Return to the Hacienda

Jun 23 2008 by Katie Campling, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

IT was one of the best-known nightclubs in the world in the late 80s and early 90s. Now, the Hacienda is back and heading for Huddersfield.

Ok, so the actual club on Whitworth Street in Manchester is now a block of flats after its closure in 1997.

But its spirit never died and has been resurrected in the Fac51 Hacienda tour.

DJs and house bands who played at the original Hacienda during its glory days have signed up to the tour, which includes a weekly resident DJ night at Eden in Ibiza.

But the big news for Huddersfield is that the tour – which is sponsored by clothing line Bench – includes a monthly night at The Cotton Factory.

Until the end of this year, there will be three rooms of house music across two floors, with sets from some of the top names in house music.

There will also be live indie sets from ‘Madchester’ legends Shaun Ryder, Mani and Bez.

The first night at The Cotton Factory will take place on June 28, featuring former Hacienda residents Jon Da Silva, Tomlin from Jam MCs, percussionist Chris Crooks and DJ Tony Walker.

Also playing will be Huddersfield DJs James Noon and Poco, who were active in the 90s at the height of house and have not DJ-ed in town since 2003.

James has been involved in bringing the Hacienda night to town. He said: “There’s still a strong interest in house and when we heard the Hacienda tour was happening, we thought why not bring the Hacienda to Huddersfield?

“It was such a massive club with a huge history that it’s amazing to bring the night here.”

The night runs from 8pm to 3am and – as it’s the first event – entry will be free.

Tickets for other venues on the world tour selling out at more than £20 each.

Acts performing on the tour include Sasha, Allister Whitehead, David Morales, Graeme Park, Danny Rampling and Todd Terry.

A CD – 20 Years Of Acid House – has been put together by New Order’s Peter Hook. Featuring the Hacienda original artists, it is set to go on sale in August.

If you want to find out more about the Hacienda’s return, visit: www.myspace.com/fac51thehacienda, www.thehaciendamustbebuilt.co.uk, or www.reminisceclassics.com