Manchester’s Contact Theatre has announced its final 50th birthday celebration – The Big Banquet – taking place over one remarkable weekend in Manchester.
With a lineup of captivating events, parties and workshops, Contact invites everyone to join in the festivities and experience the unique energy that has made it a cultural cornerstone for half a century.
From 28 – 29 July 2023, The Big Banquet will showcase a range of activities, promising a weekend filled with joy, art, and revelry. This milestone celebration will embody the spirit of Contact, highlighting its commitment to nurturing emerging talent and pushing creative boundaries. Gorge on poetry, gobble on music, slurp up some art and reconnect with friends over a smorgasbord of fun.
Keisha Thompson, Artistic Director and CEO of Contact, said:
“For 50 years, Contact has proven what can be achieved by putting the future first. I’m so excited to mark this remarkable legacy with The Big Banquet and can’t wait to share the beautiful Contact energy with our audiences, artists, visitors, friends, and family over one incredible weekend. After a year at the helm of this magnificent organization, I know one thing for sure: there’s nowhere in the world like Contact.”
The Big Banquet promises an unforgettable experience for all attendees, offering a diverse range of events that will showcase the best of Manchester’s vibrant arts scene. Some highlights include:
The Big Banquet Supper Club:
What would a Big Banquet be without a feast?! Before you fill up on culture, secure your spot at our Supper Club, hosted by the outstanding ARMR Café and Kitchen who have been cooking up some serious grub. Experience an intimate Caribbean supper, extra special drinks and a good old-fashioned knees-up at the castle on Oxford Road. And, enjoy an immersive fashion show by the brilliant Contact Young Company following their performance of Hand Me Down; dinner and a show, who could say no?!
The Afterparty: Kick off the weekend with a bang at the Big Banquet After Party. Join us for a night of music, dancing, and revelry as we transform Contact into a hub of energetic celebration. With live DJs, performances, and surprises throughout the night, this event promises an exhilarating experience for party enthusiasts.
Morning Rave: Rise and shine with the Big Banquet Morning Rave, an invigorating start to your day. Join us for a morning filled with high-energy beats, vibrant lights, and a lively atmosphere that will get your body moving and your spirits soaring. Fuel up with energizing refreshments and experience the unique blend of dance and wellness.
Cocktails and Cinquains x Capsule 2120 Launch: What makes a good cocktail? What on earth is a cinquain? And why have we put the two together? If you join us for a night of boisterous beverages and punchy poetry hosted by Keisha Thompson and Rory Dickinson, you might just find out…And, for this extra special edition of Cocktails and Cinquains, we’ll be launching Capsule 2120; a compilation album created by Contact’s most talented musicians and artists.
On Saturday 29 July, Contact will also present five outstanding free workshops open to all, led by local Manchester creatives and carving space for exciting conversations and connections.
The Big Banquet is not just a celebration of Contact’s illustrious history; it is a testament to its enduring impact on the artistic landscape. With these events, Contact invites visitors to immerse themselves in a world where creativity knows no bounds, and new possibilities emerge at every turn.
