One of the most iconic steam trains of all time will be travelling through the Greater Manchester countryside this summer.
East Lancashire Railway (ELR) says it’s ‘delighted’ to announce the return of the magnificent LNER Class A3 60103 Flying Scotsman – which is also, affectionately, known as ‘The People’s Engine’ – to its historic train line next summer in June, courtesy of both the National Railway Museum and Northern Steam.
The record-breaking engine is making a long-anticipated return to the line, bringing with it the unmistakable sights, sounds, and nostalgia of the ‘Golden Age’ of steam travel.
This is a rare opportunity to see the engine up close and to feel the power and presence of one of Britain’s most iconic locomotives.
The legendary steam engine will be giving passengers the chance to hop onboard for the ride on various dates throughout June (5, 6, 7, 13 and 14 June), so enthusiasts can make the most of this unforgettable opportunity to travel on this world-famous train.
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For those who prefer a closer look, the Flying Scotsman will be on static display on selected dates throughout June too.
Luxury dining experiences aboard one of ELR’s beautifully restored heritage carriages will also be available to book on the days the Flying Scotsman is here in Greater Manchester.
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Unfamiliar with the Flying Scotsman? The train first entered service in 1923, and since then has become a British icon, representing the very best of steam-era innovation. It was the first steam locomotive officially recorded at 100 miles per hour, and over a century later, it continues to attract attention all over the world.
The train’s journey has not always been an easy one though, from budget cuts to multiple ownerships and painstaking restorations – yet through it all, Flying Scotsman has remained a beloved part of the UK’s cultural heritage.
Flying Scotsman’s visits to Greater Manchester drawn record crowds in previous years, and 2026 is set to be no exception.
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“We are delighted and proud to once again warmly welcome back the world’s most iconic locomotive, Flying Scotsman, as it returns to the East Lancashire Railway for a five-day visit in June,” commented Mike Kelly, who is the Chairman of the ELR.
“We have an exciting programme of events planned for all our visitors and enthusiasts to enjoy the unique experience of riding behind Flying Scotsman or visiting the footplate and creating wonderful memories.”
Find out more and book tickets to see the Flying Scotsman next summer here.
Featured Image – ELR (via Supplied)
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MediaCity’s massive Vue cinema has had a comfort upgrade with new ‘Ultra Lux’ seats
Emily Sergeant
Manchester cinephiles are now able to enjoy the latest movie releases in ultimate comfort.
That’s because, over at the popular MediaCity Vue cinema complex, 75 brand-new ‘Ultra Lux’ seats have been installed across seven screens, offering film fans what is, quite literally, the chance to sit in the best seats in the house.
Each seat provides the very-best view of the big screen and comes with a host of premium features.
Some of these exciting premium features include extra-wide armrests and a personal table for snacks and drinks, your very-own beverage cooler, which is ideal for films with a particularly long run-time, and even a back and legs that recline independently, so you can find the most relaxing viewing position possible.
Vue currently has 93 state-of-the-art cinemas throughout the UK and Ireland, totalling more than 850 screens – and the Quayside cinema is the latest to benefit from upgraded seating.
Ultra Lux seats have arrived at Vue Quayside Manchester / Credit: Vue Gallery / Supplied
This means that anyone heading to the cinema to see some of the latest and upcoming releases like Avatar: Fire and Ash, Marty Supreme, The Housemaid, Fackham Hall, Wicked: For Good, and so many more, can experience comfort like never before.
“We have invested in bringing Vue’s best seating option to our venue and are excited for our customers to enhance their experience on their next visit,” commented Darren Tinsley, who is the General Manager at Vue Manchester Quayside.
“It is truly the best way to immerse yourself in a film and to have the most comfortable experience.”
Tickets for Vue Manchester Quayside start from £6.49, with upgrades to Ultra Lux from £3 on selected tickets.
January is a month where the temperatures are colder, the days darker, and the social batteries a little lower, so it couldn’t be a better time to lose yourself in the power of cinema – and treat yourself to an Ultra Lux experience.
You can book tickets to upcoming films online by visiting myvue.com.
Featured Image – Supplied
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10 of the biggest and best gigs coming to Manchester | 2026
Thomas Melia
Manchester has some fantastic live music lined up for next year, and we’ve rounded up 10 of the biggest live gigs and concerts coming in 2026.
This city is synonymous with having some of the best gigs around, so it will come as no surprise that 2026 is shaping up to be another jam-packed year of live music and unforgettable performances.
Whether your dream gig has to contain some jazz scatting, acoustic guitars or heavy EDM hits, this list has got most music bases covered.
So allow us to present to you 10 of the biggest live gigs and some of the concerts we’re most excited for in the New Year at Audio North, with acts and artists across a variety of genres.
10 of the biggest Manchester gigs in 2026
Mariah the Scientist – Manchester Academy (Wed 14 January)
When Mariah the Scientist last visited the musical capital of the North in 2024, she opted for Gorilla; this time, the US R&B singer-songwriter has chosen Manchester Academy.
She’s added another LP to her discography since, titled Hearts Sold Separately, it features the standout track ‘Burning Blue’, which has become her most successful single to date.
Ms Scientist is playing this venue’s biggest stage, playing out to over 2,000 fans will be ready to sing along to all her impressive hits, like ‘Is It a Crime’: her collaboration with Kali Uchis, and many others that have made her one of our artists to watch in 2026.
Off the back of their Co-op Live gig earlier in December, English folk-rockers Mumford & Sons are the gift that keeps on giving as they’re heading back to the city in February for a more intimate show.
Playing at Albert Hall in Manchester city centre, these London lads will be celebrating the release of their newest musical addition, Prizefighter, popping up in smaller venues across the UK for a one-of-a-kind album launch gig.
The celebrations don’t stop there as the trio will soon surpass a huge milestone with their hit ‘Little Lion Man’ close to one billion streams, a feat most artists dream of achieving – Tickets HERE.
Raye – Co-op Live (Tues 17 and Wed 18 February)
One of our leading vocalists, Raye, is stopping off at Co-op Live twice / Credit: Press shot (supplied)
Tooting talent Rachel Keen, widely recognised by her artist moniker Raye, is taking over Co-op Live for two nights of magical music, but as the title of the shows preface, This Tour May Contain New Music.
Her songs are addictive and distinctive, like the EDM/rap-fusion of ‘Escapism.’, or the big band-inspired ‘Where Is My Husband?’ – this South London star knows how to craft a pop hit.
Her career started in the Dance/EDM genre, where she contributed vocals and writing skills to a number of records. In previous shows, she usually merges these songs into a stripped-back showcase.
Unfortunately, general on-sale tickets have sold out, but you can still try and find premium seats for both dates HERE.
Lily Allen – AO Arena + Aviva Studios (10 and 11 March + 19 and 20 June)
This storytelling vocalist is returning to 0161 as part of the biggest headline tour of her career and getting ready to sing her latest tracks like ‘Tennis’, ‘Ruminating’ and more.
Allen is getting ready to turn both Aviva Studios and AO Arena into her pop-up ‘P*ssy Palace’ for four nights of ‘Lily Allen Performs West End Girl‘.
The London star announced her arena tour after selling out a string of theatre dates one week prior. We expect these extra dates to be just as exceptional; the only thing we don’t know is “Who’s Madeline?”
Both Aviva Studios dates are sold out, but don’t start ‘Ruminating’ just yet, as there’s plenty for her AO Arena shows HERE.
Basement Jaxx – Aviva Studios (Sat 28 March)
EDM icons Basement Jaxx are also coming to Aviva in 2026 / Credit: Jean-Luc Brouard (via Press Shot)
Felix and Simon – more commonly recognised as electronic act Basement Jaxx – are heading to Aviva Studios, and they’re bringing banger after banger.
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Whether you’re ready to groove to ‘Romeo’, dance the night away to ‘Red Alert’ or lose control when ‘Do Your Thing’ blasts out the speakers, this night will be stacked with some huge tunes.
This EDM duo know how to command a crowd, so don’t wait for your friends to ask you, ‘Where’s Your Head At’ – get those tickets booked HERE.
The Scottish star is touring up and down the country, including Wigan, Preston and Blackpool, just to name a few, and has kindly decided to bless Manchester with her bouncy and upbeat tracks.
Get ready to be ‘Dancing At The Edge Of The World’ when soul singer-songwriter Brooke Combe plays out her cathartic tunes at this packed-out Manchester gig hotspot HERE.
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Lusaint – Band on the Wall (Tue 14 April)
Local artist Lusaint is coming to Band on the Wall / Credit: The Manc Group
This time, Stretford soul singer Lusaint has chosen to bless Northern Quarter institution Band on the Wall with her next hometown performance.
She’s been slowly adding to her music catalogue since her last Manchester gig, and with the newly-released single ‘Blind’ as well as her latest EP, Apothecary Pt.1, Lusaint is ready to wow crowds with her incredible vocals – Tickets HERE.
Olivia Dean – Co-op Live (Sat 25 and Sun 26 April)
Superstar Olivia Dean is ready for Manchester – are you? / Credit: Jack Davison (via supplied)
2025 was Olivia Dean’s year; four singles charting in the UK Top 10 simultaneously and a number one album in the form of The Art of Loving, she’s unstoppable.
Playing two nights at Co-op Live in Manchester and a SIX-night residency (yep) at The O2 in London, Dean has captured audiences across the country with hits like ‘Nice To Each Other’ and ‘Man I Need’.
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Her success is no surprise, being a Brit School graduate and her middle name inspired by R&B royalty Lauryn Hill, now she’s playing out to a combined 47,000 over two nights.
As you can expect, tickets for this one were snapped up pretty quickly, but there are a number of premium tickets for both dates HERE.
If you missed out on your chance to catch Neo-soul hitmaker Olivia Dean, why not check out this class local act at O2 Ritz Manchester instead?
Titled after one of Manchester’s busiest motorways, M60, this indie rock band aren’t just one of our favourite artists right now, they’re Gary Neville’s too.
Their biggest song, ‘I Don’t Mind,’ has amassed over five million streams, and ‘Honey’ is not far off with over one million streams. Give them a listen and catch them live HERE.
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Doja Cat – Co-op Live (23 May)
Multi-talented musician Doja Cat knows how to put on a performance, and she’ll be doing just that when she arrives in Manchester with her ‘Tour Ma Vie‘.
Her music pays homage to her pop predecessors like ‘Jealous Type’, an ode to the aesthetics and sounds of 80s music, or her smash hit ‘Say So’, which is heavily inspired by 70s funk and disco.
This indoor Co-op Live date will be a lot drier than her last visit to Manchester took place at Parklife Festival, where the star found herself performing during one of this city’s infamous downpours.
‘Get Into It’ with Doja Cat as there’s an array of tickets available HERE.
The Weeknd – Etihad Stadium (11 June)
The Weeknd is returning to the Etihad / Credit: Sebastian Nagy (supplied)
Initially, The Weeknd had Manc fans contemplating the four-hour journey down to the Big Smoke with his tour dates originally listed for Wembley Stadium in London.
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Since the first announcement, the Canadian R&B record-holder surprised Northern fans with a large-scale gig right here in Manchester city centre at the Etihad Stadium next June.
This latest live appearance is labelled as ‘The Weeknd: After Hours Til Dawn Tour’, but it now incorporates his most recent album Hurry Up Tomorrow and features support from Rap act and collaborator Playboi Carti, and you can still get your hands on tickets HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
29th December 2025 
