Thailand

As Bangkok is gearing up for a huge underground music night hosted by the legendary Manchester (U.K) nightclub concept, Happy Hour Asia caught up with Paul “Fletch” Fletcher, The Haçienda’s manager, ahead of the upcoming Haçienda show. A key figure behind the resurgence of the iconic brand, Fletch has been at the forefront of world-class events for more than a quarter of a century.

During that time, he has helped take The Haçienda from regular club shows to achievements rarely seen for an electronic music brand. Headlining Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage, selling out the prestigious Royal Albert Hall multiple times, and hosting huge 10,000+ capacity warehouse parties are a few highlights. Fletch’s career has also included a pivotal period running Manchester’s other legendary nightclub, Sankeys.

Beyond The Haçienda, he is also the driving force behind the much-loved Moovin Festival, further cementing his reputation as one of the UK’s most respected and influential event producers. Now he’s bringing the party to Bangkok!

It seems that FAC51 The Haçienda has produced most of its landmark events in recent years? It looks a bit like a new lease of life for the brand?
FAC51 The Haçienda has always been about innovation and cultural relevance. While the original club closed in the 1990s, the brand itself has never lost its resonance. In recent years, we’ve been able to bring the ethos of The Haçienda to international audiences through landmark events, carefully curated line-ups, and immersive experiences that capture the spirit of the original venue. It’s less a “revival” and more an evolution, introducing the brand to new audiences while staying true to its underground roots.

What is your view on the the U.K nightclub scene being threatened to become extinct?
The U.K. nightclub scene is undoubtedly facing challenges, from rising costs to regulatory pressures, but it’s also incredibly resilient. We see these challenges as a call to innovate and adapt. FAC51 The Haçienda’s legacy is proof that clubs can be cultural institutions, and we hope our events continue to inspire both promoters and audiences to value live music, community, and nightlife culture.

What are the plans for Asia beyond coming to Bangkok?
As we go forward, we’ll always look at opportunities as they come, but we’re very selective about the shows we do. We don’t just put our name on any party; it has to feel right creatively, culturally and musically. Every Haçienda event needs to be interesting, considered and true to the spirit of the brand. If the right opportunity comes along, we’ll absolutely explore it, but it’s never about doing something for the sake of it.

The 1980s is a long time ago… How do you make the FAC51 The Haçienda brand relevant and known to today’s younger music listeners and club audiences? And is the unique legacy of Haçienda a strength for the brand?
Absolutely, the legacy is a huge strength. The Haçienda represents innovation, inclusivity, and a cultural moment that continues to inspire artists and audiences alike. To engage younger listeners, we look to mix iconic elements both with music, visuals and branding, alongside world class DJs and production values. For his now it’s about creating experiences that still feel fresh while honouring the heritage that made The Haçienda legendary.

What are you looking for in terms of places and venues that can match with FAC51 The Haçienda, which is perhaps mostly associated with an underground feel and warehouse setting?
We look for venues that allow for creative expression and that capture the sense of freedom and energy associated with The Haçienda. It’s really about spaces that can be transformed – which is why we chose the dynamic ‘Ambiance space’, a venue that has great potential as a creative hub that can be transformed into a full-on rave right in the city centre of Bangkok.

For this event, Maho Rasop, Bar Temp, and Transport are your local music partners – what do they stand for?
These names represent collaborators who share our party vision. We feel it’s important for us to collaborate with some local and up and coming talent and we’re excited to welcome some of Bangkok’s best parties and DJs to this party!

What is your view on the currently strong revival for 1990s music?
The revival of 1990s music is exciting and aligns perfectly with The Haçienda’s heritage, as many of the foundational sounds of house, acid and rave culture were forged during that era. Great music is great music and it will always stand the test of time, which is why those records continue to resonate today.

While we celebrate those sounds, our approach is to blend nostalgia with contemporary music, ensuring that every event feels relevant, dynamic and forward-thinking rather than simply a retrospective. It seems to attract the best crowds across all sorts of demographics – which is great!

For more event details go to: Legendary FAC51 The Haçienda initiates DJ/live music events in Asia with heavyweight Bangkok 2026 event