In 1984 a group of artists started to meet regularly at a pub in Hulme. Hulme, not the one you see today, the council estate, ironically based on the grand John Nash Regency crescents of Bath. The group that assembled in the pub were a mixed crew of street theatre artists like the Whalley Range All Stars, Avanti Display, comedy theatre companies, LipService, The Red Stockings, groups offering serious drama including Fusion, (led by Rivca Rubin and Rikki Tarascas), Roar Material, Gorton based GW Theatre. Then there were puppeteers Watson and Mason, plus stilt walkers, fire eaters, poets, all the world was there, and all on the Enterprise Allowance scheme.

 At this time, there was no arts centre at all. Legendary promoter Jeremy Shine under the umbrella of Radiator, programmed work in found spaces across the city, the Birch Community Centre – bring your own blanket (there was no heating), bring your own wine (there was no bar). He also programmed comedians at The Gallery, a cabaret space on Peter Street. PAN theatre, the idea of Dave Simpson and Stella Hall programmed work at the Thompsons Arms and lunchtime theatre at the Library Theatre, showcasing new writing. Then in 1983 Jeremy and Stella formed The Green Room and fund raised the money for the first arts centre under the railway arches on Whitworth Street, opening in 1988. This would become the natural home for Fringe Forum companies. In 1985 Jeremy founded the first Manchester International Festival, putting Manchester on the map as an international destination for artists.