The Warehouse Project WHP26: Lineup and confirmed dates

The twentieth anniversary of The Warehouse Project: Manchester prepares for WHP26

The undisputed institution of British clubbing, The Warehouse Project, has begun to unveil the details of its highly anticipated 2026 season. This year is not just another one on the electronic music calendar; it marks exactly two decades since the brand took its first steps in the raw facilities of the former Boddingtons Brewery in 2006. Now, firmly settled in Manchester's colossal Depot Mayfield, the organizers have promised the most ambitious programming in their history to commemorate this milestone, transforming the city into the global epicenter of the underground circuit during the autumn months.

To immortalize this extensive trajectory, founders Sam Kandel and Richard McGinnis have collaborated with director Leigh Powis on the creation of the short documentary film Twenty Years In Manchester. The audiovisual piece weaves together never-before-seen archival footage with recent recordings, paying a heartfelt tribute not only to the evolution of the festival, but also to the unwavering cultural fabric and the die-hard fans who have cemented Manchester's reputation as the European capital of dance.

An unprecedented display of talent: Rampa, &ME, Solomun and the force of techno

The starting gun for the WHP26 season promises to be monumental. The opening weekend will feature the overwhelming energy of KI/KI on Friday, September 18, quickly followed by an exquisite evening on Saturday the 19th led by Rampa and &ME, fundamental pillars of the acclaimed collective Keinemusik. Just a few days later, on September 25, melodic house titan Solomun will return to Manchester after a five-year absence, offering his only headline performance in the UK for the rest of the year.

The darker and faster side of electronic music will also have absolute prominence. On November 14, the influential Berlin artist Klangkuenstler will take the helm of the venue in a night co-presented by WHP and the titanic promoter Teletech. Likewise, on October 16, Scottish producer Hannah Laing will deploy her DOOF concept in an event that will include an exclusive back-to-back format alongside Maddix, escorted by figures of the stature of SPFDJ, ØTTA and Paige Tomlinson.

The expansion of Depot Mayfield: 'Vault' and the absolute dominance of bass

One of the great logistical novelties for the WHP26 edition is the inauguration of a new space called Vault. This room will join the already legendary Depot, Concourse and Archive stages, significantly expanding the venue's footprint and allowing for an even more diverse musical curation. This spatial expansion will be key to hosting massive takeovers, such as the one by the brand Worried About Henry on October 9, which has been confirmed as the only event dedicated entirely to drum and bass for the entire season.

• Worried About Henry (October 9): Led by Andy C's ALiVe audiovisual show, accompanied by heavyweights such as Bou B2B Hedex, Hybrid Minds, Kings of the Rollers, Sigma, K Motionz, Break B2B S.P.Y and Camo & Krooked.
• NEXUP (October 31): Max Dean's label lands with an arsenal of groove talent, including Luke Dean B2B Omar+, Riordan, Teedee and Burnski B2B Julian Anthony.
• Imminent Sold Outs: Nights headlined by Interplanetary Criminal, Duke Dumont, Tiësto and the brand You&Me have already sold out, evidencing the fever that the anniversary is sparking.

The unwavering legacy of British club culture

Beyond the impressive list of confirmed artists—which also includes dates for icons like The Streets and Overmono—the WHP26 season stands out for its firm commitment to sonic innovation. The extension of its strategic alliance with Apple Music will allow for the capture of sessions in Spatial Audio, offering global listeners an acoustic immersion that replicates the visceral nature of the live experience. Upon reaching its twentieth anniversary, The Warehouse Project not only celebrates its survival in a volatile industry, but reaffirms its position as a beacon of the avant-garde, dictating the pulse and future of electronic music worldwide.

From our first night at Boddingtons Brewery, our goal has always been to keep things moving and fresh. Reaching 20 years is a huge moment.

— Sam Kandel and Richard McGinnis (Founders of The Warehouse Project)

Consulted Sources