Following international success, developing clubs in New York and the number one party island Ibiza, Sankeys returned to its Manchester roots for one night only on Saturday.
After the close of its original soap factory venue in January 2017, the highly anticipated return of Sankeys was held at Victoria Warehouse in Trafford, and the crowd definitely scrubbed up well for it.
The club, tucked just out of plain sight in its original home in the heart of Ancoats, was one of the most attractive aspects to the Northern club scene.
Sankeys provided underground artists a platform, as well as hosting the likes of The Chemical Brothers, Daft Punk and Todd Terry.
‘HOLE IN OUR CITY’: Sankeys says the void left by its closure has been filled with the homecoming
It is clear Sankeys has rightfully earned its place as one of the most well esteemed nightclub franchises.
The evening also saw the return of Manchester’s typical outpour of rain and wind, yet it seemed nothing could dampen anyone’s spirits.
Except the ridiculous taxi prices, but that’s another story.
‘The Return’ boasted sets from Andrew Kay, Nick Curly and Darius Syrossian in the Sankeys Arena, as well as acts on at two other stages called The Redlight and Unusual Suspects, both sporting similar interiors to the Ancoats venue.
Sankeys, in a statement before the homecoming party, said: “There has been a hole in our city and in our souls… now is the time to come together again at last.”
The production of the performance proved just as important as including many familiar faces, somehow creating, despite the huge venue, an atmosphere reminiscent to the basement in Ancoats.
‘The Return’ comes after many of Manchester’s beloved nightclub venues also faced closure, such as Antwerp Mansion and Mantra Warehouse.
It seems a small dose of how it used to be is exactly what the people need.
After first performing at Forbidden Forest in Loughborough, Darius did not disappoint with his two-and-a-half hour set as he took over from Nick Curly.
‘JUST HERE FOR THE MUSIC’: Locals said the crowd danced and swayed in unison
The beginning of his set also began with a special tribute to the return to Manchester, showcasing the city in all its glory on the screens, as he began with a edit of Tides by Beanfield.
The party continued on until 6am, with Matthias Tanzmann delivering a strong closing to an impressive night.
Reveller Ben Hayes,28, and girlfriend Laura Reid, 27, from Stockport said: “We have been coming to Sankeys since about 2009. I used to come all of the time with all of our pals. It’s nice to have seen it grow into something special.”
It is clear the music lovers who turned out in force looking for a piece of the old Sankeys were not disappointed.
MM spoke to Jamie Dunne, 23, from Manchester, a regular attendee of Sankeys infamous tribal sessions.
“Tonight has definitely been one of the best nights out I’ve had in a while.
“It was nice to see a return of a good old Manchester crowd, who are just here for the music.”
