Club Review: Thick as Thieves Good Friday Day Party @ Bassment, Manchester

Easter weekend marks two occasions: the start of the warmer months, and the birth of the almighty day party!

This year’s Good Friday in Manchester saw a newcomer on the virtuous afternoon party playing field, going by the name of Thick as Thieves. Headlined by the mysterious Jay Shepheard, amongst local talent, and taking place at a secret location (that ole chestnut!), this virginal day event was like a blank canvas waiting to be painted.

The cryptic secret location turned out to be a charming concealed gem called ‘Bassment’ hidden in the heart of industrial Ancoats. The entrance led into an enclosed “skate park” - a pleasant surprise that also gave the required quirkiness needed for a day party venue.

Come summer, Bassment will be the piece de resistance to Sunday afternoon sessions in Manchester. Downstairs in the err… basement, was a decent sized all-black room adorned with antiquated lampshades in various shapes and sizes, further adding to the world of eccentricity. Its kaleidoscope of warm to dark glows and hues added mood and helped to create a warm and inviting atmosphere - all in all a good start.

The music courtesy of Zutekh DJ Rich Hall was energetic from the outset, with deep bass-led tracks to-ing-and-fro-ing with attractive and melodies to start the crowd stirring, finished off by a cheeky drop here and there.

Jay Shepheard, known for his marrying of acid house, disco, and vintage techno played exactly that, a diverse mix of dance music that took the crowd from warm to sultry. Dropping gems such as Marshall Jefferson’s house anthem ‘Move Your Body’, as well as tracks from his own Retrofit imprint, the music played by Shepheard set a nice tone for the daytime ambiance and gave the party bursts of excitement at the right moments.

On the whole the Thick as Thieves Good Friday Day Party was an enjoyable Bank Holiday event, and has all the ingredients for an appealing and sustainable Manchester party slot – a great venue, music policy, and crowd. Roll on the May Bank Holiday that’s all I can say!

Tickets are no longer available for this event