A brand-new music festival featuring all British artists from years gone by is coming toAltrinchamthis year and just one glimpse at some of the names has got us feeling all full of nostalgia.
Arriving in the North West and not far from Hale this summer — so more Cheshire than Greater Manchester, in truth — the UK-lead lineup makes up The Brit Fest 2024 which is set to descend upon Ashley Hall and Showground from Friday, 5-7 July.
Along with performances by the likes of The Lottery Winners, Scouting For Girls and a DJ set from The Smiths’ Mike Joyce, the festival headliners and other artists are a real British throwback, with old favourites such as The Feeling, Bonnie Tyler, Toploader, Kim Wilde and many more.
Seriously, we’re not exaggerating; there’s Fleur East, Sonia, Hot Chocolate, T’Pau and plenty of other artists from down the years coming along for the inaugural festival and we are absolutely here for it.
Being set up by Great British Festivals company and sponsored by Altrincham-based solicitors Myerson, there’s plenty of backing behind this debut event and they’re even offering accommodation and glamping packages, as well as space for campers and vehicle spaces for caravans too.
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Popular TV and Radio presentersJenny Powell and Mike Toolan will also be hosting the live acts on the main stage at the event in July and having already been given the seal of approval by industry veteran Chris Moyles, the buzz is slowly starting to build around this celebration of British music.
Moreover, with a lineup spanning across multiple generations, The Brit Fest also promises to be super family-friendly, as well as plenty more in the cards beyond just live music around the festival village.
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For instance, comedian Matt Ford’s Big Band will no doubt provide the perfect crossover and there’ll also be lots of culture, arts, fashion and even classic cars on show — and plenty of food and drink, of course.
Adult day passes start from just £67, with junior tickets priced at just £34 and under fives going absolutely free.
However, if you fancy going along for the full weekend, you get three days of live music and entertainment for just £165 and you can even cop for VIP if you’re feeling all posh.
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If The Brit Fest sounds up your street, you can grab yours HERE and, who knows, maybe you’ll see us there — most likely screaming ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’ at the top of our lungs.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra at the Albert Hall Manchester – groovy, hazy and effortlessly cool
Clementine Hall
Unknown Mortal Orchestra at the Albert Hall proved exactly why they’ve built such a cult following over the past decade.
Formed in 2010 by frontman Ruban Nielson, the band first broke through with their scrappy, lo-fi self-titled debut and since then, they’ve become known for their signature blend of psychedelic rock, funk, and warped pop.
I first saw the band back in 2023 at Glastonbury, and yes sorry I am one of those annoying people that bring it up all the time.
They’re the perfect band to close your eyes, sway your head and tap your foot to – and that’s exactly what the crowd were doing in unison last night at the Albert Hall.
Image: The Manc Group
From the second they stepped on stage, there was no rush – just that signature hazy groove met with enough stage lights to sink a ship.
You could barely see them on stage, but that made it even cooler. And you can only imagine how gorgeous the Albert Hall looked with hundreds of spotlights in different colours whizzing all over it.
Early tracks simmered and pulled us in before the band stretched out into crowd pleasers like ‘Multi-Love’ and ‘Hunnybee’. What an absolute tune by the way.
Image: The Manc Group
There wasn’t much crowd interaction but, again, there didn’t need to be. They let the music do the talking and by treating us to some of the most epic guitar solos we’ve ever heard (no, seriously), we’ll forgive them for not talking to us.
Each song melted into each other as the band oozed effortless charm and talent throughout the almost two hour set, which is no mean feat.
Of course, a sea of phones shot up for ‘So Good at Being in Trouble‘, their most popular track which prompted a harmonious audience singalong. Not very harmonious by me, admittedly.
It was a fantastic ending that left the audience feeling united by the laidback brilliance of Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and I hope they don’t leave it too long to come back this time.
Review | Leon Thomas at Manchester Academy – ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’ but this gig healed me
Thomas Melia
American singer-songwriter Leon Thomas visited Manchester Academy last night, performing hits from his deluxe album to a sold-out crowd of more than 2,600.
One year after an exclusive London MUTT Live date, Mr Thomas returns to the UK with the ‘MUTTS DON’T HEEL’ Tour, venturing to five cities, including the music capital of the North: Manchester.
The night started off just how it should’ve done with ‘HEEL’, as the audience were welcomed by the drum-loop and a chill atmosphere from the start.
Now, it wouldn’t be a Leon Thomas gig without at least one Ty Dolla $ign collaboration making the setlist, and there’s plenty to choose from with a new one dropping just over a month ago, ‘miss u 2’.
Leon Thomas performing hits at Manchester Academy (Credit: Audio North)
The funk-influenced musician opted for ‘FAR FETCHED’, and the audience was in the palm of his hand. No matter which of the four link-ups he chose, it was always going to go down well – Manchester never disappoints.
Leon didn’t even have to ask the crowd to bring more energy; they already matched him. When he sings, “For someone who don’t ask for favours, I’ve done way too many favours”, on ‘PARTY FAVORS’, he really meant it.
Last year, Leon Thomas dropped PHOLKS, a project which saw him exploring old-school funk and soul sounds even further and ‘Just How You Are’ had even the shyest dancer pulling out a little two step.
This isn’t the only hit that sent the crowd into a frenzy; ‘Baccarat’ and its impressive psychedelic guitar solo had jaws literally falling to the floor at Manchester Academy.
His songs might not be dramatic or extravagant, but they don’t need to be. Leon’s artistry prevails when he’s softly singing, and you’re still able to detect each instrument.
Leon Thomas brought the MUTTS DON’T HEEL Tour to Manchester Academy (Credit: The Manc)
‘Breaking Point’ is an easy-listening soul track that had all 2,600 Leon Thomas fans in our feelings as we realised we were coming to the end of a phenomenal concert.
And of course, ‘Mutt’ – his biggest single to date: a bouncy and swag-filled number that sticks in your head for weeks on end – sounded even better when backed by a live band as I discovered last night.
There was some insane musicality, distinct bangers and impeccable live arrangements that elevated the original studio recordings. Maybe ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’, but Leon Thomas definitely healed me.
He wasn’t the only cool cat playing last night either:
Danny Jones -
2nd February 2024 
