Whisky Sessions

Victoria Warehouse, Stretford

November 21 and 22

TAKE a massive group of music lovers, stick them in a warehouse with 24 bands and add a dash of whisky.

That was the simple yet ingenious plan behind the Whisky Sessions, a new event for this autumn.

The venue has become synonymous with the extremely successful Warehouse Project, which is essentially a huge party with superstar DJs at weekends. (Fatboy Slim and The Chemical Brothers are among those who will headline in December).

With its Hacienda roots, these are the kind of events that, Manchester does very well.

And there was a distinct Manchester tint at the Whisky Sessions with Mancunian rockers I Am Kloot headlining the main stage on the opening night and Chorlton's very own solo artist Badly Drawn Boy showing off his dazzling back catalogue of acoustic beauties.

A day later, it was the turn of 1990s indie band Gomez to thrill the crowd and they attracted a big turnout on the main stage.

The organisers did a great job of dividing up the space between the two stages, with plenty of bars selling specialist whiskies and cocktails dotted around in between.

Another outstanding band were Geordie outfit Little Comets, who put on a stunning set to wrap up the weekend of entertainment.

With Gomez, Dodgy, Tim Burgess (of Charlatans Fame) and Turin Brakes all putting in appearances, this was really a chance for 1990s kids to relive their golden years – a rather depressing thought for those of us who do not recognise any of the bands name checked each week in NME each week these days.

But it was a worthwhile outing and, hopefully, it will make a welcome return next November.