It's no wonder 24 Hour Party People is one of Manchester's signature movies…
In the first event of its kind in Manchester, Yelp's finest were treated to a double whammy of events – on the same night. That's right, it was all go from 6pm and the party didn't stop until past bedtime, thanks to an exclusive Épernay gin tasting followed by a variety showcase at The Three Minute Theatre! Talk about back-to-back fun.
First stop was Manchester's favourite champagne bar. Mark Cato of J Wray and Nephew treated us all to an education in imbibing. Mother's Ruin this was NOT! Using only the finest Bulldog Gin, he chatted us through its history, its composition; we were able to pass around the separate ingredients and perhaps most importantly for our revellers, 'straight down to business with a gin 'n' tonic' says Natasha T! 'Then the neat spirit as well as some lip-lickingly good cocktails (oh the lychees!)'. Can't say we don't treat our Elites…
More gin anyone? I certainly thought so.
Then it was on to the Northern Quarter to experience a brand new business – 3MT, the theatre nestled cosily in the main Oldham Street entrance to Afflecks. Guests travelled by private coach and arrived to tapas prepared by 3MT's lovely Gina, crunchy snacks, more gin, beers, wine and even sweeties for the show! Goody Good Stuff provided bag after bag of their delicious Cheery Cherries, which are free from animal gelatine, artificial flavourings, dairy-free and full of real fruit juice and goodies. They went down a storm!
With intervals provided so that revellers could stock up on more booze and snacks, everyone got a chance to chat as well as be entertained. And what entertainment it was. Who could resist Elmo Ashall-Kelly, a dreadlocked acoustic artist who admitted 'that Northern Monkey got the better of' him, and sang lyrics incorporating a scally ('When he came out and said religions and politicians are the creators of most wars – I think he stole that off my Facebook page?' Grace R)? How about a seductive and sensual burlesque artist in the fine feminine form of Cherie Bebe? Comedy sketches, stand-up and physical theatre from Square Peg? Spoiled for choice, truly.
'Quite simply, the best Yelp Manchester event yet,' said Chrissy M. 'A very inviting and warm art space – the in-house entertainment was absolutely brilliant, and honestly cannot wait to revisit the 3MT. I spent a good majority of my time there reading the (full) events wall and plotting my return. Wonderful evening, fantastic people and another great event well done. Cheers Em! *Raises a gin*.' 'I cannot wait for the next event!' enthused Chris P.
We couldn't have summed it up better than our own fabulous Lee Z: 'Fun, that's what our Manchester events are; fun, and a little bit different. And that, my dear friends, is a good thing.'
Amen to that. Huge thanks to all involved – 3MT's Gina and John, each and every act, Épernay, Mark and the bar staff who helped, Mayne's Coaches for shifting our fine guests from one venue to another, and finally to the Yelpers who attended. Have a chat about the event on Yelp, read the reviews here, enjoy the amazing photos by Jody Hartley, and until next time, SYOY!
Emma-Lou H (to be 'M' one day following last weekend's surprise betrothal…)
Yelp Manchester Community Manager
