1991 05 18 Hacienda re-opening, NME

Hacienda: Fac to life. . .

Manchester’s leading club reopens: first night fun - PETER WALSH

NEW ORDER, HAPPY MONDAYS, THE FARM and 808 STATE were among the revellers at The Hacienda’s re-opening last Friday, as police were called to eject a number of ticketless people who attempted to gain entry to the club.

Management representatives called for assistance when around 20 youths brushed through the queue, confronting security guards on the door. An estimated five police vans, three cars and at least 20 uniformed officers congregated outside the club deterring any further incidents. No arrests were made.

The club, dogged by problems since the dancefloor death of a 16-year-old girl from an Ecstasy overdose, closed in February due to the escalation of gang violence in the city. It had just celebrated retaining its licence after a sustained effort by Manchester police to have it revoked.

Co-owner ANTHONY WILSON had stated then the club would be consigned to the history books. “That’s one theory I’ve had to rip to shreds,” he said, during the celebrations which went on late into the night. Wilson made an emotional speech to patrons before declaring an hour of drinks on the house: “We’ve missed you, we know you missed it. Welcome back to the best music in the best club in the best city”.

Club goers mixed with the cream of Manchester’s musical glitterati. One surprise guest was legendary US songwriter/producer Arthur Baker, who made the journey to Manchester after he heard the club was re-opening. “I was on a visit to London and as soon as I heard about the Hacienda re-opening, I jumped on the first train up.”