Geoff Oakes co-launches new daytime party series 'Escapism' at Manchester's Victoria Baths

A brand new immersive daytime party venture is launching in Manchester this autumn, courtesy of one of UK clubland’s most influential pioneers.

Escapism, the brainchild of Renaissance founder Geoff Oakes and founding partner Dez Derry, will take over the breathtaking, Grade II-listed Victoria Baths on Saturday, October 10.

Aimed at a discerning 25+ crowd, the launch event promises to eschew standard club conventions in favour of an elevated, multi-sensory daytime experience. To foster genuine dancefloor connection, the organisers have announced that Escapism will operate a strict no-phones-on-the-dancefloor policy.

Heading up the musical billing is the Grammy-winning house and progressive techno duo Deep Dish, who are locked in for an extended four-hour set. They will be joined by Space Ibiza legend and Balearic icon Smokin Jo, alongside rising Newcastle talent Pattn, who has recently turned heads with releases on fabric Records and Live At Robert Johnson.

"Escapism was created to bring world-class electronic music and exceptional production into historic and extraordinary spaces." — Geoff Oakes

Oakes, the visionary who shaped the 90s progressive house movement and launched dance music's most revered mix compilation series, intends for the new brand to place equal weight on music, atmosphere, and architectural grandeur.

"We’ve carefully considered every detail; from the line-up, acoustics and production to the visual environment and the food and drink offering," Oakes says. "Escapism is much more than just a day rave!”

The choice of venue is steeped in rave history. While Victoria Baths' swimming pools have long been empty, the stunning mosaic-and-stained-glass building famously hosted a live performance by Manchester electronic pioneer A Guy Called Gerald back in 1988 during the dawn of Acid House.

Alongside the main room, Escapism will feature a second room transformed into a lush, immersive art installation, backed by premium street food vendors, specialist barista coffee, and high-end production.

Due to the historic venue's strictly limited capacity, tickets for the 3:30 PM to 11:30 PM event are expected to move rapidly.

Pre-sale tickets go live on Monday, June 8 at 1:00 PM. You can sign up for exclusive access and find more information here.

Escapism socials here