News: Pop Bubble Rock! Announces 10th Anniversary Clubnight
Ben explains: "PBR came about because I quite simply wanted to organise a clubnight that played the music my friends and I wanted to hear, in an atmosphere that we'd enjoy. I loved pop-punk and punk rock, but I also loved hip-hop and had (and still have!) an unashamedly massive love of pop music. There was nowhere that played that mix and even the alternative places were just playing it safe with the obvious hits. The alternative scene then, and unfortunately can still be to this day, was quite cliquey and judgemental which bothered me because the music was anti that."
"...So I got a summer job, saved up some money and bought some decks, had some flyers printed and hired out a venue for one night. I didn't think anyone would come. It sold out. That's where it all started."
A decade later and the party hasn't stopped. Ben has taken PBR (Pop Bubble Rock!) all over the UK but home is where the heart is for the adopted northerner, originally from Essex.
The night has always had charitable motives and has helped raise thousands for Cancer Research, Manchester Dogs Home and recently is launching an initiative to help organise taxi shares home and even 'walking busses' to get people home safely after a very fun night.
"Manchester is a very safe place but unfortunately bad things can happen and with new students moving to city it can be a bit overwhelming. We want to help make people's trip home as safe as the night is fun!"
Ben now lectures at BIMM, a leading music education institute in the city and teaches the next generation of Manchester's promoters and event managers. Asked whether it is harder nowadays for independent nights to reach such a milestone Ben said:
"I think it's easier to start an independent clubnight now than it was then, however I think it's harder to rise above the white noise created by the sheer volume of people trying to and have that longevity. If people are in it to make money it won't last long. If you're in it because you love the music and giving people a good time then why not? I didn't think i'd be doing this a decade later!"
Asked to sum up the ethos of PBR Ben said: "It is all about having fun. It's about being with your friends and making new ones and being too busy dancing and smiling to stop and worry about what anyone else thinks. It's an inclusive party where girls call the shots and not just pour them like at some other nights. Everyone feels welcome and it's the crowd that make it what it is. They've always got what we're trying to do and it's simply the most friendly and fun clubnight in Manchester."
The 10th Birthday takes place at the recently re-opened Joshua Brooks on Princess St, on 1st October.
Tickets are £6 or £10 which includes a limited edition t-shirt!
Tickets: www.skiddle.com/e/12822266
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