New exhibition by iconic Manc photographers documents the city’s wild party scene

On Friday 8th March, Mancunian photographers Richard Kelly and Johnny Black will be launching their month-long exhibition ‘20 Year Party People’ at The New Cross.

‘20 Year Party People’ at The New Cross

Although a generation apart, the two photographers, both from South Manchester (Burnage and Disbury respectively) and have collaborated to showcase their documented personal experiences of the infamous Manchester party scene.

Ranging from the early noughties to the present day, visitors can expect an evening of nostalgia and celebration of the vibrant Manchester community as they take a journey through the years and assess how some things change and others stay the same.

Manchester photographer Richard Kelly

Richard Kelly has exhibited much of his professional portfolio over the years, having worked with renowned fashion brands such as Fred Perry and Dr Marten, and taken photographs of some of the most recognised faces in the music industry, including Arctic Monkeys, Florence Welch and the late Amy Winehouse.

This will be the first time he is exhibiting his photographs, all shot on 35mm film.

“By pairing our photography together we hope to show that not only is Manchester a city of people that likes to party but also that, despite the difference of twenty-odd years between our work, some things stay the same”

Manchester-based photographer Jonny Black

His collaborator on this project, Jonny Black, a Manchester-based film photographer and self-described ‘local man’ is one of the resident developers at Come Through, an Ancoats-based photography lab.

You can check Come Through out by clicking here

Since having his DSLR camera stolen years ago, he bought a cheap ‘point and shoot’ from eBay and has been shooting the Manchester party scene most weekends since.

This will be his first exhibition with examples of his work from 2014 onwards.

The launch party takes place on the evening of the 8th from 7pm ‘til late at The New Cross and is a teaser for 54 Agency’s permanent residency at the venue launching in spring.

In conjunction with the event and in celebration of International Women’s Day The New Cross are launching a Vienna-style lager designed and brewed by local female leads from the hospitality sector, with Manchester Union.

20 Year Party People’ will be on display at The New Cross in Ancoats from 8th March for a whole month.

The New Cross Address: 6 Cross Keys St, Manchester M4 5ET