Mainly aimed at workers, Departure, which began in Manchester earlier this year, is already attracting a strong crowd. After hosting parties at Savannah and Sankeys they have now bagged themselves a regular slot at Itaca every Friday between 11pm-5am.
Hosting an underground event on a roof terrace wouldn't have been the most obvious choice but it in fact added a unique Spanish feel to the party. With a plasma screen showing Departure artwork by Danni Godfrey and the DJ intimately placed at the side of the cosy dance floor the party oozed a friendly Ibizan atmosphere. The crowd the party attracted were all there for the same reasons, to enjoy the more fashionable take on underground music as well as to share a night out with their fellow workers.
The rooftop saw some impressive sets from Will Boyd, Adrian Price, Dan Wild and Eddie Regan who smashed out popular underground tracks pleasing this years White Isle workers. Although the rooftop is a quirky alternative to other underground party venues it was perhaps a bit small for the large crowd Departure attracted. However as 3am approached the party moved downstairs to the larger bar area with sets from Angus Jefford & Perry Louis and Eazof. By moving the party downstairs all Departure revellers were given more space to dance and the chance to chill out in the outside seating area as well as getting a stamp that ensured that they would still benefit from the reduced drink prices.
Departure seems to of successfully targeted their niche market of workers with their friendly, intimate and cheap event. A six hour underground party with discounted drinks (with a pint of lager being as cheap as 2.50€) is exactly what workers look for, so all predictions say that Departure has a successful season ahead.
