If you've spent any time raving in Manchester, chances are the name Sacha Lord is familiar to you. A figure in the city's nightlife, Sacha has been responsible for shaping Manchester’s modern music scene in ways that are undeniable. From founding The Warehouse Project (WHP) to masterminding Parklife, his influence has rippled across the city and beyond. And now, with the release of his memoir Tales from the Dancefloor earlier this year, we get a glimpse into the mind of the man behind the magic.
Watch part of our interview with Sacha Lord (in tandem with our music documentary)
For those of us who lived through the glory days of Store Street, like myself, this book has been a long time coming. I remember being thrown into the madness of The Warehouse Project as a university student, attending events that blew my mind – one that particularly stands out was Bugged Out! 20 Years Day & Night. The lineup was stacked: Green Velvet, Cajmere, Andrew Weatherall, Skream, Justin Robertson—names that, at the time, I didn’t fully appreciate the significance of.
Looking back, it wasn’t just the music that made those nights so transformative. It was the atmosphere, the sense of something bigger. WHP wasn't just an event, it was a movement. For someone like me, who grew up on a steady diet of Garage, Acid House, and Bassline, WHP brought artists to Manchester I’d only dreamt of seeing. The sweat dripping from the ceiling, the lights, the energy—it was unparalleled. Sacha and his team managed to put Manchester back on the map, in much the same way The Hacienda did for the city decades before.
In our interview, Sacha opened up about his journey—from those early days to the inception of WHP and Parklife. We met at The Mayfield Depot, the current home of WHP, a venue with its own rich history in the city. Honestly, I didn’t expect him to say yes to the interview; after all, he’s a busy guy. But he was surprisingly warm and open, which isn’t what I’d anticipated, having heard he can be a bit blunt.
Tales From the Dancefloor by Sacha Lord is a mix of humoru, honesty, and insight, offering a personal insight into Manchester’s nightlife scene over the last few decades. The book bridges the gap between the fall of The Haçienda and the music culture we see today. What stands out are the personal anecdotes—Sacha doesn't hold back. From hilarious to heartfelt, his stories shine a light on the real behind-the-scenes of building a nightlife empire.
Sacha’s memoir isn't just a series of nostalgic tales from Manchester’s past; it’s a testament to what his vision has been. His book dives into the grit of Manchester’s underbelly, the gangs, arson, and chaos that defined the city in the 90s. But for Sacha, it wasn’t just about surviving in that environment—it was about carving out a space for something bigger.
From the closing of the legendary Hacienda to the rise of Sankeys, and eventually The Warehouse Project and Parklife, Sacha has always been at the forefront. He’s a businessman first and foremost, and whether you like him or not, the legacy is undeniable.
Not without controversy however...
It’s not all love letters to Sacha, though. There are critics—plenty of them. Some in Manchester’s nightlife scene say he’s monopolised the industry, using exclusivity clauses that keep top-tier talent out of smaller venues. I can see both sides of the argument. Yes, it can feel like WHP dominates the scene, making it harder for grassroots venues to book bigger artist. However, the numbers speak for themselves. WHP caps at 10,000, and Parklife draws a staggering 80,000 across two days. No other venue in the city can even come close to those numbers.
Another note to make is that he’s a fierce advocate for harm reduction, particularly in the realm of drug testing. His work with The Loop, a drug testing charity, has been fundamental for ravers. Sacha understands that people are going to indulge, and rather than moralising about it, he focused on making raving safer.
The Future
In April, he officially stepped down from his role at WHP and Parklife, having sold his remaining shares and has become a father. It was a move he teased in his memoir, but now it’s official. For two decades, Sacha’s life has been wrapped up in these events, and now he’s ready to shift focus. As the Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester and Chair of the Night Time Industries Association, Sacha’s still very much invested in the city's future. Plus, with the Sacha Lord Foundation and his new role as a father, it seems like he’s just getting started.
Talking to Sacha, you get the sense that his imposter syndrome is real. Despite all his accomplishments, he’s still unsure of his place in the world he’s helped to build. “I attend every single Warehouse Project,” he told me, with a seriousness that suggests he’s more than just the figurehead we see in the press. He was there, every single night, watching it all unfold. He doesn’t indulge in the music in the same way we do—no Sarah Landry or I Hate Models playlists for him—but he was always present, steering the ship from the shadows.
So, what’s next? With Sacha stepping back, what will the future of Manchester’s nightlife hold? While WHP and Parklife are sure to keep thriving, his departure opens the door for new voices to emerge. As we look ahead, it’s vital to remember that Manchester’s music scene has always been about evolution and innovation. Here at Acid Rain, we’re committed to covering this journey. Our projects aim to collaborate with grassroots artists, shining a spotlight on those outside the mainstream—because we believe it’s time for change. Take a look at all six of our projects here. We appreciate all support, we cannot do it without you.
This article is part of our upcoming documentary, Made in Manchester.
We’re currently producing a documentary that delves deep into Manchester’s music scene—past, present, and future. In addition to this we have launched a new series called Faces in Music - and we want your stories too. Whether you've been part of the scene for years or are just experiencing your first rave, your voice matters. Click the link below to see how you can get involved and become part of a project that celebrates the people who’ve shaped this city’s vibrant culture.
As always, we will see you at the front
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