"Sankeys Revival: A Return to hedonistic clubbing"
In an era dominated by digital overload, Manchester's iconic nightclub Sankeys is set to reopen its doors with a bold no-phones policy. As the city grapples with the decline of late-night venues, this revival signals a return to the raw energy and communal experience that once defined the clubbing scene.
Thirty years ago, Sankeys was the mecca of Manchester's nightlife, attracting A-list DJs like Daft Punk, the Chemical Brothers, and David Guetta. Its reputation was built on an atmosphere of unbridled hedonism, where patrons could lose themselves in the music and each other's company. While the club's heyday has faded into memory for many, those who remember will attest to its unique ability to create a sense of belonging among its patrons.
The new incarnation of Sankeys, founded by David Vincent, is driven by a desire to recapture this communal spirit. "The phones are the problem," Vincent stated. "People are more bothered about having a phone and filming the DJ rather than dancing." To combat this, the venue plans to implement a no-phones policy, with stickers on camera equipment to prevent filming.
This move reflects a broader trend in the UK's nightlife scene, where clubs are seeking to reclaim their spaces from social media. By encouraging guests to be present and fully engage with music and community, these policies aim to recapture some of the spontaneity and social connection that can be lost in a digital-first world.
Spencer Lee, a former promoter and resident DJ at Sankeys, recalled the club's heyday as an atmosphere "like nothing else I'd really seen." While it may not be possible to replicate this exact version of the past, Vincent is optimistic about creating something new. The venue will feature a diverse lineup of young DJs, offering a platform for up-and-coming artists.
For those who remember Sankeys in its heyday, the reopening promises to deliver on the raw energy and sense of community that defined it. As Davina Vernizeau, a regular raver at the club during her university days, noted, "It wasn't just about the music for me... It felt like finding a set of like-minded people where we all belonged."
Sankeys' revival marks an important moment in Manchester's nightlife scene, as the city seeks to preserve its unique cultural heritage. As Vincent put it, "We'll be doing that again with some new future stars."
In an era dominated by digital overload, Manchester's iconic nightclub Sankeys is set to reopen its doors with a bold no-phones policy. As the city grapples with the decline of late-night venues, this revival signals a return to the raw energy and communal experience that once defined the clubbing scene.
Thirty years ago, Sankeys was the mecca of Manchester's nightlife, attracting A-list DJs like Daft Punk, the Chemical Brothers, and David Guetta. Its reputation was built on an atmosphere of unbridled hedonism, where patrons could lose themselves in the music and each other's company. While the club's heyday has faded into memory for many, those who remember will attest to its unique ability to create a sense of belonging among its patrons.
The new incarnation of Sankeys, founded by David Vincent, is driven by a desire to recapture this communal spirit. "The phones are the problem," Vincent stated. "People are more bothered about having a phone and filming the DJ rather than dancing." To combat this, the venue plans to implement a no-phones policy, with stickers on camera equipment to prevent filming.
This move reflects a broader trend in the UK's nightlife scene, where clubs are seeking to reclaim their spaces from social media. By encouraging guests to be present and fully engage with music and community, these policies aim to recapture some of the spontaneity and social connection that can be lost in a digital-first world.
Spencer Lee, a former promoter and resident DJ at Sankeys, recalled the club's heyday as an atmosphere "like nothing else I'd really seen." While it may not be possible to replicate this exact version of the past, Vincent is optimistic about creating something new. The venue will feature a diverse lineup of young DJs, offering a platform for up-and-coming artists.
For those who remember Sankeys in its heyday, the reopening promises to deliver on the raw energy and sense of community that defined it. As Davina Vernizeau, a regular raver at the club during her university days, noted, "It wasn't just about the music for me... It felt like finding a set of like-minded people where we all belonged."
Sankeys' revival marks an important moment in Manchester's nightlife scene, as the city seeks to preserve its unique cultural heritage. As Vincent put it, "We'll be doing that again with some new future stars."