A well-know and well-loved intimate music venue with 3 bars, a kitchen, and a roof terrace spread across 3 floors, the Deaf Institute is an independent site with a rich history behind it. For those who don’t know, the Deaf Institute was previously an actual institute for deaf people. Its official title was the “Adult Deaf and Dumb Institute” which was correctly deemed offensive and changed in 2008 by award-winning operators Joel Wilkinson and Adelaide Winter, acknowledging its unique past and removing insensitivity.
After being built in 1877, this historic Grade II-listed Manchester building was left derelict after its time as a Deaf Institute until it was refurbished into the venue we know and love today. With a capacity of just 300, the venue hosts intimate concerts with a relaxed atmosphere. It is also popular with the hipster and indie crowds in Manchester, thanks to its shabby chic interior design and dome-shaped music hall. The Deaf Institute typically hosts independent artists and bands as its live music acts, including rising stars such as Drenge, Lindi Ortega, Alvvays, 2:54, Marmozets, Kate Tempest, and MAX.
The venue also hosts club nights, particularly convenient for students of Manchester Metropolitan University as the Deaf Institute is located in the heart of the campus. Some upcoming events are the 80s-inspired “Girls on Film” club night which is hosted every Saturday night with free entry before 12am and free Babycham before 11pm, as well as “Spice Up Your Pride” on Sunday 26th August to celebrate Pride in Manchester.
The Deaf Institute has an interesting history and is home to a wide variety of live music acts, club and comedy nights, as well as providing spaces to dance, dine, and have fun! It’s certainly one of my favourite venues in Manchester and, if you’re interested, you can view the calendar for upcoming events here.
Words by Abby Hilton (@AbbyHilton_)
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