Manumission

Few brands that have found a home on the island stir more enthusiasm or discussion than Manumission. Originally founded in 1994 by Dawn Hindle, and Mike, Claire, and Andy Mckay, in the Gay Village of Manchester, England. The doors of the venue were shut due to several speculated reasons, so the quartet moved the brand to the hedonistic haven of Ibiza. It quickly became one of the island's most iconic events during the 1990s and early 2000s.

The word "manumission" refers to a slave owner freeing their slaves, the founders chose the name to symbolize liberation and freedom, with a blend of music and art with themes of sexual freedom and extravagant creative content.

Manumission found its permanent home at Ku Club, which later became Privilege, at the time the largest club in the world. Privilege, with its massive capacity and expansive spaces, allowed the Manumission team to create elaborate stages and performances that included everything from live sex shows to circus acts, with rock bands playing in one of the back rooms.

Manumission in the 90's

The parties featured live music from top DJs and bands, outrageous performances, and theatrical shows that blurred the lines between entertainment and reality. Manumission’s approach was unapologetically bold, tapping into the hedonistic spirit of Ibiza, even triggering a full-length feature film “Manumission: The Movie” in 1997.

In 1998 the brand launched a new venture the Manumission Motel, in true Manumission style situated on the site of an abandoned brothel, it allowed artists, musicians, actors, and other creatives a place to truly exercise and experience true hedonism and freedom. The parties at the hotel were given the same legendary status as their main events.

By the early 2000s, Manumission had reached its peak of popularity, attracting A-list celebrities, artists, DJs, and party goers from all over the world.

In 2009, Manumission held its final party at Privilege, marking the end of an era. It has taken 15 years for the magic of Manumission to return. A much-needed break from somewhat sterile events, Manumission burst back on the scene in 2024 with a smaller scale, but just as popular residency at the (and perfectly suited) adult playground of Pikes. A no-camera policy, carefully curated line-ups, and celebrity guest appearances have created a truly magical Monday evening on the island.

The legacy of those early Manumission days will remain in the folklore of Ibiza clubbing and continues as a symbol of excess, freedom, and the transformative power of nightlife culture.