Ramona and neighbouring sister restaurant, The Firehouse slow fires Kitchen, are about to launch a huge new live entertainment programme to champion Manchester’s independent musicians. Late night music lovers can flit between the two venues for a free-flowing live music, art and performance experience like no other.
The award-winning former MOT station and warehouse depot, known for their Detroit pizzas, margaritas, Firehouse Kitchen, guest Dj sets, and runway parties, will be hosting FREE live performances and DJ broadcasts from Wednesday - Sunday.
The team are also about to launch their own weekly live radio show alongside a new season of entertainment - ‘Night Village’- curated for later nights and parties at the Ancoats-based venue. The Night Village launches on 26-30th January with a five day party to showcase each night of the Ramona week and includes sets from the likes of Onipa, DJ Tristian Da Cunha, Dance Regular and Everything Everything.
One of the most exciting new additions is ‘Ramona Radio’ - A weekly live radio show and party with guest DJs, servers and the crowd going ‘On Air’ and broadcast every Wednesday - live from the Tipi to the world.
Ramona Radio kicks off with legendary house specialist Tristan Da Cunha (Back 2 Basics, Dungeon Meat) as the first to go ‘on air’ armed with tunes, rare gems and genre-defining cuts on Wednesday 26th January. This will be the start of weekly ‘on air’ live streamed DJ sets - hosted by head of music and entertainment Jonjo and supported by a new weekly podcast. To keep the party going, house margaritas will be available for £5 all night.
“We’ve been curating independent UK-based electronic, jazz and world music since we opened the doors,” says music curator Jonjo. “Moving into 2022 we’re ready to take things up a notch with our first bands from the continent, an upgraded sound system and the best up and coming acts and labels every week. And all for free - surely the city’s best kept secret”
On Thursday 27th January, Ramona’s 2022 ‘Campfire Live’ programme kicks off with a set from Afro Futurist collective Onipa. The Ghanian/ London-based collective will be heading to Manchester to bring their signature high energy performance to Ramona fusing Afrobeat, UK Jazz and electronic music.
The performances will mark the start of a new musical chapter for the venue with incredible FREE live performances every Thursday. The lineup includes the best local talent and bands from across the globe as the Ramona team expands the scope and ambition of their live entertainment plans.
Ramona’s cosy campfire vibes provide the perfect setting for a party. Guests can enjoy delicious Detroit-style pizza (fluffy deep square base with premium quality toppings), a killer collection of Tequila and Margaritas plus other inventive dishes such as Truffle Tots, Detroit Hot Wings and ultra-cheesy garlic bread.
Ramona have recently launched Marguary - £5 margaritas and slices for £1 between 5-7pm in January, as well as a bottomless brunch and Endless Pizza on Sundays (£35 for bottomless booze and £15 for endless pizzas)
Next door, The Firehouse's runway parties continue every Thursday, Friday and Saturday with special guest selectas and arthouse performance artists. The Firehouse dance crews are the stars of the show, from garage two-step superstars, Dance Regular, to the flamboyant, vogue-inspired House of Ghetto.
After navigating the pandemic, taking home the Best Newcomer Award at the Manchester Food and Drink Festival and bringing two of the hottest new venues to the city, the team behind Ramona and The Firehouse are heading into 2022 with their most trailblazing chapter yet.
See the Night Village Launch Weekender Full Programme HERE