Gigantic Indie All Dayer – Academy, Manchester

Bands seen: Jack Adaptor, S*M*A*S*H, Frank and Walters, Cud, Darling Buds, Bivouac, Back To The Planet, House Of Love, Miles Hunt and Erica Nockalls

There have been a few of these 90s reunion type shows over recent years but this is the first one I’ve been to. And I had a thoroughly good time.

The event was spread over a number of university buildings and there was a back yard with a food court too, so people were really well catered for – I’ve been to events like this which haven’t had half the thought put into it.

One of the day’s highlights was standing in the back yard eating lunch and watching Miles Hunt and Erica Nockalls trying to get into their dressing room which someone had locked them out of. There was a big crowd watching and cheering during all of this!

S*M*A*S*H, The Frank and Walters and Darling Buds are bands I’d see no matter what or where they’re playing so to catch them all in an afternoon was good to do. But I also got a chance to see bands I haven’t seen before like Back To The Planet and the House Of Love. Cud were really good too and it was good to hear Miles Hunt as I’ve always managed to accidentally avoid Wonder Stuff gigs. Too many good bands, there were some others I’d love to have seen but didn’t get a chance to.

Inside the main venue

Jack Adaptor

S*M*A*S*H

S*M*A*S*H

The Frank and Walters

The Frank and Walters

The food area

The food area

Cud

The Darling Buds

The Darling Buds

Bivouac

Back To The Planet

Back To The Planet

House Of Love

Erica Nockalls

Miles Hunt and Erica Nockalls

The venue