It’s been a mainstay of the Manchester scene for the last two decades, but it looks as though now is finally the end of an era for Dawsons Music & Sound.
After being forced to temporarily close doors due to “staffing shortages” last month, the huge two-storey, glass-fronted Manchester branch of the iconic musical instrument and consumer audio retail chain – which opened on Portland Street in the heart of the city centre in 2003 – can now be seen empty inside.
The Manchester store was described as the go-to place for musical instruments in the city, and a “mecca to 1000s of customers over the last 17 years” – but recent customers reported “little stock”.
And now, all stock appears to have been removed.
All that seems to be left inside the building are discarded storage units and rubbish, with a sign in the window that reads the parting words “thank you for the music”.
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The Manchester store was described as the go-to place for musical instruments in the city, and a “mecca to 1000s of customers over the last 17 years” / Credit: Reddit (SwissJAmes)
Although no formal statement has been issued by Dawsons regarding closure, members of staff on social media have confirmed that the Manchester branch has now closed down for good, and Google also lists the store as ‘permanently closed’.
A recent post on Reddit sharing a picture of the sign in the window queried how long the Manchester shop had been closed for, with a former staff member revealing that they worked there until this past Monday.
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“Can confirm it’s definitely gone, we’re all devastated,” Reddit user redwards1138 said.
They added that is was “really nice to be part of a shop with such history and connection to Manchester” and said they would do their best to answers any questions that people had about the place.
The former staff member also revealed that a closure seemed imminent as “supplies dried up and [we were] turning people away because we couldn’t fulfil orders, and when other [music shops] seemed on the up, we just weren’t.”
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Despite enjoying online / e-commerce growth during lockdowns, the former staff member believes the closure ultimately boiled down to the fact Dawsons Manchester “weren’t as on it as our competitors.”
Credit: The Manc GroupCredit: The Manc Group
Dawsons Music & Sound was founded in Warrington all the way back in 1898 by John Dawson – a piano tuner, who opened the shop to cater for growing demand from people wanting to buy new instruments.
In March 2019, Dawsons announced it would close its Warrington store, ending its 121-year retail presence in the town, as well as its branches in Altrincham and Huddersfield.
On 20 April 2020, the board of Dawsons Music filed a Notice Of Intent to appoint Administrators (NOI), and KPMG was later appointed financial control of the business as it entered administration, but it was announced a month later that a new buyer for the business – Manchester entrepreneurs Andrew M Oliver and his wife Karen Oliver – had been found, and the company would begin trading under the name Dawson Music & Sound Ltd.
The remaining Dawsons Music & Sound branches are expected to continue trading.
Featured Image – Dawsons Music & Sound
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Oasis announce surprise exclusive song on new War Child album HELP(2) releasing this week
Emily Sergeant
Surprise… we’re getting a new Oasis song on Friday.
Well, not actually ‘new’ – but we had to get your attention somehow, and hopefully we succeeded. That’s because, if you didn’t already know, this Friday (6 March) is release day for the new HELP(2)album in aid of War Child, and even before this announcement, it was already gearing up to be one of the most anticipated projects of the year.
But now, it’s got even better, as War Child Records has today announced that Oasis will feature on the album with a very-special inclusion – a stand-alone 7” single.
Fans of the iconic Manchester band will be able to listen to the track enclosed within the gatefold of the vinyl edition and as a hidden track on the double CD version, as well as it also being available to stream from this Friday too.
The band have generously contributed an exclusive live version of the fan favourite song, ‘Acquiesce (Live from Wembley Stadium, 28 September ‘25)’, to the album.
This marks the first physical release of a live recording from Oasis’ record-breaking 2025 world tour, with the recording taken from the final night of their seven-show run at Wembley Stadium.
In case you don’t remember, Oasis actually previously featured on the original HELP album all the way back in 1995, opening the record with ‘Fade Away’, and Noel Gallagher also contributed as one third of The Smokin’ Mojo Filters, alongside Paul McCartney and Paul Weller, so this is actually the band’s return nearly three decades on.
Oasis’ return proves their enduring support for War Child’s mission to ‘protect, educate, and stand up for’ the rights of children affected by conflict.
HELP(2) is being released on Friday 6 March / Credit: Supplied
‘Acquiesce – Live’ follows other recent releases taken from the HELP(2) record, including ‘Begging For Change’ by Pulp, ‘Opening Night’ by Arctic Monkeys, ‘Flags’ by Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten & Kae Tempest, and ‘Let’s Do It Again!’ by The Last Dinner Party.
Other big-name artist set to feature on the album are Fontaines D.C, Olivia Rodrigo, Depeche Mode, Foals, Wet Leg, Ezra Collective, and countless more.
HELP(2) will be released on Friday 6 March via War Child Records, and you can pre-order the album here or stream it on all streaming services.
Featured Image – Joshua Halling (Supplied)
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Søstrene Grene announces official opening date for new Manchester Arndale store
Emily Sergeant
Søstrene Grene has now confirmed the official opening date for its brand-new store inside Manchester Arndale.
In case you missed it, the beloved Scandinavian lifestyle and home decor retailer announced back in September that Manchester Arndale was the latest location to get the ‘Grene’ light for a new 4,952 sq ft store – with the shopping centre saying it was ‘delighted’ by the addition.
Known for its contemporary – yet surprisingly affordable – home decor, furniture, and stylish lifestyle products, stepping foot inside a Søstrene Grene is store is arguably unlike any other experience on the high street, thanks to its unique layout and winding aisles making it feel like you’re discovering something new around every corner.
The retailer offers a wide assortment of homeware, kitchen items, craft supplies, soft furnishings, toys, gift ideas, seasonal décor, and everything in between.
Søstrene Grene has just announced the official opening date for its new Manchester Arndale store / Credit: Supplied
The new Søstrene Grene store follows a recent flurry of other openings and announcements at Manchester Arndale, including Sephora, Alo Yoga, PureSeoul, Represent, and more, and also comes after the lifestyle brand announced that it would be opening a new store in Stockport.
And now, it’s been confirmed that the Arndale store will officially open its doors later this month on Thursday 26 March.
“Manchester has always had a special atmosphere and opening a second store here is a reflection of the city’s creativity and enthusiasm for design,” commented Mikkel Grene, who is the Group CEO and co-owner of Søstrene Grene, as the opening date was announced.
“Each new store allows us to bring more of our Scandinavian-inspired vision to communities across the UK, offering spaces that are calm, thoughtful and full of inspiration.
“This launch is another exciting step in our UK journey and we’re proud to continue sharing what makes Søstrene Grene unique.”
Emily Sergeant -
3rd September 2021 
