Sankeys Warehouse launch review

Image: Sankeys Warehouse

When Sankeys announced that they would be hosting a series of warehouse parties, it unsurprisingly caught the attention of thousands of party goers both local to Manchester and across the country, all eager to experience the clubbing institution's atmosphere on an industrial scale.

On arrival, we explored the different rooms within the colossal Victoria Warehouse, attempting to get our bearings before the event kicked into motion. The historical Mancunian space was perfectly suited to this carefully curated house and techno event. The thick plastic curtains that separated the sections and gave Sankeys' new home a dark and bizarre edge.

As the warehouse filled, the crowds of people gathered in the main room which was hosted by The Redlight. Sam Divine was unleashing her signature bass heavy track selections, creating the perfect warm up soundtrack as revellers took their positions for the night ahead.

Next it up was time for a blast from the past as Crystal Waters performed live. Everyone flooded in, eager to sing along to some old classics. Kicking off her performance, Crystal Waters began to belt out her early 90s hit ‘Gypsy Woman’ (below) with a rendition that stole the crowd.

The main room was full and spirits were high when Double 99 took to the decks. With the aim of keeping the crowd moving and on a high ready for headliners the he mixed his own version of classic underground movement track ‘Deep inside’. He followed it up with his own tracks including ‘RIP Groove’ mixed into a sample of Tina Moore’s ‘Never Gonna Let you go’ (Bump-N-Go Vocal Mix).

As the clock struck one, all eyes were facing the stage as electronic duo Basement Jaxx took to the DJ booth. After a number of hits and two BRIT Awards for Best Dance Act in 2002 and again in 2004, the pair were about to prove why they've earned these accolades.

They powered through an abundance of their greatest tracks including ‘Where’s Your Head At’, ‘Do Your Thing’ and ‘Never Say Never’, leaving the crowd more than satisfied as the night peaked. 

After Bassment Jaxx’s two hour set came to an end, Armand Van Helden joined, starting it off with his 1999 classic ‘You Don’t Know Me’. He sent Victoria Warehouse into a frenzy as he worked through classics and remixes.

Overall, the launch of Sankeys Warehouse was a huge success. It was a feast of songs that everyone could sing along to, accompanied by that edgy underground house beats that the club is renowned for. 

Get your tickets for Sankeys Warehouse NYD with Fatboy Slim, Basement Jaxx and more