The Warehouse Project is big in every way: big guests, big crowds, big expectations and a big venue. Originally held at the old Boddingtons Brewery, The Warehouse Project has more recently taken place at Store Street, under Piccadilly Train Station and runs until New Year’s Day 2009.

The Venue
For the duration of its run of events things do not get as exciting as this in Manchester. Searching for this club can be a bit of mission. It’s located beneath Piccadilly Train Station, in a car park space and its entrance is only made obvious by the hundreds of ravers’ queuing outside. Once you have passed through the rigorous search at the door, you will walk into pretty much exactly what you would expect from a former air raid shelter that’s more recently been used as a car park. There’s exposed dirty brickwork, dark corners, arches and air vents that make up this sparse industrial space. The difference, of course, is the addition of the stage, the bars, the portaloos and the hyped crowds of party people, which all help to make this part of Manchester’s big-time clubbing tradition that includes Sankey’s, The Hacienda, Home and many more. Entry fee varies according to the night, starting at about £15 and sometimes costs as much as 30 buff, if The Happy Monday’s are on the bill.

The People
The clientele is very mixed, depending on the night. Some nights its hardcore hip hop and drum and bass heads, others attract house fans who turn out in their droves for Sasha or Groove Armada. You get a fair few old ravers praying at the altar of the 90s, especially when the Hacienda reunion events come around. There are also a fair few indie types attracted by the band events and the DJs that blur the lines between dance and bands, like Simian Mobile Disco and Justice.

Generally TWP attracts people who love to party and it is safe to say a big proportion of visitors to The Warehouse Project are students. It does, after all, run from the start of the student term (at the end of September), right up unto New Year’s Day. This is not a happy coincidence.

The great thing about this venue is the feeling that you are part of something big, this is confirmed by the fact that people swarm from all over the UK to sample The Warehouse Project atmosphere. The staff behind the bar can generally be found bouncing along to the tunes and are happy to help once you’ve navigated your way past the often deep cues.

The Music
The music changes from night to night. If you are fussy about what you listen to, check the individual listings to make sure you are attending the right event. Turning up expecting heavy drum and bass and getting fluffy house might not be your cup of tea. Unless you are open minded and embrace the change of scene. The main thing is that if you want to dance to cutting edge house, electro, breaks, drum and bass, hip-hop or techno and you’re attracted by the biggest names in the biz, this will be for you. If you prefer smaller, more intimate clubs with less expectations placed on a night out, then you may want to consider The Mint Lounge, The Roadhouse or even The Music Box. Bands also play here for those who appreciate guitar music. Acts announced this year include The Happy Mondays, De La Soul, Richie Hawtin, Dizzee Rascal, Pete Tong, Tricky and Goldie to name a few.

The Drink
As you would expect the drinks are at the top end. You will pay £3+ for a Budweiser (now the only beer on offer) and it may not always be ice cold. This year, the organisers have stated that they have cut the drinks prices ever so slightly so the prices will be cheaper.

The Last Word
For those looking to party to some of the biggest names in the industry, The Warehouse Project is s must. For those of you who missed the Hacienda, do not miss this piece of history in the making. Just make sure you wear flat shoes.