Hacienda Classical: 10th Anniversary

Hacienda Classical celebrates 10 years with a special anniversary show at Castlefield Bowl, the open-air amphitheatre carved out of Manchester's industrial heritage.

What to expect

The format combines Manchester DJs (typically Graeme Park and Mike Pickering) with a full symphony orchestra reworking the classic Hacienda back catalogue, with arrangements by Tim Crooks. Expect singalongs to Voodoo Ray, Chime, Strings of Life, and the rest of the Hacienda canon, performed with an orchestra and a crowd of thousands of dancing 40- and 50-somethings who lived through the original era.

Practical info

• 4 July 2026

• Castlefield Bowl, Liverpool Road, M3

• Open-air venue, no cover (bring waterproofs)

• Standing only, but limited seating in accessibility area

• Food and drink available on site

• Dogs not permitted

• Bring layers for evening (Castlefield can get cool by the canal)

How to get there

Castlefield Bowl is a 5-minute walk from Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop and 10 minutes from Manchester Oxford Road station. Walking from central Manchester takes around 15 minutes via Deansgate.

Context

The Hacienda was Manchester's most famous nightclub from 1982 to 1997 and one of the defining venues of the rave era. The Hacienda Classical project began in 2016 and has been touring annually ever since.

What's nearby

Castlefield itself has some of the best pubs in Manchester for pre or post-show drinks. The Wharf, the Knott, the White Lion, and dozens more along the canals. Plenty of food options on Deansgate and at Spinningfields a few minutes walk away.