Unabombers throw free Manchester Pride party

New bar The Refuge by Volta, the latest venture from the Unabombers DJs, is throwing a huge party in a unique secret space for Manchester Pride.

Feature by Jess Hardiman | 29 Jul 2016

Without doubt Manchester’s most highly anticipated new opening, The Refuge by Volta has, it turns out, also been holding a neat little secret – in the form of a hidden street behind the building. And it’s one that’s ripe for partying.  

The Refuge, part of The Palace Hotel, is the latest venture from Unabombers Luke Cowdrey and Justin Crawford, who’ve already earned firm trust as restaurateurs with their existing venues, Volta in Didsbury and Electrik in Chorlton. 

The new bar's official launch isn't until 14 September, but for Pride weekend Cowdrey and Crawford will be christening the 250-capacity secret space with Come As You Are, a free street party with a very special line-up indeed.

Playing across the August bank holiday weekend will be Ruf Dug, The Unabombers and Krysko, along with other names from Manchester's disco elite including Aficionado, Jamie Bull, Trash-o-Rama, Meat Free, Jon Da Silva, Paulette, Now Wave, Gina Breeze, Will Tramp, JonJo Jury and Drunk At Vogue – plus flamboyant collective Cha Cha Boudoir on hosting duties.

“Manchester Pride is one big party and we wanted to open up our amazing street with the same feeling of inclusive not exclusive; come as you are,” said Luke Cowdrey.

“We have partied in basements, boats, Victorian mansions and now in our very own street. We all love undiscovered spaces and the street is pretty special.”

The secret outside space sure is a gem – The Skinny actually stumbled across it by chance a couple of weeks ago, and it reminded us of the huge continental courtyards that play host to DJ parties across Europe. We thought it'd be perfect for a summery soiree; turns out they were one step ahead of us! 

[Drunk at Vogue]

And as the party comes from the two brains behind prolific club night Electric Chair, it seems we should be in good hands: "Justin and I wanted to bring the clans together from Homoelectric, Electric Chair, Volta and Electrik Bar and Electric Elephant to celebrate the good times at The Refuge – hopefully spreading some love and positivity in what has recently been a dark, negative few months," Cowdrey said.

“The two-day party is a collection of friends and DJs we have performed with over the years for the disenfranchised late night owls of Manchester... Come As You Are is a real eclectic mix of people and sounds to make everyone feel better." Sounds pretty damn good to us. 


Come As You Are takes place on Sat 27 and Sun 28 Aug, midday-10pm, free.

The Refuge by Volta – a creative lobby, public bar and dining room space – will open on 14 September 2016 as part of The Palace Hotel’s multi-million pound renovation.