Punk Bingo at The Blue Pig
Oink Punk Bingo is like normal bingo, but instead of listening out for numbers, you listen out for the bands on your card. It’s a night of classic hits and modern hits with an abundance of air-guitaring, air-drumming and overenthusiastic lip syncing. It’s only £1 per round and you get a free shot of tequila each time!
- Friday 23 September – Deadbolt Frat Party at Ruby Lounge
For the sixth year running Deadbolt will be hosting their “Frat Party” to initiate freshers into the ΔBΦ Fraternity with crazy challenges and games, guest DJ Harry Radford (of Yashin), an official British Beer Pong League tournament and giveaways from Live Without Regret Clothing and their sponsor Fireball whiskey. Deadbolt’s music policy is pop punk, metal, emo and more, ranging from classic Taking Back Sunday to brand new Bury Tomorrow. For those who like to cleanse their musical palate during the night, there is a second room, iLLmatic, playing Hip Hop, RnB and “house party anthems”. Expect chaos.
Saturday 24 September – Re-Volt at Rebellion
Every Saturday Rebellion hosts Re-volt with a mix of rock, metal, alt, punk, alt dance and industrial metal. If you’re not ready to dance yet, Rebellion keep the pool tables out and also set up a beer pong table. Cheap drinks are available all night with only £3 entry – the cheapest place to party on a Saturday night.
