Club Academy (The Cellar)

Formerly The Cellar, University of Manchester

The fourth Academy at Manchester University’s student union is also known as the Club Academy. It opened in the early 2000s as part of the expanding Academy venue family, complementing The Academy 1, 2, and 3. This is the third-largest venue out of all of the four Academy’s and it is located in the basement of the original building. Originally in the 90’s, it was known as “The Cellar” and the “Cellar Disco”, before turning into a singular music venue in the early 2000’s.

The venue grew in popularity after the demolition of The Squat. The capacity can hold a maximum of 650 guests (so slightly larger than Academy 3).<br>Known for its intimate atmosphere and impressive sound quality, it regularly hosts up-and-coming artists as well as established names across a wide range of genres, as well as having DJ nights, and club events, contributing to Manchester’s lively nightlife and music culture.

Recently within the last few years, some big artists such as Aitch and bands such as Dare have performed at the Academy.

Managed by the Academy Music Group, The Club Academy has undergone several refurbishments to enhance its sound system, lighting, and overall experience while maintaining its lively, nightclub-like environment. Its location within the university campus makes it especially popular among students and young music fans.

Today, The Club Academy continues to be a key venue for both live performances and club nights, nurturing new talent and offering diverse entertainment options in Manchester’s vibrant music scene.

Writing Credit: Tamzin Rowthorn