We’re all for dancing the night away, but sometimes you just want to get your groove on and then get to bed at a reasonable hour. Thanks to the modern phenomenon of daytime raves, that dream has become a reality for many ravers who would rather take time out of their day than their sleep schedule to let loose, and now brand new daytime rave series Escapism is coming to the stunning Victoria Baths in Manchester.
This October, an all-new series of grown-up, immersive daytime events arrives in Manchester as Escapism launches inside one of the city’s most remarkable architectural spaces on October 10. Created from the visionary mind of Geoff Oakes and joined by founding partner Dez Derry, whose support reinforces a shared commitment to championing electronic music culture in Manchester and across the wider UK, Escapism promises a new chapter in elevated daytime experiences.
Geoff Oakes is the man behind the legendary Renaissance brand that helped redefine club culture in the UK and beyond. His influential 90s party became synonymous with legendary sets from Sasha & Digweed and defined the original prog house sound with local, then global events and dance music’s first ever and still hugely revered mix series.
Oakes has already left an indelible impression on the scene and Escapism is a new bespoke events company dedicated to creating carefully curated electronic music experiences in extraordinary locations. Designed for a discerning 25+ audience, the brand places equal emphasis on music, environment and atmosphere with world-class artists playing truly unique venues with elevated production.
Speaking on the new venture, Geoff Oakes, Co-Founder of Escapism said: “Escapism was created to bring world-class electronic music and exceptional production into historic and extraordinary spaces.
“We’ve carefully considered every detail; from the line-up, acoustics and production to the visual environment and the food and drink offering, transforming remarkable venues into immersive and unique experiences that encourage you to spend the whole day with us. Escapism is much more than just a day rave!”
What to expect at Escapism
The inaugural Escapism event takes place on Saturday 10 October at the stunning Victoria Baths, Manchester, running from 3:30pm until 11:30pm. The Grade II Listed former Victorian swimming baths is one of Britain’s finest historic buildings and will provide a breath-taking backdrop for the launch with spectacular stained glass, intricate mosaics and grand architecture all adding to the atmosphere.
While the pools themselves are long since empty, the building’s connection to Manchester’s musical heritage remains firmly intact as the venue once famously hosted a live performance from Gerald Simpson AKA dance music innovator A Guy Called Gerald back in 1988 during the formative years of the city’s electronic music explosion.
Escapism line-up
Musically, Escapism offers an expertly curated line-up headed by an extended four-hour set from Grammy-winning duo Deep Dish, pioneering DJ Smokin Jo and rising talent Pattn.
Deep Dish remain one of electronic music’s most influential acts with a richly emotive sound spanning house, prog and techno and a number of classics from Chocolate City to Flashdance. One of the most respected figures in global dance music, Smokin Jo’s legendary Space Ibiza residency and regular appearances at DC10 helped define generations of Balearic club culture.
Completing the line-up is Pattn, a sonic storyteller hailing from Newcastle, who pushes a sound of deep, leftfield house. Pattn’s technical productions have appeared on labels including fabric Records, Live At Robert Johnson, and Isolate, and he has performed alongside legends like Sasha, John Digweed, Sven Väth, Laurent Garnier, and Mano Le Tough.
The Escapism experience
Beyond the music, Escapism is designed as a complete sensory experience with premium, carefully selected street food vendors, specialist barista coffee, fully stocked bars and immersive production throughout the venue. A second room will be transformed into a lush, immersive installation to create an alternate atmosphere that complements the music and encourages exploration throughout the day.
Central to the Escapism philosophy is a commitment to genuine connection on the dancefloor. To encourage presence and participation, the event will operate a strict no phones on the dance floor policy.
Due to the very limited capacity and demand for this intimate event, tickets are expected to fly and further line-up announcements will be revealed soon.
How to get tickets
You can sign up for reminders before tickets for Escapism at Victoria Baths go on sale here.