Disney’s smash-hit ‘The Sound of Magic’ live concert is heading out on its first-ever tour of the UK this summer.
And, of course, it’ll be stopping off in our city to enchant Manchester audiences.
Following on from its hugely-successful UK debut at the London Coliseum last year, where it garnered countless five-star reviews, and both acclaim and praise from critics and fans, Disney In Concert: The Sound of Magic is hitting the road in a few months time, and will be taking to the stage at several major cities all across the country – including here in Manchester.
If you’re unfamiliar with what the beloved show is all about, Disney In Concert: The Sound of Magic is a musical celebration of over 100 years of the Disney experience.
The symphonic celebration will see the renowned Novello Orchestra bring to life the soundtracks and characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios in the concert hall and on the big screen in a live-to-film concert “like never before”.
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Disney’s ‘The Sound of Magic’ concert is coming to Manchester on its first-ever UK tour / Credit: Disney
Suitable for all ages to attend and experience the magic, the show will be making its way across the UK this June and will be stopping off at cities such as London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Nottingham, and Bath, as well as fellow North West city Liverpool along the way.
But what better way to kick things off than here in Manchester?
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Disney In Concert: The Sound of Magic 2024 Tour Dates
Tuesday 4 June – Manchester (Bridgewater Hall)
Wednesday 5 June – Bath
Thursday 6 June – Nottingham
Saturday 8 June – Edinburgh
Sunday 9 June – Glasgow
Monday 10 June – Liverpool
Tuesday 11 June – Birmingham
Thursday 13 June – London
Starting out its first-ever UK tour in our city, Disney In Concert: The Sound of Magic will be live at the iconic Bridgewater Hall in Manchester city centre on Tuesday 4 June 2024 – with the show starting at 7pm, and running for 100-minutes with a 20-minute interval.
The concert will be live on stage at Manchester’s iconic Bridgewater Hall this summer / Credit: Bridgewater Hall
This newly-imagined concert is said to take audiences “on a magic carpet ride through the most memorable song, score, and movie moments” of the Walt Disney Company’s extensive back catalogue – including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Moana, Alice in Wonderland, and more.
Aladdin, The Jungle Book, Frozen, The Lion King, Fantasia, Encanto, Beauty and the Beast, are just some of the cult-classics being celebrated.
Tickets are now on sale, with prices starting at £47.50, but they’re already selling fast and availability is limited, so you’ll need to be quick if you want to secure the last few.
New CGIs released of Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel in Wigan town centre
Emily Sergeant
Some new CGIs have given us a sneak peak inside Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel soon to open in Wigan town centre.
In case this is the first you’re hearing of the development, Wigan Council announced back in March 2024 in collaboration with its development partner Cityheart that it had signed a franchise agreement with world-renowned hotel brand, Hilton, for a stunning six-storey Hampton by Hilton hotel pop up right in the heart of Wigan town centre, just off Market Street.
The new venture forms part of the Greater Manchester town’s £135 million redevelopment of the former Galleries Shopping Centre – which was approved in July 2023.
The hotel will be located directly-opposite the bus station entrance of New Market Street, and is within 500 yards of both town centre train stations.
It’s being called ‘one of the most important elements’ of the Galleries masterplan.
New CGIs have been released of Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel in Wigan town centre / Credit: Supplied
As well as the 144 bedrooms – with ‘accessible’ rooms to be built on each accommodation level – the new hotel will also house a gym overlooking the new square, a main reception area and dining space on the ground floor, meeting and conference rooms, and secure parking will be available for guests.
Dozens of staff are expected to be employed at the new hotel – which the Council says will provide a range of job opportunities for local residents.
Once complete, the hotel will form part of the exciting new town centre neighbourhood providing a new Market Hall and food court, more than 400 homes, bars, restaurants, and leisure uses, all designed to celebrate Wigan’s proud heritage and unique identity.
The new venture forms part of the Greater Manchester town’s £135 million redevelopment / Credit: Supplied
“It’s great to see the progress of this exciting Hampton by Hilton development, which not only plays a role in Wigan’s regeneration, but continues to strengthen our footprint in the North West,” commented Paul Blackmore, who is the Vice President of Development at Hilton UK & Ireland, as the CGIs were released this week.
“The ambition shown by Wigan Council and Cityheart to create a dynamic new hub for retail, leisure, business and living truly resonated with us, and we look forward to welcoming guests when the hotel opens in late 2027.”
Construction work will start on site in October 2025, with an expected opening of the new hotel in winter 2027.
Featured Image – Supplied
What's On
Trafford Centre reveals Halloween events lineup with ‘nerve-shredding’ rides, creepy crafts, and more
Emily Sergeant
Spooky season is nearly upon us, and the Trafford Centre has now announced its lineup of Halloween activities to get stuck into.
With not long to go until schools across Greater Manchester break up for half term, and with Halloween within touching distance, the major shopping centre has revealed an exciting collection of events that’ll be happening over the next couple of weeks – and there’s activities for people of all ages.
From creepy crafts, to hair-raising rides and eerie evening entertainment, there’s something for every brave soul.
Back by popular demand from 25 October is the Halloween Fair, which will pop up outside The Great Hall featuring nerve-shredding rides, a spine-tingling atmosphere, carnival vibes, and loads more, right through until 2 November.
Brand new for 2025 is Fright Night at the fair, which is a truly immersive scare experience for daring teens and adults.
The Trafford Centre has revealed its Halloween events lineup for 2025 / Credit: Supplied
Fright Night will bring three evenings of pure horror from 30 October – 1 November, as creepy characters roam the fairground once the sun’s gone down.
For families wanting half term fun but looking for a gentler kind of magic, there’s a chance to join characters Wanda Web and Jack O’Lantern for some creepy crafts like relaxing pumpkin decorating, eerie face painting, and making your own witches and wizards hats to take home.
The legendary Big Wheel will also be returning for the festive season so you can ascend into the misty night sky high above the Trafford Centre for eerie nighttime views.
And to top it all off, Gandeys will be bringing back the fan-favourite ‘Spooktacular’ for 2025.
There’ll be ‘nerve-shredding’ rides, creepy crafts, and loads more to get involved with / Credit: Trafford Centre
“Halloween is one of the most exciting times of year for us at Trafford Centre, and this year’s lineup is bigger and better than ever,” commented Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at Trafford Centre.
“From spine-chilling rides and late-night scares to pumpkin painting for the little ones, we’ve created an experience that everyone can enjoy. We can’t wait to welcome families, friends and thrill-seekers alike for a Halloween celebration like no other.”
Emily Sergeant -
22nd February 2024 
