JADAR

★★★☆☆

This weekend, Manchester’s legendary Haçienda brought its Castlefield Bowl Afterparty to the Albert Hall, featuring an impressive lineup of DJs: David Morales, Graeme Park, Ultra Naté, and DJ Paulette. As an eagerly anticipated event, the expectations were high, with tickets selling out quickly and long queues forming outside the venue. However, for many partygoers, the night did not live up to the hype.

Albert Hall has a strong reputation for hosting vibrant and dynamic parties, such as the wildly popular Bongo’s Bingo. In contrast, the Haçienda afterparty felt unexpectedly subdued. The venue, usually known for its electrifying atmosphere, seemed to struggle to ignite the same level of excitement. For those accustomed to the high-energy club and rave scenes in Manchester, such as Homoelectric, this event felt lukewarm at best.

The VIP experience, which promised a more exclusive evening, offered a fast-track entry, leaving many VIP ticket holders feeling underwhelmed by the lack of additional perks or distinct advantages. This initial disappointment set a tone that permeated the rest of the evening.

In terms of the music itself, each DJ delivered solid sets, staying true to their styles and Haçienda’s legacy. David Morales’ deep house grooves, Graeme Park’s classic Haçienda anthems, Ultra Naté’s powerful vocals, and DJ Paulette’s eclectic mixes were all highlights in their own right. The DJ lineup was stellar on paper but the overall execution did not translate into the anticipated euphoria: the crowd’s response was tepid. While a few enthusiastic attendees had their hands in the air, fully immersed in the music, the majority of the crowd seemed disengaged, standing around in small groups and struggling to find their rhythm.

One notable aspect of the night was the homogenous demographic. The crowd was predominantly middle-aged, White, and straight, a stark contrast to the diverse and eclectic mix of people typically seen at other events in Manchester. This lack of diversity could have contributed to the flat energy in the room, as the blend of cultures and backgrounds often fuels the vibrancy and dynamism of a party.

Despite the overall lackluster vibe, there were moments of fun and enjoyment. The sound system was top-notch, and the visual production added a layer of spectacle to the event. The historic Albert Hall provided a stunning backdrop, with its architectural grandeur adding a sense of occasion to the night. Yet, these elements were not enough to compensate for the subdued atmosphere.

While the Haçienda’s Castlefield Bowl Afterparty at Albert Hall had all the ingredients for a memorable night, it fell short of delivering the high-energy experience I had hoped for. The VIP ticket offerings were subpar, and the crowd’s energy was disappointingly flat. For those familiar with Manchester’s vibrant party scene, this event felt like a missed opportunity. However, it was not without its moments of enjoyment, and for some, the chance to see iconic DJs perform in an amazing venue was enough to make the night worthwhile.

Photo: Robert Gyorgyi