Why we miss… Hidden – Manchester’s hub of music, culture, community & togetherness

In this challenging time it’s easy to forget our normal lives, the places we used to go and the things we loved doing. We thought it was time to reminisce over and support the venues that will no doubt be struggling in the face of the COVID-19 crisis by writing them love letters. With the aim of staying sane in the present, we’ll delve into our past experiences at Manchester’s best clubs, creating hope for the future by making sure they’re still there when we come out the other side of this crazy period. Up next… Hidden.

Tucked away on Mary Street as you wander North out of town is a club with an appropriate name… Hidden. Just when Warehouse Project was beginning to dominate Manchester’s nightlife calendar in 2013, along came a new warehouse which promised culture, community and togetherness all under one roof. After 6 years the building still stands as that epicentre, accommodating local artists and creatives in its low cost studios on its upper floors, while hosting some of the most ambitious and forward thinking line-ups the city has to offer.

Just a month and a half before COVID-19 tore us away from our nightclubs and normal lives, we caught Dekmantel poster boy, Young Marco headline alongside what may be one of the hardest DJs to catch on the circuit, DJ Sprinkles. A predominately student crowd were enamoured by her graceful presence on the decks – a set which served brilliantly as a platform for Marco to power into fifth gear ’til curfew. Tasteful lighting and an immaculate Void Acoustics sound-system didn’t hurt either. Then there was that unbelievable Theo Parrish all night long set back in 2018… Don’t get us started on the Gerd Janson, Hunee, Jeremy Underground and Dekmantel Soundsystem party in 2017.

While the line-ups are predominantly house and techno, the venue also serves as hub for drum’n’bass, garage and bassline, with promoters like Hit & Run, 23 Degrees and R3DX hosting their bigger jaunts over all three floors. We still don’t know our way around the place, it’s an endless myriad of staircases, which all but adds to the experience. Graffiti on the walls talks of LGBTQI+ rights and Manchester sayings, warming the place to our hearts. It’s no wonder it was included in the “Save our Scene” Crowdfunder campaign which has now raised over £8000 for the Manchester and Salford club scenes staff and venues. Get donating – and post your favourite memories of Hidden in the comments.