Hacienda reveals why 40th anniversary party was split into two halves at last minute

The Hacienda has moved to clarify the circumstances behind the 'hugely disappointing' splitting of last weekend's much-anticipated 40th anniversary party into two halves.

Manchester jubilantly raved once again, but many were left disappointed and asked for refunds after the night was separated into separate sessions - DJ sets between 6pm and 10.30pm followed by an 11pm until 2am slot.

The announcement came at the 11th hour. The party was supposed to have taken place over both floors of the car park of the apartment complex where the Hacienda once stood - now bosses have revealed what happened having previously only outlined 'last-minute changes'.

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Pictured: Manchester raves again at Hacienda 40th anniversary 'party of two halves'

In a statement published on social media FAC51 The Hacienda said licences were granted by Manchester City Council three weeks before the event and 'full fire and health and safety risk assessments' were drawn up. But organisers said a 'probation notice' was served on the event at 5pm on the Friday night - giving them just 24 hours notice.

The notice, said the Hacienda, 'sits legally above all other licences', although the exact reasons for its issuing have not been divulged. Which authority or body served the notice also hasn't been confirmed.

"The Hacienda team negotiated and established that only the top floor of the car park could be used, halving the capacity," read tonight's statement.

"The only options were to either cancel the event completely or split the party into two over one night. We were aware that many people were travelling from all over the country for this very special anniversary and were desperate to make sure that all ticket holders had the opportunity to