Old Abbey Taphouse Fundraiser Festival

Once a derelict site, the Old Abbey Taphouse is now a vibrant cultural hub-in-a-pub for the Hulme and Moss Side communities, standing strong for over 100 years.

Following the closure of their kitchen last month, the Old Abbey Taphouse hopes to raise £15,000 to convert the now unused kitchen space into a dedicated venue that can host gigs, club nights, community meetings, art programmes, and talks. This will help secure the pub’s future throughout the winter months when their outdoor space is unusable.

This bank holiday, they are hosting a family-friendly festival featuring an array of live music, DJs (with some big headliners to be announced), food traders, market stalls, and more. Creative input comes from promoters such as Earthly Pleasures, Nossa!, Steam Radio, Calm Sessions, Bangers & Mash, Breaking Barz, Raise The Bar, Seamus Presents, Step Ladder Records, Do It Ourselves, and others.

The Taphouse has a rich history as one of the most important establishments in Manchester’s inner city. In September 1953, it became the catalyst for breaking the UK ‘Colour Bar’ law following boxer Len Johnson’s refusal of service, which sparked protests throughout the neighbourhood.

In addition to live music and community events, they also host a community radio station (Steam Radio) and dedicate many hours to charitable projects, such as Taphouse TV Dinners. This innovative food and support project helps some of the most under-served communities by collecting food donations and cooking hearty pay-as-you-feel meals for the community.

If they can reach their £15,000 target, they can secure their future as the beloved community hub-in-a-pub.

Pay-As-You-Feel Donation Tickets are on sale now.