Manipulate_ 20th Birthday featuring Sasha
In the ultra-hard and competitive world of clubland, average nights tend to run for three, maybe four years with a bit of luck and financial backing. If a night makes it to a tenth birthday, then it becomes classed as a clubland institution. To reach a 20th birthday, with a headliner who was not only the original and first superstar DJ and impossible to book for most club nights, then it’s fairly safe to say you’ve done something pretty damn well impressive. Well, let me introduce you to North Wales club night, Manipulate.
Started in the early 2000’s by John Scudamore and a few friends, the night kicked off at a cheesy nightclub called Broadway Boulevard in Llandudno. To make things a little more tough it was on a Thursday night. It’s fair to say it didn’t really take off and stopped after three nights at the venue. The second attempt was at a renowned club pub called The Phoenix in Holyhead (RIP), this time running on a Friday. After three or four parties with a lack of a true headliner the night wasn’t really working and fizzled out. Not to be deterred, the lads regrouped after a small hiatus learning from their past mistakes.
In 2003 at a venue called Hendre Hall that sits just outside Bangor, they created the third incarnation of Manipulate. This time the blueprint changed and the strategy was based around booking a headliner for each party. The first they booked was none other than Hacienda legend, Justin Robertson, it’s safe to say the night was a sell out and great success. Hendre Hall became the spiritual home of the night for almost fifteen years, alongside some sporadic events at another legendary Bangor venue that has since been demolished, called Amser (Time). Across the two locations some of the world’s most credible DJ’s have played including Yousef (three times), Ralph Lawson, X-Press 2, Danny Rampling, Paul Woolford, Mr C, Tom Demac (several times), Adam Shelton, Krysko, Dave Seamen (the list goes on)….
If we fast forward to March 2020, it was supposed to be the biggest ever Manipulate night, with the man like Sasha headlining. Unfortunately for the night in question, a couple of weeks before a certain pandemic scuppered everything as the UK went into lockdown. It’s undeniable that the last eighteen months haven’t been the best of times for everyone.
With limited club nights happening in North Wales for obvious reasons, the exciting news is the night is back on! Taking place on the 5th November, fireworks will be guaranteed at Acaedmi in Bangor as Manipulate present Sasha for their 20th birthday party. This is the first time in over 20 years Sasha will have played his hometown. The show will be kicking off at 9pm and the boys are also installing a Function One Soundsystem to ensure the production quality will be on point as usual and unlike any other night in North Wales. Warming up will be residents John Scudamore and Rich Williams setting the vibe for the night with their unique blend of deep house. As the celebration is so big the boys are also putting on a pre party in Bangor from 5pm at The Fat Cat. This will be showcasing some of the best local talent, from local nights including Strictly Underground and Tech Noir alongside the Manipulate residents. Tickets are selling fast but there is a limited amount left on Skiddle (link below). We don’t know what the future holds for Manipulate but we do know they will be celebrating their birthday in style, don’t miss it!
