Warehouse Project and Parklife boss wants Manchester to be Europe's nightlife capital with Co-op Live looming

Manchester has already proved itself to be one of the best UK cities for nightlife and now it needs to set its sights on becoming number one in Europe, says the city region’s night time economy adviser Sacha Lord. 

The Warehouse Project boss was the keynote speaker during the first day of the Northern Restaurant and Bar conference in Manchester on Tuesday, March 12, where he talked about the successes of Manchester’s hospitality and nightlife sector. 

He told ManchesterWorld: “Everyone knows this city region as a party region, we are ‘24-hour party people.’ We take inspiration from many other cities, like Berlin, but that’s not the level, we want to beat it. It sounds really cocky, the Sunday Times called us the ‘UK’s capital of nightlife’ but we want to be Europe’s capital of nightlife. That’s what we want to be.”

He said he sometimes feels “embarrassed” for other UK cities in light of Manchester’s most recent achievements, which include internationally prestigious events. 

He said: “They’re all talking about what’s happening in Greater Manchester. If you’d said to me five years ago that we’d have the Chanel global fashion show in the Northern Quarter, I would have said you’re off your rocker. MTV Europe is coming here, we’ve got the Co-op Live – massive events are choosing to relocate to Manchester.”

Andy Burnham's adviser is responsible for two of Manchester’s biggest nightlife success stories – the annual club night series Warehouse Project and Parklife festival. Both events are attended by people from across the country and abroad, attracting some of the world’s biggest music acts. 

He said: “When Warehouse Project started off, it was for people in Manchester. We now know that when we’re on, probably 50-60% come from Manchester 20-30 from the rest of the UK. We’ve got people flying in from Europe. It’s an exciting thing, I love it being in Manchester and it will never leave Manchester.”

Despite this, some parts of the wider hospitality industry in Manchester are struggling, particularly smaller, independent businesses. In response to this, Lord has been leading a campaign calling on the government to reduce VAT rates for hospitality businesses. He also encourages customers to get out and support local food and drink businesses whenever possible. 

He said: “Greater Manchester is very busy. Manchester is out performing all the other city regions. But although we’re busy, a lot of the operators are just breaking even. And we know the reasons why, especially utility bills. 

“We need as much support as possible. It sometimes feel quite lonely with your head above the parapet, but I can see the industry behind me galvanising and it makes the world of difference.”