Unless you’ve been living under a rock or avoiding my weekly life musings, you’ll know the last few years have been all about raving and misbehaving, well, for me it has anyway. Why? Because my kids are grown, and finally… I’ve had time to just do me!

Way back then, it was school runs, basketball camps, and dance classes and now. They’re mostly, super independent, and so I have proudly joined the “mums that rave” movement (not even joking, this is a thing!)

I never did much clubbing when my kids were little, someone had to stay home, and it was usually me. But that didn’t mean I didn’t love house music and dancing…it just meant I had to prioritise.

So when I found out that the Hacienda Classical would be back in Manchester I what did any respectable parent do? I took the kids.

Tickets sorted, outfit of the day choosen and Laurie arrived from London. So me, Laurie and Remi (aka Cool & Her Gang) spent the morning loading up on food, getting in the mood and pre-drinks.

We headed into Manchester about 5:30ish, this early-start, early-rave is so my vibe. And once at Castlefield Bowl, we grabbed a drink and scoped the place out (disappointed that we saw a few scuffles had broken out, never see this at any events…Manchester, shame on you), then let the music melt it all away.

The Hacienda Classical is a bit different to the old Club, it’s house classics backed with the Manchester Camerata. Heather Small (of M People) was also performing, K-Klass and DJ sets from Paulette, Tom Wainwright and Graeme Park

Laurie and Remi knew every tune and so we drank, we danced and we took the 11pm tram home and picked up a McDonalds from the quays on the way.

Take home advice to parents…families that rave together… stay together. x