A new chapter in immersive daytime electronic music experiences is set to arrive in Manchester as Escapism makes its debut on October 10, 2026, transforming one of the city’s most iconic architectural landmarks, Victoria Baths, into a fully curated sonic environment.
Created by Geoff Oakes, the visionary behind the influential Renaissance brand, and joined by founding partner Dez Derry, Escapism is designed as a refined, adults-only daytime series that places equal weight on music, atmosphere, and environment. With a legacy rooted in shaping UK club culture, Oakes now returns with a concept focused on intimate scale, elevated production, and historically significant venues.
The inaugural edition will take over Victoria Baths, a Grade II listed former Victorian swimming pool in Manchester, running from 3:30pm to 11:30pm. Known for its stained glass windows, mosaic detailing, and grand architectural design, the venue offers a cinematic backdrop that merges heritage with contemporary club culture. Its connection to electronic music history runs deep, including a 1988 performance by A Guy Called Gerald, a formative figure in Manchester’s rave-era evolution.
At the center of the launch lineup is an extended four-hour set from legendary duo Deep Dish, whose influence on house, progressive, and techno music has shaped global dancefloors for decades. Known for timeless productions such as “Chocolate City” and “Flashdance,” the Grammy-winning duo bring a signature emotive and expansive sound perfectly suited to the scale and intimacy of the Escapism concept.
They are joined by pioneering DJ Smokin Jo, whose legacy includes a defining residency at Space Ibiza and appearances at DC10, positioning her as one of the most respected figures in global house culture. Her inclusion reinforces the event’s commitment to foundational artists who have helped shape modern club music.
Rounding out the lineup is rising Newcastle-based DJ and producer Pattn, whose deep, leftfield approach to house has earned releases on respected imprints including fabric Records, Live At Robert Johnson, and Isolate. With performances alongside artists such as Sasha, John Digweed, Sven Väth, Laurent Garnier, and Mano Le Tough, Pattn represents the next generation of forward-thinking selectors carrying the culture forward.
Beyond the music, Escapism is built as a full sensory experience. Carefully curated street food vendors, specialty coffee offerings, and premium bars will sit alongside immersive production that reimagines the architecture of Victoria Baths itself. A second room will feature a fully designed installation space, offering an alternate atmosphere for exploration and deeper listening throughout the day.
A defining element of the concept is its emphasis on presence and connection, with a strict no phones on the dancefloor policy designed to encourage full immersion in the moment. This philosophy reflects Geoff Oakes’ broader intention to return focus to the communal energy that defines true club culture.
Drawing on the legacy of Renaissance—a brand synonymous with landmark sets from Sasha & Digweed and the evolution of progressive house—Escapism positions itself as a modern reinterpretation of destination dance music experiences. With limited capacity and high demand expected, the launch already signals itself as one of the most anticipated boutique events of 2026.
Further lineup announcements are expected in the lead-up to the event.