A well-known Emmerdale actor is set to kick off a series of special guest DJ slots at a much-loved Manchester pub.
In case you haven’t sussed it already, we’ll give you another hint: he’s one of the Dingles.
The Dingle Family are household famous here in Britain, whether you watch the soaps or not, and it goes without saying that when you say that name, there is always one that pops into your head first.
Now, if you’re pretending that it’s anyone other than Cain Dingle, you’re just lying; but more importantly, you can go see the man in the flesh as he performs the first of what is set to be one of several celebrity DJ sets at the popular Manc boozer.
Real name Jeff Hordley, the 55-year-old will be hitting the decks not for the first time, having previously presented a radio show at The Revolution 96.2 in his hometown, along with former colleagues Mike Joyce (The Smiths), DJ veteran and Inspiral Carpets star Clint Boon, as well as a late, great music icon.
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The Oldham-born actor also worked alongside the one and only Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield of The Stone Roses, who sadly died on Thursday, 20 November.
Passing away at just 63, the ever-adored bassist was one of the most talented musicians in one of the most influential bands to ever come out of our city, with countless people continuing to pay their respects this week.
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As for Cain Dingle, a.k.a. Hordley, he’ll be paying tribute in the best way possible – through his shared love of music, moonlighting as the MC for the night at The Garden Bar over in Chorlton, once the suburban Font site.
This night will mark the start of the venue’s guest DJ series, which will feature well-known faces alongside talented local artists as part of their mission to champion grassroots music and comedy.
Recently taken over and now proudly family-run, The Garden Bar’s new owners are passionate about making it a hub for the Chorlton community, with regular events and themed nights already planned months in advance.
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As for Hordley, he’s no stranger to delivering the tunes, nor doing so here in Greater Manchester, having frequently performed at the legendary Rock n Roll Bar in Manchester city centre (which went on to become South), long before his acting career took off.
He also drew big crowds to busy Chorlton club nights over the years, including Bop Local, Electrik’s one-deck sessions, as well as Fusion, cementing his reputation as a familiar face and entertainer.
Commenting on the booking, the nearby native wrote: “DJing has always been important to me. It’s something I did long before acting took over, and it’s still one of my favourite ways to connect with people through music.
“I’m really looking forward to being back behind the decks in Chorlton. I’ve got a real soft spot for the area, and it’s always had such a brilliant energy.
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“I’ll be playing some of the tunes I’ve loved for years: a mix of indie, northern soul, a bit of funk… and a few surprises I’ve picked up along the way! I’ll be dedicating the night to Mani – he was such a legend and a lovely soul.”
The Emmerdale star will perform a completely free-entry DJ night at The Garden Bar from 8:30pm until late on Friday, 28 November. Guess we’ll see you there.
Featured Images — Sophie Powles (supplied)/The Garden Bar (via Facebook)/ITV
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Olivia Dean to play intimate Manchester gig as part of BRITs Week 26 for War Child
Clementine Hall
Morehuge names have been added to the line-up of intimate charity shows ahead of the BRIT Awards coming to Manchester.
BRITs Week 26 for War Child will see major artists playing their most intimate shows, taking over grassroots venues across the UK.
These exclusive shows are in aid of War Child, to help fund aid, education, and specialist mental health support for the rights of children whose lives have been affected by war.
Already announced are Fatboy Slim, Myles Smith, and Josh Baker who will be performing at intimate venues in cities such as Manchester, Nottingham, and Newcastle.
And now, another wave of acts have been announced for BRITs Week 26 including the lady of the moment, Olivia Dean, who will be performing at the Albert Hall.
Image: The Manc Group
Also joining the gig series is Spiritualized who will be taking to the stage in London, and The K’s who will be performing at our very own Gorilla.
The gig series, delivered by DHL, will be the biggest yet and offers fans a chance to see one-off performances from some of the most exciting names in music in smaller, iconic venues, with all proceeds going towards War Child’s vital work.
BRITs Week will take place around The BRIT Awards 2026 with Mastercard, taking place on Saturday 28 February at the Co-op Live – the first time in the awards’ 50-year-history that it’s left the capital city behind.
The very special opening night show on 12 February will see Grammy Award-winning Fatboy Slim performing at the Boiler Shop in Newcastle.
And up here in Manchester, War Child has teamed up with The Warehouse Project to put on two nights at YES – one with Mixmag’s Year Defining DJ Josh Baker, and the other with DJ Mag’s One to Watch Rossi.
The full lineup for BRITs Week 26 for War Child is below
12th February – Fatboy Slim – Boiler Shop, Newcastle, supported by Max Jones
16th February – Lambrini Girls – The Garage, London, supported by Bimini
18th February – Spiritualized – EartH Theatre, London
20th February – The K’s – Gorilla, Manchester
24th February – Myles Smith – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham, supported by Saint Raymond
25th February – Jack Savoretti and Katherine Jenkins OBE – Emerald Theatre, London, supported by Gabriella Cilmi
25th February – kwn – Patterns, Brighton, supported by CARI
25th February – Josh Baker – YES, Manchester, supported by Deliah and Alexandria
26th February – Rossi. – YES, Manchester, supported by Olive F
26th February – Olivia Dean – Albert Hall, Manchester
27th February – Jacob Alon – Music Hall at Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh
Clare Sanders-Wright, Head of Live Music at War Child, said,“This year’s BRITs Week shows are off to yet another brilliant start and we’re thrilled to add these new names, including three more headliners in Olivia Dean, Spiritualized, and The K’s to our lineup as well as some really exciting support acts for the gigs.
“BRITs Week for War Child wouldn’t be possible without the incredible generosity of the artists, their teams, and our partners, including DHL and we couldn’t be more grateful. 20% of the world’s children are living through conflict right now, and the money raised from these unforgettable shows will help War Child continue our vital work to protect, educate and stand up for as many of these children as possible. Because no child should be a part of war. Ever.”
Fans can sign up to the War Child pre-sale HERE, which closes at 3pm Wednesday 28 January. Pre-sale begins 10am on Thursday 15 January.
General on-sale begins at 10am on Friday 30th January HERE.
There are also £10 prize draws to win tickets to all shows open HERE.
Ne-Yo and Akon announce huge joint arena show in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Two R&B greats are heading out on a joint headline tour for the first time, as Ne-Yo and Akon announced the Nights Like This global tour.
Both artists are Grammy Award winners, and each has a formidable back catalogue of chart-topping hits.
For Ne-Yo, that includes songs like Miss Independent, So Sick, and Closer; while for Akon, he’s responsible for huge tracks like Smack That, Lonelty, and Right Now (Na Na Na).
Between them, they’ve shaped and defined radio, nightlife, and pop culture for decades.
This newly-announced tour will see the pair performing on the same stage – for Manchester, that’s the Co-op Live arena – for a co-headline Nights Like This tour.
They’ll perform in a unique back-and-forth set throughout the show, visiting venues right across the UK and Europe, as well as heading across to the USA and Canada.
The nostalgic gigs will feature everything from slow jams to club anthems, with a party atmosphere throughout.
Ne-Yo and Akon will perform at the Co-op Live in Manchester on Friday 1 May 2026, with tickets on sale from Friday 30 January at 10am.
There will be an artist pre-sale on Wednesday 28 January at 10am.
Nights Like This EU/UK 2026 tour dates
Fri 24 Apr – Dublin, IE – 3Arena
Mon 27 Apr – Newcastle, UK – Utilita Arena Newcastle
Tue 28 Apr – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro
Thu 30 Apr – Leeds, UK – First Direct Bank Arena
Fri 1 May – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live
Mon 4 May – Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena Birmingham
Danny Jones -
24th November 2025 
