19 - 20 May 2023

Manchester

Ruf Dug at Head

9PM
19.5.2023
Ruf Dug

In the game for nearly 20 years now, Ruffy has never been one to rest on his laurels. In the last year alone he’s been nominated for Track Of The Year at Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Awards, been made one of the hosts of NTS’s flagship daily Soup To Nuts show, resumed his DJ schedule in fine style, launched an audiophile rave that’s already attained legendary status and had releases and remixes on a host of top-shelf labels.

Ruf Dug’s hard-earned reputation as a world-class DJ and Producer is no overnight success story - growing up in Manchester and Ibiza it’s not unsurprising that this life found him but it wasn’t until he got caught up in the squat party scene in Sydney in the early 00’s that he answered his calling, the DIY ethos there informing everything that followed. Since then he’s always followed his own path - sometimes coinciding with the ‘industry’, sometimes bounding lightyears ahead of the pack and having plenty of fun tearing around new cultural territories while waiting for everyone else to catch up. His productions have made their way into A-list & tastemaker’s record bags for a long time now.

DJs as diverse as Moxie, Moodymannn, Ben UFO, Jamz Supernova, Gilles Peterson, Colleen ‘Cosmo’ Murphy and Bradley Zero are all fans of the Ruf Dug sound and he’s released on a variety of a-list labels - in the last 12 months alone his work has graced the likes of Rhythm Section, Shall Not Fade, International Feel and WOLF music. His formidable NTS show is a great place to jump into Ruffy’s musical universe to get a sense of exactly how eclectic he can get - 8-bit video game soundtracks bump up against hour-long minimal jazz epics, wrong-speed jungle, slamming Detroit electro, private press outsider pop, Ruffy’s own productions and who knows whatever else - and somehow he makes it hang together perfectly, all while delivering ridiculous shout-outs to an adoring audience.

When it comes to playing out he’s pretty much done it all - from Pikes to the Panorama Bar, from Gottwood to Glastonbury, from Brilliant Corners to Barbarellas to Burning Man - no dance floor remains un-buzzed for long when Ruffy is at the controls - and preferably for a long stint; when your range is as wide as this then it’s actually possible to deliver a genuine ‘journey’ set, something few DJs are able to do despite all the nonsense hype that gets bandied about.

What can’t be understated is the pure fun at the heart of everything Ruf Dug does. There’s a rich vein of gentle, friendly humour running through all of his output - from the daft shoutouts on NTS to his playful DJ blends and silly track names, Ruffy is unafraid to lean into the simple act of enjoying one’s self, and everything he does is an expression of that sentiment - and it’s infectious. Put simply - hit up Ruffy if you want a GOOD TIME.

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Stretford Public Hall

Chester Rd, Stretford, Manchester M32 0LG

What3words: ///region.quest.emerge

Stir to Action’s Playground for the New Economy Festival 2023 is being held at Stretford Public Hall.

Getting here:

By train

If you’re travelling from outside Manchester, visit the Trainline website for information about rail travel. Trains connect with the tram at Manchester Piccadilly station.

By tram

The Hall is a 5 minute walk from the Stretford tram stop.

By bike

Manchester is a great cycling city, connected by several NCN routes and paths thanks to its historic canals and railway network.

By bus

There is a bus stop just outside the Hall on Chester Rd which is serviced by several local bus routes.

By car

We’d prefer you take public transportation, but if that’s not possible... you'll want to map the best routes depending on where you're coming from. The hall has limited parking during the day, free to use on a first come first served basis. Taxis can pull up alongside the Hall on Dorset St or use the car park.

​Accessibility

There is very limited parking for the festival for those with accessibility needs. These spaces will be used by prior arrangement only. Contact events@stirtoaction.com.

Arrival/Departures

Full ticket holders:

Check-in from 08:30 on Friday 19 May 2023

Check-out by 17:30 on Saturday 20 May 2023


Day tickets

Reception is open from 08:30 each day.

ABCs Primer

The ABCs of the New Economy is our practical primer and event guide to inspire local economic change.

Once again we're all facing real political instability and economic pressure. Made worse by huge wealth inequalities, rocketing prices, an endless housing crisis, and persistent failure to take real action on climate. For all the promises from our politicians about bouncing back, levelling up, and sharing prosperity, it’s just not happening for most of us.

Despite crisis after crisis, new economic ideas are still largely unknown across communities, and it’s time for a post-pandemic movement to inspire local economic change.

The ABCs of the New Economy is an accessible ‘primer’ on all aspects of the new economy, sharing straightforward tools and ideas for workplaces, communities, and movements for change.

Get a copy
Book cover of the ABCs of the New Economy

Accessibility

The Mansion is a step free venue with an accessible toilet. The South Lawn entrance is not wheelchair accessible, there are a number of steps to access the venue. Wheelchair access is via the Mansion’s front door, see image below:

There is a slight step up to the front door but we have a ramp available if needed. Blue badge holders can also park here. Directions to front of Arts Mansion:

Please always let us know in advance if any of your attendees have access requirements so we can offer extra assistance and support. Free tickets are available for carers, email us for details events@stirtoaction.com

FAQS

Where can I stay?

Stretford Public Hall is just outside Manchester city centre, and is easy to reach by tram from most places. Here is a list and map of accommodation in the area.

How do I get there?

Manchester is a well-connected city which can be accessed through several different modes of transportation. Check out the location tab on the festival website for more information.

Is the venue fully accessible?

The Hall is fitted with accessible facilities including step free entry, accessible toilets and a lift which services all floors. Check out the Accessibility tab for full information.

What are the arrival and departure times?

The Hall is open for guests to arrive from 9am on Friday and Saturday, with the event expected to wrap up by 6pm on Friday, and by 6:30pm on Saturday.

Can I buy a ticket on the door?

Yes, subject to availability. We expect tickets to sell out before the event, so it is advisable to purchase tickets in advance online.

Are bursaries available to get a free ticket?

We are working with a range of sponsors to offer bursaries for tickets. We will publish links to opportunities as they become available, so check back soon.

What are the food & drinks options?

We've arranged for some delicious bites from local caterers, all included in the cost of your ticket. Festival attendees can enjoy a selection of pastries on arrival and light lunches with vegan and gluten free options, too.

I can no longer attend. Can I get a refund for my ticket?

Click on the Ts&Cs tab for full details on cancellations and refunds.

Is there a Covid policy?

At the moment Stir to Action and Stretford Public Hall are not enforcing any Covid measures for the festival. Of course if you’re feeling unwell, we ask that you please stay home to keep others safe.

‍Can I bring my kids?

The festival is aimed at ages 16 and over. Free on-site childcare will be available for guests on Saturday only, offered by local creche providers BizzieKids. Booking for the creche is essential - full information here. There will be no childcare provision on Friday, and no other activities for children during the festival.

Who can I contact if I have any questions?

Should you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch at events@stirtoaction.com.

Festival Booking Terms & Conditions

Day Tickets

Programme information published on this website is subject to change. We will try to notify you as soon as possible of any changes. If, as a result of a schedule change, you would like to switch your day ticket, contact events@stirtoaction.com (subject to availability). No refund will be made for schedule changes, unless a written request is received no less than four weeks before the festival starts

 

Refunds

Refunds will only be made if a written refund request is received no less than four weeks before the festival starts. Send your written request via email to events@stirtoaction.com. If you cancel your booking less than four weeks before the event, no refund will be made other than in exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the festival organisers. No refund will be made for non-attendance.

 

Cancellation

In the event we have to cancel the festival, we will endeavour to inform all ticket holders at least two weeks before the festival is due to take place, although please be aware that this is not always possible. In such an event, all ticket fees paid to date will be reimbursed in full. We are unable to reimburse any other costs that may be incurred (i.e. travel, accommodation). In the event that festival dates have to be changed, ticket holders may request a full refund if the new dates are not convenient. Should you have any questions regarding these terms and conditions, please contact the festival team via events@stirtoaction.com.

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