Manchester Academy - Premier Rock Venue (Manchester Academy (Manchester))

Member Name: ivoryandgold

Product:	Manchester Academy (Manchester)
Date:	06/03/09 (69 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great atmosphere usually, Variety of Acts

Disadvantages: Queues for cloakroom/toilets

As a venue, Manchester Academy has to be one of the best I've ever been to. There are three parts to the academy so my review will be split up between the different stages. (If you want to read about the history, and about all the different bands who have played/are playing visit http://www.manchesteracademy.net/)

Academy 1
Academy 1 is the largest of the three rooms and has its own building just next to the Student Union. It's recently been refurbished and now is easier to get in/out of and has a large foyer and large bar before you can get into the main room. The staff at the bar and on the door are generally friendly and helpful, and the security are usually ok but don't tolerate smoking or crowd-surfing. The main room has a large stage at the far end which is raised so viewing is pretty good even from quite far back. There is also a viewing balcony, which I believe is only open to VIP's and disabled people. Manchester Academy is now one of the top music venues for disability access in the UK and despite being newly refurbished, the building has still got soul!

Academy 2
Academy 2 is slightly smaller than Academy 1 and is located on the third floor of the Student Unions main building. Despite being the second venue, many popular bands still play this stage and the gigs are always quite intimate. The stage is raised however it can still be difficult to see sometimes, and there is only one entrance/exit so expect queues especially at the end of the gig. I'd also say this room is the hottest venue I've been in. Either it's derived of air conditioning or it's generally just a sweaty room but I wouldn't suggests wearing woolys!

Academy 3
This is the smallest venue located on the top floor of the Student Union. Usually, local, up-and-coming and tribute bands play in this venue, its home to the 'Academy Unsigned' events, where 4 or 5 local bands play one gig. The room is relatively small and as such it has quite an inviting club feel about it.

General
-Most gigs are 14+, or under 14's accompanied by an adult but this can differ between events. Manchester Academy is generally played by more 'Rock' bands, including some really heavy metal (and equally heavy moshpits) that aren't suitable for kids.
-There are cloakrooms at all the venues which are £1 a coat and £1.50 a bag. There are always massive queues for the Cloakroom at the end of the night.
-Toilets are easily accesible within the Academy 1 building and the Student Union
-There are four bars split between the Academy's that are usually run by student. ID is always checked if you look underage!
-Most gigs start at 7 or 7:30 and finished between 10:30 and 11pm (sometimes running over, but usually not on a Sunday)
-Obviously it depends on the band and music, but generally Manchester Academy is a great night out and a lot of major bands play the venue. It still has quite a rock club feel and the atmosphere is usually friendly. I'd defiantly recommend the venue - just make sure the band is decent!

Summary: Recommended - friendly and fun venue