The Manchester arts centre HOME have announced the construction of a new temporary outdoor venue, Homeground.
The venue is set to launch on Friday 28 May with socially-distanced seating for 400 audience members. Filter’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by Sean Holmes, will run from 3-26 June. From 15 July to 7 August, the stage will house Stockroom’s modern take on Alice In Wonderland, directed by Lekan Lawal. The latter will include new and contemporary music from Manchester.
A second stage will offer free performances from artists across the city. The confirmed billing for these set lists includes curated DJ slots by DJ Paulette and performances from the Manchester Folk Festival. Food and drink will also be available.
Situated on First Street, the venue occupies an 80,000ft2 future development site. Its ‘cabinet of curiosity’ theme will be brought to life by designer Cordelia Ashwell, of Decordia Events. In their official announcement, HOME claims that the venue will “provide an outdoor summer destination for people looking for a safe and fun night out as lockdown eases.”
With support from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, Homeground will also open up 450 new roles for freelancers. Director and CEO, Dave Moutrey, commented that HOME are aiming “to provide more opportunities for an artistic freelance sector decimated by the pandemic… we want this to be a celebration of Manchester’s creativity and resilience.”
Ticket sales begin on Tuesday 20 April. Further shows and events are expected to be announced soon.
Words by Emma Line.
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Image: © HOME