Manchester clubs: Karnival kicks off a new monthly slot at the Deaf Institute

Lizzie Wood

With Will Tramp! at the helm and the promise of an “immersive” clubbing experience, what’s not to like?

The Deaf Institute is no stranger to a good club night or two. With good food and own-brewed beer a winning combination by day, the three-floor venue comes alive at night thanks to a constant stream of DJs, bands and club nights. As such, it’s not difficult to see why it recently won CityLife Venue of the Year – or why it is about to become the regular host for one of Manchester’s more intriguing club nights, Karnival. Whether or not you’ve heard of it yet, Karnival is set to storm Manchester’s after-hours scene. Inspired by South America, and bringing a flavour Ibiza’s party atmosphere, there’s no certainty as to what will be played on the night and no clues as to what to expect. The only dead cert is that you’ll be on the floor, dancing. Performers are on hand to get the party started, with games, gifts and the promise of an “immersive” clubbing experience.

As the name suggests, Karnival is not your usual club night

Headlining the first of Karnival’s new monthly outings at the Deaf Institute is DJ of the moment, Will Tramp!, a residency regular you might recognise from events such as the Parklife Weekender, Homoelectric and The Warehouse Project. The DJ also has slots further afield, at Croatia’s Snowbombing Festival and Electric Elephant, slated for later this summer. Alongside Will Tramp! is Karnival’s resident DJ Tacet and Adam Martin, founder and resident DJ at Manchester night EXHiBiT. Spinning everything from techno to electric house, and perhaps as the name suggests, Karnival looks set to be anything other than an ordinary club night. And with tickets prices starting at a fiver, it’s also likely to be the cheapest ticket to the Karnival you’ll ever buy.

Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Spotlight on

Walking Tours in Manchester by Jonathan Schofield

Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.

Take me there

Culture Guides

A doll with makeup peeks out of a hanging wall of butter yellow fabric. Red and black threads descend and cascade around the doll.
Exhibitions in the North

This season, exhibitions across the North West feel attuned to the world beneath the world – the forces and stories shaping how we see, feel and imagine.

Theatre in the North

Classic texts and new work meet in this month’s Theatre Guide, shaped by power, consequence and collective action.

Food and Drink in the North

Hear ye, hear ye. Take some eating-out tips from our wintertime guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.

Music in the North

We have an eclectic mix of gigs for you this month, moving from experimental electronics and noise rock to synth pop, opera, and hyper-local R&B.

A performer in a bright red costume sits on a snowy stage set, holding a large snowball between their legs with a surprised expression. The colourful winter backdrop features snowflakes, hills, a snowman, and a traffic light with glowing lights.
Family things to do in the North

Whether you’re after storybook theatre, museum wanderings or illusion-bending play spaces, there’s plenty to keep curiosity ticking through winter and beyond.

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
Cinema in the North

There's no shortage of great films out at the moment, whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy classic.