A huge new temporary outdoor venue including theatre, food, drink, shows, music, cabaret, and comedy will be launched by HOME on Friday, 28 May to provide an outdoor Summer destination for people looking for a safe and fun night out as lockdown eases.
The new venue, named Homeground, is being built on an 80,000ft future development site on First Street, just next to HOME, with a ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’-themed design influenced by scrapyards, the neon graveyard of Las Vegas and architectural salvage.
It will feature a purpose built 400-seat socially distanced theatre space setting the stage for two magical, musical productions: Filter Theatre’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (3-26 June) and a brand-new version of Alice in Wonderland(15 July - 7 August). Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for children. The venue will also host work by partners including Frog & Bucket, Contact and Trans Creative, as well as music, cabaret and comedy. A second stage, The Manchester Stage, will feature DJ slots curated by DJ Paulette, and a Manchester Folk Festival takeover, among other free events.
Alongside the main performance programme, there will be a free stage in the food and drink terrace. Stallholders include Black Market Espresso, Basilico pizza, Wolf to the Door cocktails and Tibetan Kitchen. Check back on their website over the coming weeks as they reveal their full list of food and drink partners.
The project will create 450 new employment opportunities for freelance artists and creative practitioners, supporting the freelance economy which has been so badly hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
Dave Moutrey, HOME’s Director and CEO, said: “As we start to emerge from the strangest year many of us have ever experienced, arts and culture play a vital role in the recovery of the country.
“I’m delighted to announce Homeground, which will be a safe and enjoyable space for the people of Manchester to have fun, reconnect and celebrate the city’s artistic talent in all its forms.”
For more information, visit www.homemcr.org/homeground