The Star and Garter to host huge weekend of parties in memory of landlord Andy Martin

Every penny made will go towards Andy's widow and young daughters

By Natalie Rees | 14 June 2024

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The Star and Garter will host two huge parties in memory of their former landlord Andy Martin later this month.

A true icon of Manchester’s alternative music scene, the much-loved licensee sadly passed away in March this year, following a short illness. Stalwart of the historic music venue for over two decades, Andy left behind his young family, newly-wed wife Helen and daughters Jasmine, 5 and Georgina, 3. 

The Star and Garter’s close knit family of staff, DJs and promoters, who are as integral to the Grade II-listed institution as the structure itself, have now announced two parties to pay tribute to their former publican, and friend.

star and garter
Credit: Emma Daffin

Promising two nights of ‘sticky-floored indie clubbing’, every penny made will go to Andy’s family.

Billed as a Smile Special, a return of their long-running club night, which began in 1993, regulars and music fans are invited to join them for a signature ‘dressed-up, arms-in-the-air blowout’.

smile special andy martin

The line-up sees the return of some of the venue’s favourite DJs and club nights. On Friday, there will be a takeover from the ever-popular Smiths Disco, Tied To The 90s and Let’s Make This Precious. On Saturday, Smile DJs Andy Woods, Dean Mitchell, Jay Taylor, Neil and Anne-Marie will provide the soundtrack.

They will all honour the man described as an ‘old-school, working-class, principled man, who spent years fighting big business and corporate takeover of Manchester – and won’. You can get tickets for both nights here.

A new Instagram account has also been set up by organisers to collect photos and memories from The Star and Garter, you can follow, and submit your own pictures, here.

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