It seems like not too long ago now that the news came through that two of Manchester’s most iconic venues would be closing. It was one of those, you remember where you were moments. If you are not au fait with the Mancunian venues and why this was such a big story; Gorilla and The Deaf Institute have been the two cornerstones for the Manchester scene for a few years now and have seen some of the best young talent play.

Spearheaded by Sacha Lord, the Night Time Economy Advisor and primary operator of both Warehouse Project and Parklife, after he took to Twitter to let his grievances with the situation be known. Like many venues in the UK, these two iconic places had found life tough during lockdown and could not handle the loss of income. But luckily, after Sacha Lord put it on his Twitter, a solution was found.

Great news…all done within 4 working days. Jobs saved and 2 of the city centres best live music venues kept alive. Thank you @AndyBurnhamGM for helping to raise the profile! #Gorilla#DeafInstitutehttps://t.co/a9MPqP4jKv

— Sacha Lord (@Sacha_Lord) July 21, 2020

After he put it on his Twitter, a new buyer was found that kept the venues alive and kicking. These new buyers are at home in the Manchester club and music scene, seeing as though they already own Impossible, Factory, and South, which is a trio of Mancunian clubs. So hopefully, they are experienced owners who know how the Manchester scene works. 

When it was announced that the two venues would be closing their doors indefinitely, there was an outcry from current occupants of the city, those connected to the city and celebrities who have seen the effect that the two venues have had.

Unfortunately grassroots venues are just one of the industries that have taken a big hit during the current times. With many venues all over the country seeing their doors close permanently after not being able to deal with the requirements asked of them over the past 4 months. This is not helped by the fact that the government was extremely hesitant to provide any support for the arts and only did so after a big campaign. 

Luckily enough for Manchester though, we get to keep our two most iconic venues, which I am sure will keep producing more and more iconic moments to go along with it. Hopefully the new owners will be well versed in what it takes to be successful in Manchester as they already have experience in the field. But, nothing ever happens the way you want it to.