Picture this: It’s Saturday, the sun’s blazing, you’ve just cracked open your first beer and you’re off to meet your mates for the reunion of the decade.
The thought makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside. And providing things go to plan, this could be us as early as June 21. But before that, there’s a whole host of smaller and socially distanced events to tide us over.
Within the next few days we’ll be able to mingle outside in groups of six. By May, both indoor and outdoor socially-distanced music events could be in full swing. So, this is your sign to get the group back together. And to help you plan your reunion, here’s our guide to gigs and music events in the coming months – that feels SO good to say, by the way.
Social Avenue, Trafford Park, Stretford – Various dates
Image credit: Social Avenue
A massive hit last year, Social Avenue’s socially-distanced approach to clubbing returns to Trafford Park very soon – and with dates as early as May, it doesn’t even seem that far away. Despite a couple of events already selling out, tickets are still available for Darius Syrossian on 21 May, Yousef on 22 May and Eats Everything on 28 May – albeit running row. They’ve got two dates left to be announced so keep your eyes peeled for those as well.
This must be booked in groups of four, five or six as you’ll need to stick to your area. More details and tickets on Skiddle here.
ADVERTISEMENT
Social Circle, Victoria Warehouse, Stretford – Various dates
Brought to you by the people behind Social Avenue, Social Circle is the indoor version of the event: Same cracking little lineups and still socially-distanced for now, just set inside (and away from the Mancunian drizzle). Skream kicks off the new series on 21 May, with a number of events running through June too.
Same rules apply, tickets must be bought in groups of four, five or six and you all have to arrive together and stick to your table. Maximum two households per table.
ADVERTISEMENT
All the info and tickets can also be found on Skiddle here.
Hidden: The Reopening – 21 and 22 June (double header)
The usual antics at Hidden will resume on 21 June with a huge opening party planned, spanning two days and nights. They’ve got a massive list of local names set to play across the two events, including Luke Unabomber, Poison Ivy, Althea and Mystique.
Tickets are split into day and night options, with different entry times for each ticket. Final release night tickets are still available for Part 1 and whilst more are available for Part 2 it’s mainly group tickets, so round up your pals. And with it being on a weekday, you might wanna book the next date off work or risk having some explaining to do.
Another one on 21 June is South’s reopening which they’re aptly calling “A New Beginning”. They’re making the most of the big day as the event starts bang on 00:01 and runs until 06:00. We’re buzzing for the basement’s return.
SQUARE ONE, City Centre – Various dates throughout summer
Announced last week, SQUARE ONE is a brand-new open-air venue opening in June. There’s already a mega opening series of lineups which include Hot Since 82, Denis Sulta and Enzo Siragusa – all in an old car park off the Mancunian Way. Make sure you sign up for early access to new shows that’ll be added to their calendar soon.
Kaluki Summer Soundsystem, Victoria Warehouse Basement – various dates throughout summer
Manchester-based promotors and record label Kaluki is returning to its humble roots and heading back to basement parties for a special series of intimate events. There are some cracking lineups planned, including appearances from Ben Sterling, Archie Hamilton, Chris Stussy, Rich NxT and Alisha.
Tickets for the opening night on 3 July are already sold out and are running low on the rest of the nights too, so get them on Skiddle here quick.
Dr Banana B2B Interplanetary Criminal, Hidden – 9 July
On 9 July, there’s a big night of garage, jungle, grime and bass happening within the graffiti-covered walls of Hidden and we’re so ready for it. Dr Banana and Interplanetary Criminal take the headline spot but Oneman, Jossy Mitsu, Bailey Ibbs and Dr Dubplate will also provide the bassy soundtrack for the evening.
Belgian techno DJ and producer Amelie Lens will play Victoria Warehouse as part of her UK tour. She’s been tearing up the techno scene recently and we can expect more of her signature dark and thumping techno style on 10 July. She’ll be joined on the night by Airod, Blasha and Allatt.
“Techno marching brass band” MEUTE will appear at the O2 Ritz on 8 September as part of their UK tour. Their combination of brass band instruments with hypnotic techno beats creates a unique twist that makes the band unforgettable. It’s like nothing you’ll ever have seen before.
Iconic Manchester band New Order are taking on a mammoth homecoming show at Heaton Park on 10 September. It’ll be their first show in four years in their hometown as well, so not to be missed. They’ll have support from special guests Hot Chip and Working Men’s Club, too.
If you got Parklife tickets this week, congrats. The return to Heaton Park on 11-12 September sold out in record time in Wednesday’s presale without even making it general sale. But after everyone’s year off raving and a lineup like that, it was bound to happen.
Don’t give up just yet though, resale tickets might come available soon on the Ticketmaster website here.
Blossoms, AO Arena – 18 September
After having to reschedule their gig at AO Arena a couple of times now, Blossoms should finally play the Arena on 18 September for the Manchester leg of their forthcoming UK tour. All previous tickets remain valid for the new date, but if you’re without one, find some here including resale tickets. Be quick because these are running very low.
90s Baby Pop, Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Trafford Park – 18 September
For a massive night of 90s nostalgia, 90s Baby Pop is bringing together some of the most iconic pop artists of all time for the biggest throwback gig of the decade. We’re talking the likes of Peter Andre, Gareth Gates, S Club, Cheeky Girls, Blazin Squad, Atomic Kitten and East 17 all live in the flesh. I know.
This one is very close to selling out, with just 1% of tickets left. Grab them on Skiddle here.
ADVERTISEMENT
Further afield
Come April when we’re allowed to leave our local area with our household or support bubble, you might be interested in venturing out to see what our neighbouring cities also have to offer.
Crackle presents A Guy Called Gerald (live), 24 Kitchen Street, Liverpool – 3 July
Over in Liverpool, there’s an equally exciting selection of gigs and events popping up. Particularly this one at 24 Kitchen Street on 3 July. Manchester-born DJ and early member of the legendary 808 State, A Guy Called Gerald, will play a live set at the Baltic Triangle venue.
BassJam return with their iconic filthy drum and bass event on 24 July, with Macky Gee and CruCast members Darkzy and Bru-C. This one’s at Liverpool’s Hangar34 and will be on point with the carnage and signature high energy atmosphere.
Moxy Mu:zik presents Darius Syrossian, Mint Warehouse, Leeds – 26 June
The Moxy Muzik showcase at Mint Warehouse has fallen victim to serial rescheduling. But it’s looking like it could finally happen on 26 June. As it’s an old show, over 50% of tickets have already gone for this. A fresh batch go on sale on Friday 26 March though, if you want one.
Stay up-to-date with Manchester music and announcements via The Manc Audio.
Music
Bad Bunny: What you need to know about the Super Bowl LX headliner before his big halftime show
Thomas Melia
Global superstar Bad Bunny is headlining the Super Bowl LX halftime show, and we’re giving you the rundown about the current reigning reggaeton artist.
Despite being world famous and hugely popular in Latin America as well as other Hispanic countries, not everyone had heard his name before now.
And since there seem to be more places showing the Super Bowl than ever in Manchester this year, we thought we’d give you a little explainer of his story so far and why you should care when he takes one of the world’s biggest stages.
So, if you’ve been wondering, “who is Bad Bunny?” – well, this is who…
Who is Super Bowl halftime show headliner, Bad Bunny?
Born in Puerto Rico, Benito Antonio – now more widely recognised by his artistic moniker Bad Bunny – is a fast-rising Spanish-speaking act who has transported modern-day reggaeton from Latin America to all new heights.
The Puerto Rican powerhouse has only ever visited the UK once, performing at O2 Forum Kentish Town in London seven years ago as part of his first-ever run of global shows entitled ‘La Nueva Religión’ (The New Religion) tour.
Since then, ‘El Benito’ has dropped seven full-length studio albums and nine musical projects overall, which have all helped establish him as a major force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
Bad Bunny is headlining the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show on 8 February / Credit: Press Shot via Apple Music(Supplied) / Unsplash via Naveen Venkatesan
Alongside his musical career, Bad Bunny has seen himself at the forefront of various pop culture moments thanks to his innovative fashion sense and notable charm.
Iconic moments Bad Bunny is known for
With his first album X 100Pre (an abbreviation meaning Forever) dropping back in 2018, Bad Bunny has spent almost eight years in the limelight, so it will come as no surprise that there are plenty of iconic moments you might remember.
Bad Bunny as a drag queen – To coincide with the release of his single ‘Yo Perreo Sola’ (I Twerk Alone), Benito stepped into unchartered territory, debuting three different Drag personas to combat toxic masculinity in the reggaeton music scene.
WWE – Benito is a huge fan of wrestling. He first appeared for a performance at the Royal Rumble in 2021, before returning later that year and teaming up with Damian Priest to take down The Miz and John Morrison.
VMA performance – The Latin multi-hyphenate made headlines in 2022 after kissing a male dancer on-stage. Both fans and media outlets stated the performance harked back to Madonna’s similar showcase two decades prior; you can watch Bad Bunny’s kiss HERE (skip to 2:50).
Met Gala – Well-recognised for its glamorous and glitzy outfits, the Met Gala brings together A-Listers for a showcase of all things fashion. Bad Bunny was styled by fashion house Jacquemus and wore a backless suit with a 26-foot train.
The Super Bowl is a huge accomplishment for all artists; now Bad Bunny joins the headlining roster / Credit: Jorge Rojas via Unsplash (Supplied)
SNL – The LATAM star has appeared on American comedy sketch-show SNL numerous times, both as an artist and as a part-time comedian. In 2023, Bad Bunny and Pedro Pascal became an overprotective aunty and mum duo and had crowds laughing uncontrollably.
Carpool Karaoke – James Corden’s nighttime show segment was welcomed into the reggaeton world courtesy of Bad Bunny. However, it’s his cover of ‘Break Free’ by Ariana Grande where he discusses it’s the first English-spoken song he ever learnt that had people falling in love with him.
Coachella – This desert-based music festival is known for its large-scale productions, and in the early summer of 2023, Bad Bunny became the first Spanish-speaking artist to headline this mega music celebration.
No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí – Translating to ‘I don’t want to leave here’, this was the title of his Puerto Rico residency. As well as creating lifelong memories for fans, this 31-date experience also boosted the economy of his home country.
What songs will Bad Bunny perform at his Super Bowl halftime show?
With 28 songs over one billion streams, Bad Bunny is going to have a tricky time deciphering which of his hits to include in his upcoming Super Bowl halftime show performance.
His most recognisable album is the beach-inspired Un Verano Sin Ti (A Summer Without You), which features six tracks with over one billion streams, so it’s safe to say this LP is guaranteed some love.
The latest addition to El Benito’s discography, DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS (I Should’ve Taken More Photos) might also steal the spotlight due to its focus on exploring traditional Puerto Rican sounds.
And, after reconciling late last year, Bad Bunny might take his friendship with J Balvin to Super Bowl status, performing songs from their collaborative album OASIS as well as their Cardi B link-up ‘I Like It’.
Audio North‘s Bad Bunny Super Bowl setlist prediction:
NUEVAYoL
Tití Me Preguntó/ Me Porto Bonito/ Moscow Mule (Medley)
Dákiti
I Like It (With Cardi B and J Balvin)
La Canción (With J Balvin)
Callaíta (With Tainy)
Un x100to (With Grupo Frontera)
Baile Inolvidable
Super Bowl halftime show performances normally contain around 10 songs, and the setlist is being kept very tight-lipped as per usual; however, it’s always fun to throw out a prediction or two before the event on Sunday, 8 February.
Which special guests will join Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show line-up?
Bad Bunny has worked with a multitude of artists from reggaeton sidekicks to pop supremes like Jennifer Lopez, Dua Lipa and Drake.
Although it’s highly unlikely these big names will all be free at the same time, when it comes to ‘The Bowl’, anything is possible.
The ‘Tití Me Preguntó’ songwriter is heading to the UK for the second time ever in his career, for his Debí Tirar Más FotosWorld Tour, and he’s chosen Tottenham Hotspur as the location for this huge cultural moment.
If you’re wondering where to get tickets, you have two chances to watch this superstar in his element as he’s performing on June 27 and 28; you can grab your tickets for either date HERE and HERE, respectively.
Hopefully, now you’ve discovered more about who this Latin American sensation is, so you’re not left completely clueless when the Seahawks and Patriots take a quick 15-minutebreak mid-game.
Featured Images – Press Shot via Apple Music(Supplied)/Unsplash via Naveen Venkatesan (Supplied)/Jorge Rojas via Unsplash (Supplied)
Music
All the artists performing at the BRIT Awards 2026 in Manchester – so far
Daisy Jackson
The BRIT Awards 2026 are right around the corner, and will be taking place in Manchester for the first time – but who will be performing?
The huge music awards has been drip-feeding us announcements all year so far ahead of the actual BRITs on Saturday 28 February.
With just four names announced to date, it’s already shaping up to be one of the biggest events Manchester has ever seen.
From the world’s biggest pop-stars to a producer who’s worked with the biggest names on the planet, the BRIT Awards have called upon some serious stars who’ll be performing for crowds in Manchester.
Here are all the names who have been announced so far.
Who’s performing at the BRIT Awards 2026?
Harry Styles
Harry Styles will be performing at the BRITs in Manchester. Credit: Johnny Dufort
Harry Styles will finally be performing at the Co-op Live – a venue he’s a major investor in – for the first time this year, thanks to the BRIT Awards.
The megastar will be performing his new single Aperture, which has broken a years-long drought of new music from the former One Direction singer.
And given that his upcoming UK tour dates are exclusively in London, this will be a rare chance to see him on home turf.
Olivia Dean
Olivia Dean has also been announced as a performer for the BRITs. Credit: Jack Davison
The first name to be announced as performing at the BRIT Awards was star-of-the-moment, Olivia Dean.
She’ll be taking to the stage at the Co-op Live as a Grammy Award-winner too, having taken home the Best New Artist trophy last week.
Olivia Dean has also announced an unbelievably intimate show in Manchester too as part of the wider BRITs Week for War Child concert series, performing at the Albert Hall.
Wolf Alice
Wolf Alice are performing at the Brit Awards 2026
Wolf Alice – one of the UK’s most celebrated bands – will be performing at this year’s BRITs, hot off the back of their own headline arena tour which received serious praise across the board.
The group are nominated for three awards this year – Group of the Year, Alternative/Rock Act, and Mastercard Album of the Year for their fourth studio album ‘The Clearing’.
This will be the first time they’ve performed at the Co-op Live, joining the biggest names in the industry for the BRIT Awards 2026.
Mark Ronson
Outstanding Contribution To Music winner Mark Ronson
One of the greatest producers of a generation will be getting a double-whammy at the BRIT Awards 2026 – both a slot to perform, AND the highly coveted Outstanding Contribution To Music award.
Mark Ronson has created some of the world’s biggest hits with other top artists, including Uptown Funk with Bruno Mars, Shallow with Lady Gaga, and Back to Black with Amy Winehouse.
He already has two BRIT Awards and nine Grammys – and now he can add a lifetime achievement to that trophy cabinet.
Mark Ronson said: “This is the most meaningful honour of my career. I think of the times I’ve watched artists I revere accept this same award. The idea that I’m now standing in that lineage feels impossible.
“I left England as a kid, but this country runs through everything I’ve made. The UK artists I’ve worked with—their brilliance and refusal to compromise—shaped not just my work but how I understand what music should do. And more than anything, it’s the crowds here who’ve sustained and showed up for me.
“The fans, the festival crowds, the record buyers and streamers—the love has always been overwhelming. I’m beyond grateful for all of it.”
Hannah Starkie -
25th March 2021 
