Blossoms have just announced they will be returning to play a hometown show in Stockport at none other than The Plaza–and playing Gary in full, might we add.Oh yes.
The local lads are flying higher than ever right now; with the Wythenshawe Park gig going down in history – and not just because of that Oasis teaser – a brand new record already nailed on for number one, an instant sell-out Manchester residency on the horizon and now this, it’s all coming up Blossoms.
Promising to play their fifth studio album in full (and presumably from start to finish), plus a selection of the hits, this is going to be a very special night for the flourishing Greater Manchester town.
Now truly the toast of SK if they weren’t already, this will be the third time they’ve played the stunning Plaza theatre and cinema space, having first headlined it in 2020 alongside their Back to Stockport documentary screening, and then two years later for the Ribbon Around the Bomb album cycle.
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So this isn’t exactly new territory for them and since they’ve already sold out other home venues like Edgeley Park and countless gig venues across the country, not to mention headlining multiple festivals over the past couple of years, this should be a walk in the park.
Well, maybe more like a strut given how Gary sounds and the current flared pants look.
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Having just announced five Manchester shows that sold out in literally the blink of an eye, it goes without saying that with a capacity of just over 1,300, this particular Blossoms gig will be snapped up faster than you can say ‘Why is there a big gorilla on the stage?’
Speaking of capacity, this gig will be a little different and more reserved than others, just so you know.
All tickets are strictly unreserved seating and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult, so if you’ve ever been wanting to see them not just on home turf in Stockport but in a less rowdy setting, now is your chance.
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The show is taking place on Sunday, 3 November, shortly before their mini-Manc residency kicks off and tickets are going on sale today at 5pm via popular music shop and friends of the band, Crash Records – a particular favourite of our friends over at The Hoot. A lovely way to support a local business too.
There’s a limit of four tickets per person but you can get ready to grab yours HERE and best of luck!
I mean, just look at how beautiful that room is.
Even that back curtain just screams Gary, doesn’t it?Blossoms Gary album show at The Plaza, Stockport goes on sale today at 5pm. (Credit: Dunk/Jeff Carr via Flickr)
Indie icons The Kooks have announced a huge Manchester gig on UK arena tour
Daisy Jackson
The Kooks have announced a huge UK arena tour, which will see the indie icons performing here in Manchester this autumn.
The new tour, which features their biggest-ever headline show, has been announced in support of their upcoming seventh studio album, Never/Know.
And The Kooks will be supported by a big North West name for their tour – Breakthrough Act of the Year, The K’s.
The Kooks are icons of the British indie music scene, releasing their breakthrough album Inside In / Inside Out almost two decades ago, spawning huge hits like Naïve, You Don’t Love Me and She Moves In Her Own Way.
The group’s newly-announced major UK tour features a stop in their hometown of Brighton.
The Kooks will be performing at The Co-op Live in Manchester, as well as venues in Cardiff, Newcastle, Birmingham and London, this autumn on the Never/Know tour.
The Kooks will play Manchester on their new UK tour. Credit: Maria VillanuevaThe Kooks will play Manchester on their new UK tour. Credit: Jordan Munns
Their album of the same name is slated for release on 9 May, which has already featured springtime anthem Sunny Baby.
Speaking about the single, frontman Luke Pritchard said, “We’re told how bad everything is at the moment; everything’s sh*t; the world’s sh*t.
“And I was like, I’m just going to refuse to not let these be the best years of life, because I’ve got a young family. It’s about me getting to a balanced life; having a family. It’s a love song about someone making me fall back in love with myself.”
The Kooks will play at Co-op Live in Manchester on Friday 3 October, with general release tickets on sale at 10am on Friday 25 April HERE.
The Kooks 2025 UK tour dates
Friday 3 October – Co-op Live – Manchester
Saturday 4 October – Cardiff Utilita Arena – Cardiff
Sunday 5 October – Brighton Centre – Brighton
Thursday 9 October – Newcastle Utilita Arena – Newcastle
Featured image: Party in the Paddock and Renae Saxby
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Manc music legend Peter Hook is running his fourteenth Great Manchester Run for charity
Emily Sergeant
Manchester music icon Peter Hook is taking on an incredible endurance challenge for charity next month.
The Great Manchester Run is coming up next month on Sunday 18 May, with thousands of runners taking up the 10K or Half Marathon challenges either for their own personal achievements, or in the name of a number of worthy causes.
First staged in 2003 as a legacy event following the Manchester-hosted Commonwealth Games in 2002, the 10K has grown to be one of the largest in Europe, and in recent years, it has evolved to include a popular half marathon too.
35,000 runners are taking on the challenge this year, with 100,000 supporters set to line the streets… and one of those runners is none other than the legend himself, Peter Hook.
Incredibly, this is the fourteenth time the former bassist and co-founder of two of Manchester’s biggest bands, Joy Division and New Order, has taken part in the Great Manchester Run.
And it’s also the fourteenth time he’s raising money for The Christie Charity in the process.
Manc music legend Peter Hook is running his fourteenth Great Manchester Run for charity next month / Credit: Wikipedia Commons | Great Run Company
Hooky, as he’s affectionately known by friends and fans, took on his first run in 2006 and has continued over the years raising money for The Christie Charity – which supports the work of The Christie hospital in Manchester.
Peter’s relationship with The Christie and its charity started when he lived in Withington for many years and saw patients going into the hospital for treatment, and sadly things became very personal when two good friends, as well as family members were treated there – his former manager Tony Wilson, musician Dave Dee, and his aunt and father-in-law.
“I love running as it clears my head, and I can’t think of a better cause to run in support of,” Peter Hook explained ahead of the Great Manchester Run next month.
“The feeling of hope and solidarity on the day is fantastic and the sense of achievement when you finish is second to none, so I’m extremely proud to be representing The Christie Charity and supporting the wonderful work it does.”
Josh Hughff, who is the mass participation events officer at The Christie Charity, added: “Hooky is one of our longest standing event participants and we’re delighted he has chosen to support us again this year.
“He knows better than most just how important the work of The Christie is and how crucial charity fundraising is, as it allows us to fund life-changing and life-saving projects that will benefit cancer patients both now and in the future.”
Danny Jones -
25th September 2024 
