Memorable movements ’24 : Time Flies X Art of Dark
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Following on from an 8 hour evening affair at a freshly renovated Loft, Art of Dark x Time Flies extended the party a further 7 hours to a Manchester-based secret location. 24 hours before the event, the location was revealed: Niamos, a theatre and studio space in the heart of Hulme, rigged out with substantial heft in the form of several D&B audiotechnik units.
Upon being woken by my 7am alarm, after a more than adequate night's sleep, I swiftly consumed some breakfast, rolled myself a joint and began the short journey from my flat to the southern side of central Manchester. 20 minutes later and I was amidst limbs and undulating frequencies with nothing but a belly full of bran-flakes and a modest amount of indica to keep me going.
The whole experience would provide an extremely rare sober perspective to something which I would normally encounter through a very different lens and I was intrigued to see how it would pan out with this alternative approach.
An emulsion of straight-through-crew ravers and early-rising, banana/coffee wielding troopers amassed in a dimly lit dancehall to carry on the partying. Energy levels seemed initially reliant on the rollover devotees as early morning light began to seep through the rafters of a towering ceiling way up above. As fresh recruits began to settle into the swing of things, it was clear that a revival of vigour was beginning to steadily swarm the dance floor with fresh faces and dance-weary limbs slowly immersing with one another.
I eased myself in with a spot of light socialising and a can of ting from the relative calmness at the back of the hall, which conveniently offered sofas and a refreshments bar serving everything from spirits to homemade cakes. A wholesome pairing of bar staff doubled up as friendly morale maintainers and tap water revivalists to any fallen souls who had overcooked it. For lack of a better phrase, the vibes were immaculate for an after party. The spacious hall and demonstrative folk provided ample room for dancing and pleasant company while doing so.
Ethan. b2b Ethan McNamara followed by DMC b2b Louie G kept things moving adeptly as morning turned to afternoon. In true Art of Dark / Time Flies style, no letup was given. Nonstop belters and ruthless low-end melters more than appeased a beyond eager crowd, keen to see a somewhat Manchester rarity in the form of this newly emerging and steadily growing popularity for the early morning, Star-Lane esq partying.
The space itself is one of historical significance within an area of real community based cohesion. Pottery studios, mini allotments and independent food spots all surround Niamos and showcase the thriving community that exists within Hulme. You only need to take a peek at the website to see the outward reach for collaboration and creativity that Niamos strives for.
Without even taking into account the 450 capacity theatre, Niamos’ foyer space provided both stunning architectural visuals and solid acoustics making for a wonderful after party location. Picture one of West London’s reggae / dancehall soundsystem events in the early 80s (Steve McQueen’s Lovers Rock for reference) soundtracked by electro house and post-punk dance floor delegation.
Feeling like a puritanical health guru, having only allowed myself 2 cans of Guinness and some cheese and onion crisps, I departed through the back doors into… 2pm broad daylight… and a whole Saturday ahead of me (a mighty feeling I must say). Great music and location curation are essential for a good afters and Time Flies x Art of Dark delivered. I sincerely hope this is a catalyst for more frequent utilisation of Niamos in this format.
