Manchester Made Me Funky Carnival 2

Saturday night saw the return of the Manchester Made Me Funky Carnival, a night of 2000s-era house music in Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Trafford Park. After the first event last November, the organisers quickly set up a second one. A fresh new lineup this time featured some great singers and DJs. 

 

 

David Dunne, who most thirty-to-forty-year-olds attending the event (the main demographic, tbf) would remember as a regular on from Galaxy Radio, played a set in the smaller popart-themed room. This replaced the neon jungle theme from the previous event. 

 Vocalist Kathy Brown graced the main stage. 

 

 Here she’s singing Soul Central’s Strings of Life (Stronger on My Own). 

 

 and Praxis’ Turn Me Out

 

I’ve been trying to see house music producers The Freemasons for years. Over the years, every time I’ve seen them advertised on a club night’s lineup, I’ve never managed to get there. Russell Small, who it turns out is also one half of Phats and Small was in attendance – I’m not sure I saw James Wiltshire. Their set was a highlight for me.

Jason Herd, one half of duo Herd ‘n’ Fitz, polished off the night.

Set builds and dancers were provided by the ever-impressive Visual Architects. Brilliant night, as was the last one. There is another MMMF Carnival night planned for Halloween in Knutsford but is a much more intimate (and pricey) affair.