Five Years of The Warehouse Project

Last week The Warehouse Project released the line up for what is due to be the last set of events at Store St; the car park underneath Piccadilly train station that a lot of people have grown to love. Jo Waddington look back over five years of The Warehouse Project...

2006

Originally curated in Manchester's old Boddingtons Brewery, Warehouse Project pushed the boundaries and achieved what many thought was impossible. The 30 events that took place over the initial three months resulted in around 100,000 people descending on the city from around the UK.

2007

WHP moved home in 2007 to the 1800 capacity venue on Store Street. Armand Van Helden headlined the opening party along with the likes of Layo & Bushwacka. The whole event was broadcast live on BBC Radio 1. For WHP’s second year, and first year in the new location, it was an absolutely huge achievement having the backing of Radio 1, cementing the fact that WHP could only get bigger and better. Store Street’s first year also saw the likes of 2ManyDJs, Pendulum, Vitalic, Annie Mac, Hot Chip and DJ Yoda take to the decks.

2008

2008 at Store Street was yet again a success. Electro house from Deadmau5, disco from Hercules & Love Affair, grime from Dizzee Rascal and indie from Black Kids were only a small part. The opening weekend included a set from Basement Jaxx, as well as highlights such as Pete Tong and Giles Peterson. During this year there seemed to be a sudden increase in the popularity surrounding the indie and band scene, so needless to say sets from the likes of Reverend and the Makers went down a treat. Rumours had began circulating that 2008 would have been the end of WHP at Store Street due to development plans, however they were quashed, the planning permission was extended and the 2009 line up was released.

2009

This year was the most diverse yet, opening the doors to a variety of acts and extending interest to a whole host of new people. The Warehouse Project felt like a party that wasn’t just open to everyone, but a party that would have something for everyone. The usual favourites such as Erol Alkan, Annie Mac and Deadmau5 were present. Events headlined by artists such as Friendly Fires, Jack Penate, La Roux, Little Boots and Lethal Bizzle were a huge talking point. Dan Le Sac, and a stunning set from the then pretty much unknown Florence and The Machine were dubbed as highlights.

2010

Maximo Park headlined the preview event for the 2010 affair. Artists included Kelis, Doves, Delphic, Chase & Status and Ian Brown, mixed with some of the finest dance acts including Simian Mobile Disco, Pete Tong, Fake Blood, Boys Noize and John Digweed. A stand out event this year seemed to be the night which was curated and headlined by Four Tet, showcasing the incredible talents of Caribou who delivered what was described as a ‘sun soaked Beach Boys desert dream’ which warmed the bones of what seemed to be Store Street’s bitterest winter.

2011...

So after three years of rumours, Store Street will no longer be the Warehouse Project family home – the early hours of 2nd January 2012 marking the end of late night raves beneath the train station. Although it will be emotional, and although Store St will not see its 6th birthday, it will always be home to incredible memories of inspiring events.

As the planning permission expires, and the development around Piccadilly will ensue, Warehouse Project will undoubtedly find somewhere new to call its home. Whenever and wherever that may be, we will all be sure to follow. But until then, from the 17th September, for 14 weeks, “this city is ours”.

Words: Jo Waddington

See all Warehouse Project 2011 events and get your tickets now.