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.
Salford Pride’s popular Pink Picnic returns this summer with ‘iconic’ headliners
Emily Sergeant
Boney M, The Cheeky Girls, and Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK stars are all on the lineup at Salford Pride’s popular Pink Picnic this summer.
As this summer marks 15 years of Pride in Salford, Salford Pride has announced a whole host of exciting events to celebrate – including the return of The Pink Picnic, its biggest family-friendly celebration yet, with headliners like 90s and 00s music icons, community talent, and even a ‘bigger and bolder’ Youth Zone for 2026.
Returning to Peel Park once again, The Pink Picnic brings together LGBTQ+ community, allies, families and friends for a day built around community, joy, and belonging.
For 2026, Salford Pride is expanding the experience further with even more to do across the park than ever before.
The Pink Picnic has been part of Salford’s Pride story since 2011, but this year’s 15th anniversary addition is set to be one for the history books, as alongside a headline lineup featuring Boney M, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’s Kyran Thrax and Paige Three, The Cheeky Girls, Big Brovaz, Booty Luv, and Baby D, a strong programme of community acts will also be spotlighted.
Some of the exceptional community acts already named on the lineup so far include Tallulah Guard, Fear of Marko, and John Tucker.
Across the day, visitors can also shop from dozens of community stalls and market traders, take part in or watch the much-loved annual dog show, and visit the ‘bigger and bolder’ Youth Zone that’s designed to help young people feel seen and celebrated.
“Celebrating 15 years of Pride in Salford feels really special, and we wanted 2026 to feel like a proper thank you to the community that’s built this with us” said Scott Turzański, who is the Head of Marketing and Brand at Salford Pride.
“The Pink Picnic is a family event – it’s welcoming, it’s joyful, and it’s about making space for everyone.”
The Pink Picnic returns to Peel Park in Salford next month on Saturday 13 June, and you can find out more and book tickets online here.
Featured Image – Salford Pride (via Facebook)
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Donny Osmond books biggest-ever Manchester gig
Danny Jones
Iconic American singer and actor Donny Osmond has announced his biggest-ever Manchester concert as part of his upcoming ‘VIVA UK’ tour dates.
Bringing his famous Las Vegas residency show to Great Britain, where he has always had a fervent following, the younger Osmond brother will be making a venue debut over six decades into his career.
Famously part of the musical family who not only sang together but also saw multiple TV shows created in their name – including his very own spin-off, Donny and Marie – he’s been around longer than most in showbiz, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.
Confirming a whole new run of live dates across the country, Donny Osmond will be returning to Manchester early next year.
Writing on social media, the veteran entertainer said: “I’m so pleased to finally share the official 2027 UK tour dates with you.
“It always means so much to return to the UK – the audiences there have given me some of the most unforgettable moments of my career.”
As for here in our city, he last played Manchester back just a few short years ago at the AO Arena, selling out the 20,000-seater space on 29 November 2023.
Now, though, he’s upgrading to approximately 23k this time, with die-hard fans being encouraged to download his very own ‘Donny App’ to secure the earliest possible access.
Set to play Co-op Live for the very first time, we’d expect this one to sell equally well; you can see the rest of the shows listed so far down below.
Donny Osmond VIVA UK live tour dates 2027
We’ve highlighted all the Northern dates for you:
Wed, 20 Jan – Glasgow, OVO Hydro
Thurs, 21 Jan – Newcastle, Utilita Arena
Sat, 23 Jan – Liverpool, M&S Bank Arena
Sun, 24 Jan 24 – Manchester, Co-op Live
Tue, 26 Jan 26 – Hull, Connexin Live
Wed, 27 Jan 27 – Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena
Fri, 29 Jan 29 – Leeds, first direct arena
Sat, 30 Jan 30 – Birmingham, BP Pulse Live
Mon, 1 Feb – Cardiff, Utilita Arena
Wed, 3 Feb – Bournemouth BIC
Friday and Saturday, 5-6 February – London, Eventim Apollo
JUST ANNOUNCED: Donny Osmond Sunday 24 January 2027
Bringing the glamour, high-energy & excitement of his Las Vegas show. https://t.co/Y2sSdg01FV @coopuk members get first in line for tickets. Co-op Member Presale: 10:00 Wednesday 20 May General Sale: 10:00 Friday 22 May pic.twitter.com/i4v2ff7suA
Early access tickets for Donny Osmond’s VIVA UK tour will be available both via the app and the venue’s official Co-op membership, with the presale window opening at 10am on Wednesday, 20 May.
Meanwhile, general admission tickets will go live at the same time the following Friday (22 May), with VIP and hospitaity packages also on offer.
Danny Jones -
2nd February 2024 
