Geoff Oakes, founder and former head of legendary brand Renaissance, leads the new events venture that takes off on the 10th October!
This October, an all-new series of grown-up, immersive daytime events arrives in Manchester as Escapism launches inside one of the city’s most remarkable architectural spaces on 10th October 2026. Created from the visionary mind of Geoff Oakes and joined by founding partner Dez Derry, whose support reinforces a shared commitment to championing electronic music culture in Manchester and across the wider UK, Escapism promises a new chapter in elevated daytime experiences.
Geoff Oakes is the man behind the legendary Renaissance brand that helped redefine club culture in the UK and beyond. His influential 90s party became synonymous with legendary sets from Sasha & Digweed and defined the original prog house sound with local, then global events and dance music's first ever and still hugely revered mix series.
Oakes has already left an indelible impression on the scene and Escapism is a new bespoke events company dedicated to creating carefully curated electronic music experiences in extraordinary locations. Due to the very limited capacity and demand for this intimate event, tickets are expected to fly. Designed for a discerning 25+ audience, the brand places equal emphasis on music, environment and atmosphere with world-class artists playing truly unique venues with elevated production.
Speaking on the new venture, Geoff Oakes, Co-Founder of Escapism shares, "Escapism was created to bring world-class electronic music and exceptional production into historic and extraordinary spaces. We’ve carefully considered every detail; from the line-up, acoustics and production to the visual environment and the food and drink offering, transforming remarkable venues into immersive and unique experiences that encourage you to spend the whole day with us. Escapism is much more than just a day rave!”
The inaugural Escapism event takes place on Saturday 10th October at the stunning Victoria Baths, Manchester, running from 3:30pm until 11:30pm. The Grade II Listed former Victorian swimming baths is one of Britain's finest historic buildings and will provide a breathtaking backdrop for the launch with spectacular stained glass, intricate mosaics and grand architecture all adding to the atmosphere.
While the pools themselves are long since empty, the building's connection to Manchester's musical heritage remains firmly intact as the venue once famously hosted a live performance from Gerald Simpson aka dance music innovator A Guy Called Gerald back in 1988 during the formative years of the city's electronic music explosion.
Musically, Escapism offers an expertly curated lineup headed by an extended 4-hour set from Grammy-winning duo Deep Dish, pioneering DJ Smokin Jo and rising talent Pattn. Deep Dish remain one of electronic music's most influential acts with a richly emotive sound spanning house, prog and techno and a number of classics from 'Chocolate City' to 'Flashdance.' One of the most respected figures in global dance music, Smokin Jo's legendary Space Ibiza residency and regular appearances at DC10 helped define generations of Balearic club culture.
Completing the lineup is Pattn, a sonic storyteller hailing from Newcastle, who pushes a sound of deep, leftfield house. Pattn's technical productions have appeared on labels including fabric Records, Live At Robert Johnson, and Isolate, and he has performed alongside legends like Sasha, John Digweed, Sven Väth, Laurent Garnier, and Mano Le Tough. Pattn's booking is a choice that demonstrates Geoff Oakes' commitment to giving talented young artists the platform to become global household names, mirroring his work supporting artists like John Digweed early in their careers.
Beyond the music, Escapism is designed as a complete sensory experience with premium, carefully selected street food vendors, specialist barista coffee, fully stocked bars and immersive production throughout the venue. A second room will be transformed into a lush, immersive installation to create an alternate atmosphere that complements the music and encourages exploration throughout the day.
Central to the Escapism philosophy is a commitment to genuine connection on the dancefloor. To encourage presence and participation, the event will operate a strict no phones on the dance floor policy.
With a heritage rooted in one of dance music's most influential brands and a vision firmly focused on the future, Escapism is a refreshing alternative to conventional club events - a series dedicated to exceptional music, extraordinary spaces and real connections.
Due to the very limited capacity and demand for this intimate event, tickets are expected to fly and further lineup announcements will be revealed soon.
ESCAPISM
Victoria Baths, Manchester
Saturday 10th October
3:30pm – 11:30pm
Featuring:
Deep Dish
Smokin Jo
Pattn
