New documentary goes “Inside One of the UK's Most Important Queer Venues”

A new documentary Inside The DBA from Manchester's Finest tells the story of The Derby Brewery Arms in Manchester.

“What looks from outside like a traditional boozer on Cheetham Hill Road, The Derby Brewery Arms is quietly one of the UK’s most radical venues,” states the description of the 11-minute short film, which features footage from parties held inside the venue and interviews with team members and regulars.

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Among them are doorman Sam, resident DJ Devvyn, venue and bookings manager Will and regular Adam, who tell the story of the DBA’s origins as a working-class community pub to its shift towards being “catered towards the queer community and other marginalised groups in the society”, as Will explains. He notes that the communities still merge at the venue, referencing once holding a 200-person techno rave in one room with football showing in the other.

Also featured are Jase, who runs the queer-centred day rave Bent Hedonism, and Aalice, who co-runs queer techno party Meat Free alongside Blasha & Allatt. They discuss the venue’s role as a haven for queer people and allies, as well as the impressive roster of DJs it has hosted, including Midland, D.Dan, Freddy K, Or:la, James Ruskin, Regis, Steffi and Virginia.

“To think that you have these international artists who are maybe playing the DBA on a Saturday and Bergain on a Sunday is pretty crazy,” says Aalice.

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The Derby Brewery Arms is owned by Joseph Holt, an independent family-run Manchester brewery and pub operator, and located in Cheetham Hill, near other prominent nightlife venues such as The White Hotel and Hidden which are named in the film.

Watch it below.