The Loft

On the fringe of the city, an industrial unit with its unassuming exterior, hides the intimate techno-and-house spot known as The Loft. With a capacity of 200, its interior is bone white – barring the vibrant primary-coloured beams and purple floors. 

It’s the kind of venue where the crowd arrives early and actually dances – none of that influencer crap. Stomp, sing, square dance if you really want to, the venue’s Funktion-One sound system has got you covered. Line-ups might range from Berlin techno titans to local heavies and up-and-coming names on the scene. A real melting pot where global DJs meet grassroots talent, and where a great night is guaranteed. 

The Loft was born from the locally established Animal Crossing crew and their festival-after-hours vibe. The Loft intends to capture the feel of an intimate afters party – while still being a large industrial unit successfully masquerading a late night club scene. 

Determined to grow their self proclaimed ‘rave family’, Animal Crossing promoters hosted several pop-up parties in Manchester, waiting for that one location to offer a sense of intimacy while never hindering the sought after high-energy atmosphere. And they found it.

The venue’s growing success is well apparent in the Manchester rave/club community, now hosting renowned DJs and attracting a dedicated crowd. It feels like a well-kept secret, determined to stay uncorrupted – intimate, no frills, the soul focus being the music and the people who come to hear it. 

The Loft is proof that Manchester’s underground pulse is alive and evolving. It isn’t polished, it’s intentionally personable. The lights are low, the walls are bare and the sound system is the kind that rattles your ribs – in the best way. The Loft isn’t trying to be cool – it just is.