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Breakout Manchester escape room giving away a free game for five people
Sam Ridgway -
27th January 2020
Sam Ridgway -
27th January 2020 What's On
Paul McCartney at Co-op Live, Manchester – tickets, times, setlist, and more for tour
Thomas Melia
Paul McCartney is making Christmas come early for Manchester this weekend, bringing his two night tour to Co-op Live this weekend.
The 82-year-old The Beatles hitmaker and overall music icon is gracing the 23,500 capacity live music venue and hoping to impress the crowds of Manchester for what is set to be two of the most remarkable nights of the year.
This incredible Got Back tour will be one to remember, especially when the rocker hasn’t visited our booming city since 2011 – those 14 years without the musical legend are finally coming to an end.
Paul McCartney, The Beatles legend, Wings frontman and songwriting veteran is one of the most important musicians in history with a wealth of solo material to his name.
His most recent release was a collaborative album with Wings titled ‘One Hand Clapping’ which dropped in June this year, but the songs on it all date back to 1974.
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The living legend is performing at the biggest indoor entertainment venue right here in Manchester this weekend – here’s everything you need to know.
Paul McCartney UK tour dates
- Sat 15 December – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live
- Sat 16 December – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live
- Wed 18 December – London, UK – The O2
- Thu 19 December – London, UK – The O2
Paul McCartney tickets for Co-op Live gig
Tickets for both shows are still available on Ticketmaster, who are the official ticket seller for the Saturday and Sunday Manchester shows.
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Prices are varied due to most tickets now being resell or VIP packages, seats at the Sunday concert start at £182.95.
There’s also the opportunity to find some quick-fix tickets on fan reselling sites like Twickets but if you’re after for some last minute tickets you can try on Ticketmaster HERE.
Paul McCartney setlist
Paul McCartney is known for packing lots of songs from throughout his discography into his tours around the world, so it’s no surprise that Manchester will be hearing all the bangers.
The UK music pioneer has shaken up his playlist a few times but the below is from his most recent show.
A Hard Day’s Night
Junior’s Farm
Letting Go
Drive My Car
Got to Get You Into My Life
Come On to Me
Let Me Roll It
Getting Better
Let ‘Em In
My Valentine
Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five
Maybe I’m Amazed
I’ve Just Seen a Face
In Spite of All the Danger
Love Me Do
Dance Tonight
Blackbird
Here Today
Now and Then
Lady Madonna
Jet
Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!
Something
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da
Band on the Run
Get Back
Let It Be
Live and Let Die
Hey Jude
Encore:
I’ve Got a Feeling
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)
Helter Skelter
Golden Slumbers
Carry That Weight
The End
What are the stage times for Paul McCartney in Manchester?
Co-op Live has a strict curfew of 11pm meaning concertgoers can be safe knowing they won’t be pulling an all nighter to hear all the legend’s biggest tunes.
Doors will open at 6.30pm, and although the venue hasn’t yet confirmed stage times it’s expected that Paul McCartney will take to the stage in Manchester around 8.30pm.
The Manchester Derby
On the same night at Paul McCartney’s second gig, there’s also a Manchester derby – United and City will face off just across the road from Co-op Live at the Etihad Stadium.
There’ll be a lot of footfall to the campus and increased demand on local roads and public transport.
Man City vs Man United will kick off at 4.30pm, doors to the Co-op Live will open at 6.30pm, and the football will end around 6.35pm.
The venue has advised: “For the best experience, we advise to use public transport and arrive between 17:30 and 18:30.
“Co-op Live is located on the Etihad Campus in East Manchester and you can take multiple different modes of transport to the arena. Check out our dedicated page for all your travel questions.”
How to get to Co-op Live
Tram
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For those of you heading to Co-op Live, luckily it’s right next door to a rather famous big blue stadium and its integrated Metrolink stop.
Head along the light blue or orange lines directly to the Etihad Campus or Ashton-under-Lyne and you can get off the tram literally spitting distance from the arena. You can find the full map HERE.
Trams run frequently on the Ashton-Eccles line to the Etihad stop, with services leaving every six minutes from the city centre and until 01:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.
Bus
If you want to take another new and improved arm of Manchester’s public transport system, not only is there a whole host of routes that drop you off close to the venue but there’ll also be a free shuttle bus from the city centre to and from events between 20 April-30 June 2024.
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You can find the full list of bus routes HERE, with the one in closest proximity to the venue being the 53 bus which runs from Cheetham Hill through to Higher Crumpsall, Old Trafford and Pendleton, leaving just a two-minute walk to Co-op Live. You also get free Bee Network travel with any valid event ticket.
Getting there by car and parking
If you’re driving, there is limited parking available at the venue but this must be pre-booked ahead of time and there are designated drop-off areas.
The postcode is M11 3DU and you can follow the signs towards the wider Etihad Campus as you get closer; directions to the adjacent drop-off points will also be signposted.
Keep in mind that congestion on the roads close to the stadium is expected to gather around two hours prior to any event, so if you are travelling on the road, these are the suggested times they provide come event day – though estimates will obviously vary:
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- Alan Turing Way (both directions): plan an additional 20 minutes into any journey by road.
- Hyde Road (eastbound): expect an additional 15 minutes to be added to your journey.
- Mancunian Way (westbound): plan for an extra 10 minutes of travel time.
There are also three park-and-ride facilities near Co-op Live but be advised that the Velopark and Holt Town stops will be closed post-event to help safely manage crowds:
- Ashton Moss (Ashton line) – 183 spaces and 12 disabled spaces
- Ashton West (Ashton line) – 184 spaces and 11 disabled spaces
- Ladywell (Ashton-Eccles line) – 332 spaces and 22 disabled spaces
Walk/cycle
Lastly, Co-op Live is only a half-hour stroll from Manchester Piccadilly and you could even walk along the canal all the way to the front door if you fancy taking the scenic route.
Greater Manchester now also offers the option to hire bikes through the Beryl, with riders able to locate, unlock, get to their destination and then safely lock up the boke all through an easy-to-use app. There are hire points just near the south-west corner of the Etihad Stadium on Ashton New Road.
For more information on all travel options, you can check out the enhanced journey planner.
Read more
- A tiny new train station pub has opened at Manchester Oxford Road
- Manchester set for its busiest weekend of the year with pop-up Park and Rides to open
- Nelly announces massive Manchester gig on Where The Party At Tour
Featured image: MPL Communications – photographer MJ Kim
What's On
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 16 – 22 December 2024
Emily Sergeant
December is flying by.
No but seriously, where has the time gone? The festive season is properly in full swing across Greater Manchester now, but we have to admit, we’re absolutely here for it as that means there’s loads of Christmas-themed events and activities for the whole family to be getting up to across the region this week.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? We’ve chosen a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide to help you out.
Here’s some of our recommendations.
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Manchester Christmas Markets 2024
Manchester City Centre
Monday 16 – Sunday 22 December
This is your last week to experience Manchester Christmas Markets for 2024.
The iconic annual event is an absolute staple in Manchester’s festive events calendar, and always draws in thousands of visitors from all across the globe – with hundreds of stalls across several sites now all lining the streets of our city centre.
Visitors are able to tuck into a wide range of festive foods and drinks, and shop for Christmas gifts from countless independent traders.
Find out everything you need to know about Manchester Christmas Markets 2024 here.
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Wicked The Musical
Palace Theatre Manchester
Monday 16 December 2024 – Sunday 12 January 2025
Wicked The Musical has landed in Manchester and has taken over the iconic Palace Theatre stage for the festive season.
Sure, there may be a major motion picture adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande currently on in the cinema right now, but if you’re keen to see the beloved musical production on stage in the way it was originally intended, then you can head on down to the Palace Theatre to see the story of Elphaba and Galinda live.
Of course, this has been one of the hottest tickets in town for quite a while now, but there’ll still some last-minute seats left to get your hands on, so keep your eyes peeled.
Find out more and grab tickets here.
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David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)
Aviva Studios
Monday 16 December 2024 – Saturday 25 January 2025
One of the most influential British artists of the 21st century, David Hockney, is taking you on a personal journey through 60 years of his art in the revolutionary Aviva Studios, and it’s now open for everyone to pay a visit.
This is a real sensory encompassing experience, from the grand and vibrant projections on the walls, to the sound system which will be playing throughout the exhibition.
Hockney opened this installation in London, and this is the first time these pieces of art have left the country’s capital to be viewed by even more spectators.
Find out more and buy tickets here.
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Skate Manchester 2024
Cathedral Gardens
Monday 16 December 2024 – Wednesday 1 January 2025
What’s a festive season in the city without Skate Manchester?
Back once again for 2024, Skate Manchester is festive staple, and this year, skaters can glide across a gleaming ice path and spin around a dazzling seven-metre Christmas tree taking centre stage in the middle of the rink.
Families, friends, and festive fun seekers will be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas whatever the weather has in store for our city this year too, as although the rink will be outdoors in the heart of Cathedral Gardens, the ice is fully covered.
Find out more and grab tickets here.
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Santa Specials
East Lancashire Railway
Monday 16 – Tuesday 24 December
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East Lancashire Railway’s beloved Santa steam train rides are back for more festive fun this Christmas.
Running right through until Christmas Eve, ELR’s ‘Santa Specials’ are your chance to hop on board an old-school steam train and travel through the magical Irwell Valley to make “enchanted memories” that last a lifetime.
The famous festive steam trains have become an essential part of Christmas for many families in the North West, and there’s still some tickets left available.
Find out more and grab ticket here.
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Bar Hütte
Kampus & Great Northern
Monday 16 December – onwards
Bar Hütte’s legendary karaoke cabins are back in Manchester once again.
Bringing Alpine vibes, cosy furnishings, twinkling lights, live music sessions, and flowing drinks to two city centre locations from this Thursday onwards, dozens of cosy private hüttes neatly-positioned under twinkling lights are now open down at both Kampus and Great Northern Square.
There’s also a handful of other events on the lineup throughout the festive season, including live music and DJs, wreath making workshops, and movie nights.
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Find out more and grab tickets here.
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Winter Holiday Programme
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 16 December 2024 – Sunday 5 January 2025
One of Manchester’s most popular museums has been transformed into an immersive ‘Light Lab’ for the festive season.
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This is your chance to escape the cold and brighten up the winter holidays with an adventure though light and colour, as the Science and Industry Museum is currently running its full festive events programme and there’s loads to get involved with.
You can also explore a gaming extravaganza, and be engrossed by festive-themed science shows at the city centre-based museum this December.
Find out more about all the events here.
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Yuletide
Tatton Park
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Monday 16 December – onwards
The magnificent grounds of Tatton Park have been transformed into a ‘glittering winter adventure’ for the festive season.
Families will be whisked away into a world of folklore, enchantment, and enthralling performances as they enter the gardens of the stunning Tatton Park in Cheshire for an immersive, festival-like experience known as Yuletide.
Organisers say the captivating event promises to be a “truly magical experience” where folklore stories come to life through storytelling and live music.
Find out more and get tickets here.
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Spectrum: A World of Illumination
Knutsford
Monday 16 December – onwards
A brand-new Christmas attraction to get us all in the festive spirit has now opened.
Just outside of Manchester, titled ‘Spectrum: A World of Illumination’, this spectacular never-seen-before trail is lighting up Cheshire with a month-long residency in Knutsford, and will be running every day in December besides Christmas Day, plus a few extra dates in November.
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The immersive maze features moving giant candy canes, overhead Christmas-inspired installations like a laser show, and tunnels of light.
Grab tickets here.
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Not enough light trails on this list for your liking?
As the nights draw in and the temperatures drop, light trails are pretty much a given every time the festive season rolls around, and luckily, there’s plenty of them dotted across Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and across the North West this year.
If deciding which immersive experience to head on down to over these next couple of weeks is a tricky task for you though,
Check out our full round up here.
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Winter Assembly
Spinningfields
Monday 16 December – onwards
A brand-new festive hub has arrived in Spinningfields, and you’ll be able to visit a new ice rink, drink cocktails in a snow globe-like rooftop dome, and get merry in a yurt.
Winter Assembly at Courts Club is home to the city’s newest, fully-independent ice rink, On Ice, as well as lots of different food traders serving up winter gyros from Lucky Gyros, festive grilled cheeses, boozy hot chocolate, German BBQ specials, and so much more.
There’ll also be ‘Chalaoke huts’, where you can cosy up in a log cabin with your own private karaoke machine.
Find out more about everything happening here.
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Jurassic World: The Exhibition
Trafford Centre
Monday 16 December 2024 – January 2025
A major Jurassic World exhibition that’s been mesmerising visitors all over the world has now arrived here in Greater Manchester, and it’s recently been announced that it’ll be sticking around until the new year.
Based on the beloved blockbuster film franchise, this official award-winning experience is one of the fastest-selling exhibitions in history.
Manc visitors will be able to walk through the iconic Jurassic World gates, explore some richly-themed environments, and encounter a life-sized Brachiosaurus, Velociraptors, and the most fearsome dinosaur of all, the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Find out more and grab some tickets here.
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Christmas Screenings
King Street Townhouse
Monday 16 – Tuesday 24 December
Elf, Love Actually, and Home Alone are just some of the classic Christmas films hitting the big screen at a hidden cinema in Manchester.
Film fans looking for some wholesome festive fun are being invited to get themselves down to one of Manchester’s most popular hotels, King Street Townhouse, in the run-up to the big day itself, as it’s very-own exclusive cinema will be screening a jam-packed lineup of fan-favourite festive films over the next couple of weeks.
Find out more and book tickets here.
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Santa in the Sky
Cheshire Oaks
Monday 16 December – onwards
Cheshire Oaks’ beloved grotto is back for 2024, and the big man in red and his trusty elves are taking to the skies once again this year.
Running on the Designer Outlet’s Big Wheel every Thursday to Sunday throughout December, the ‘Santa in the Sky’ experience is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas as a family this winter, and make memories to last a lifetime.
Looking for something else to do at Cheshire Oaks this month? There’s plenty of other festive events happening in the run-up to Christmas.
With alpine lodges, festive drinks, Yorkshire pudding wraps, and of course, a helter skelter, The Winter Village is now open at Cheshire Oaks.
Christmas films like Home Alone, The Grinch, and The Polar Express will also be screened in the lodge, and plus, did you know that Cheshire Oaks is home to the UK’s largest Christmas tree, that you can actually go inside?
Find out more and grab tickets to any events here.
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Hot House Winter Workshops
MediaCity
Wednesday 18 & Thursday 14 December
A handful Christmas-inspired workshops are happening down at MediaCity this week, and lots of them are free to take part in.
This series of engaging and creative workshops at Hot House is ideal for all ages, so no matter if you’re looking to personalise your Christmas decorations, craft a beautiful wreath, or design some unique Christmas cards, then there’s something for everyone – and no prior experience is needed either.
Find out more and book your place here.
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Featured Image – The Manc Group | Science Museum Group
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