Hit & Run

Hit & Run began as an Oxford club night in 2001, founded by DJ Rich Reason, Riz Ahmed and Craig Carr. Reason later became one of its first resident DJs and moved to Manchester in 2004, where the night opened at Po Na Na. It promotes bass music in Manchester and has roots in Oxford.

In Manchester, the night held a Monday residency for about seven years before moving towards more weekend events. Its venues have included The Attic, Mint Lounge, Antwerp Mansion, Hidden and Ramona. Hit & Run has also held events at The Ritz and Factory, and has connections to Outlook Festival and Gottwood Fest.

Its music ranges across drum and bass, grime, hip-hop and electronic music, with an emphasis on new and emerging sounds. Early performances included local artists Chimpo and Chunky. Manchester bookings have featured Jamie xx, Ben UFO, Goldie and Ivy Lab, while album launches have included releases by Children of Zeus, Black Josh and Abnormal Sleepz. Events also brought together artists who collaborated as the Manchester collective LEVELZ.

James Blake made his Manchester debut at a Hit & Run event in October 2009. The promoter has organised food-bank drives and fundraisers, including events where people could pay entry with donated food. Rich Reason, SL8R and Biome have also appeared on event line-ups.