The return of Homobloc is on the horizon and some big names have been added to the 2024 lineup, not least of all, LGBTQ+ icon, Christine and the Queens.
Presented by Homoelectric and nestled in amongst the action of The Warehouse Project’s jam-packed annual programming, Homobloc is one of the most highly-anticipated events on the Manc music and cultural calendar – and it’s no wonder.
Since the likes of The Blessed Madonna, Confidence Man, Horse Meat Disco and salute; Honey Dijon, Hot Chip, Self Esteem and many more have all played the cult-favourite club night over the past few years, it’s gaining a real reputation.
With that being said, the pressure is on every year to improve upon or at least match the lineup from the year before and we can confirm the team behind Homobloc has secured another stellar selection of artists for 2024.
Topping the bill, you can’t go wrong with the ever-creative, critically acclaimed and immaculately cool Christine and the Queens will lead the Homobloc proceedings. Make no mistake, it’s a big deal having a name of this size headlining.
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He will be joined by London-born hyperpop icon Shygirl, who presents her latest Club Shy project: Swedish singer and record producer COBRAH, making her Manchester debut alongside the rhythm-shifting sounds of Olof Dreijer of The Knife.
In addition, they will be joined by the likes of Moonchild Sanelly following an amazing performance at this year’s Glastonbury, as well as queer Manchester rapper OneDa, Chinese producer and artist Alice Longyu Gao, not to mention a special collab between Pxssy Palace and US rapper Mykki Blanco.
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Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg: there will be several other DJ sets throughout the venue and beyond, including Job Jobse b2b Saoirse, 2manydjs b2b Confidence Man, Tiga; HorsegiirL, HAAi, Chloé Caillet and Horse Meat Disco, with live sets from I.Jordan, Christeene, LSDXOXO and more.
Spanning the full breadth of Depot Mayfield‘s main stages (Depot, Concourse, Archive) and more such as the beloved Plant Room, the historic Star and Garter Pub and the Loft – a unique rooftop space set to be taken over by Studio 54 icon Nicky Siano – there will be a whole host of genres on display.
And last but not least, completing what will be arguably the most dynamic and boundary-pushing Homobloc yet, the 2024 lineup will also feature curation and performance art by LGBTQ+ collectives Ghetto Fabulous, Make Me Feel, House of Spice, Sue Veneers and many more.
Homobloc’s Creative Director Sophie Bee said of its return this winter: “It’s been a wild ride since the party started in 2019. The festival production has evolved so much and we’ve gone from half of Manchester plus the kitchen sink on stage, to choreographed pieces with global touring artists.
“Our research and development design team based at Islington Mill has been a place for experimentation allowing space for people’s imagination to flourish. It’s an honour to work on a collaborative, loving, fun spectacle, with such innovative producers from mixed art forms.
“This year there are some really beautiful production moments that we can’t wait to share with all our family, friends and community.”
Homobloc 2024 returns to Depot Mayfield on Saturday, 9 November and, in true all-day and all-nighter fashion, is set to run from 2pm-4am, so you best be prepared to party. Pre-sale goes live at 10am this Thursday, 15 August, and general admission tickets at the same time on Friday, 16 August.
Featured Images — Tom Hancock (Tower Hamlets Council via Flickr)/WHP (Supplied)
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Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics is returning to Manchester next year
Clementine Hall
IconicDJ and radio presenter Pete Tong MBE is making his way back to Manchester with a whole host of guests ready to help you dance the night away.
Known for his live radio shows such as the ‘Essential Mix’ on BBC Radio 1, Tong is bringing back his widely successful Ibiza Classics club night to Manchester with an equally impressive roster of guests.
The ‘Ibiza Classics’ concept originated and debuted back in 2015 with Tong and co. taking on Royal Albert Hall as part of BBC Radio 1’s Proms schedule, paying homage to the island’s infectious anthems.
Since then, the English DJ has built a music event bigger than he could have ever imagined, and after a milestone year marking the 10th anniversary of the acclaimed Ibiza Classics show, Pete Tong has announced a brand-new run of UK arena dates for 2026.
Some of Tong’s notable releases include ‘Where’s The Music Gone’ and ‘Apocolypse’, alongside some very respectable dance music artists.
Other tracks to his name include ‘You Got The Love’ and ‘Time’, both collaborations with Jules Buckley, one of the famous faces you’ll get to see on this special Ibiza Classics tour.
The seven-date arena tour kicks off in Glasgow’s before heading to Manchester’s AO Arena on Friday 4 December 2026.
He will also be playing in Leeds, Birmingham, and Nottingham, culminating the tour with two huge nights at The O2 London.
Ibiza Classics Live 2026
Thursday 3 December – Glasgow, OVO Hydro
Friday 4 December – Manchester, AO Arena
Saturday 5 December – Leeds, First Direct Bank Arena
Wednesday 9 December – Birmingham, Utilita Arena
Thursday 10 December – Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena
Friday 11 and Saturday 12 December – London, The O2
He will be joined by long-standing collaborators Jules Buckley and The Essential Orchestra.
This night is expected to be filled with pure dance hits, and based on recent shows, there might even be appearances from even more musical talents and special guests.
Pete Tong, Jules Buckley, and The Essential Orchestra are bringing Ibiza Classics to AO Arena on Friday 4 December 2026.
Tickets go on sale next Monday 15 December, and you can get them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Indiana Jones, live in concert, is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
An all-time Hollywood favourite is being brought to Manchester audiences like never before, as a special showing of the first Indiana Jones film is coming to the city centrein concert.
Steven Spielberg and George Lucas’ action-adventure series is one we all know and love – and if you haven’t seen it before, what are you playing at?
Having said that, the original beloved blockbuster still stands up as the most fondly remembered of the series to this day; put simply, the ‘best’ film in the ‘Indy’ franchise is Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Whether you agree with us or not, you can’t deny that the idea of hearing a live concert version of that iconic Indiana Jones score being played in the flesh by a proper orchestra sounds mega. Case in point:
The legendary John Williams score has been played in some of the most prestigious rooms in the world.
Now, how about hearing those incredible trumpets and French horns over the audio of the film itself, soundtracking each scene as it plays on the big screen in front of you?
Yes, we are nerding out, and so should you be.
After a globe-trotting trek that Indy himself would be proud of, the Disney Concerts production is now gearing up for its UK tour, with just a handful of lucky cities selected for the privilege.
You can see the full list of tour dates down below (we’ve highlighted other Northern shows for you, too):
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark: Live In Concert – UK tour dates | 2026
Sunday 31 May – Manchester Bridgewater Hall Monday 1 June – Glasgow Royal Concert Hall Tuesday 2 June – Edinburgh Usher Hall Wednesday 3 June – Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Thursday 4 June – Birmingham Symphony Hall Friday 5 June – Sheffield City Hall Sunday 7 June – London Eventim Apollo
As you can see, not only will the run of live shows be kicking off on home turf, but they have selected the one and only Bridgewater Hall for the movie concert experience – a more than fitting venue.
Released back in 1981, it’s unbelievable how timeless and instantly recognisable the iconic Indy theme and film score still is to this day.
Disney’s early access window and the presale via the venue both open from 10am this Thursday, 11 December, with general admission going live at the same time the following Friday (12 Dec).
You can get ready to grab your tickets to the Manchester screening and live orchestral performance next May right HERE.
Be it movies, TV or even games, we’re loving how many of these kinds of shows are coming to our city now, from all-time classics like Indiana Jones to cult favourite bits of British kids’ telly…
Danny Jones -
13th August 2024 
