A musical version of Roald Dahl’s iconic children’s classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is heading out on a UK tour in 2023.
And it’s set to stop off here in Manchester next summer.
After already proving to be a smash-hit on both the Broadway stage and in the West End, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical, which is based off the 1964 Roald Dahl novel of the same name and the Warner Bros. film, is coming to Manchester Palace Theatre from 4 – 30 July 2023, and tickets are due to go on sale very soon.
In case you’re unfamiliar with the story, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical tells “the devilishly delicious tale” of young golden ticket winner Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectionary wizard Willy Wonka.
A synopsis for the musical production reads: “When Charlie wins a golden ticket to the weird and wonderful Wonka Chocolate Factory, it’s a chance of a lifetime to feast on the sweets they’ve always dreamed of.
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“But beyond the gates astonishment awaits, as down the sugary corridors and amongst the incredible and edible delights, the five lucky winners discover not everything is as sweet as it seems.
— Palace & Opera Mcr (@PalaceAndOpera) June 24, 2022
“This sensational musical is choc-full of fantastical treats to dazzle your senses taking you to a world of pure imagination.”
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It features memorable songs from the beloved 1970s film, as well as a host of new numbers.
Charlie and Chocolate Factory – The Musical has a book by David Greig, music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Mark Shaiman and Scott Wittman, and is directed by James Brining and designed by Simon Higlett.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical is coming to Manchester Palace Theatre from 4 – 30 July 2023 / Credit: Supplied
Liverpool, Hull, and Sunderland are among the other Northern locations making up the UK tour of the highly-anticipated production.
Tickets go on sale on Friday 8 July, and you can grab yours here.
Featured Image – Joan Marcus (via Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The Musical)
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Example announces new headline tour with just a handful of UK shows
Danny Jones
British rapper Example is back for another headline tour and just a handful of UK dates, including what is sure to be a bouncing gig right here in Manchester.
We’re going to say it: it’s the perfect venue for him, too.
The UK rap, dance and pop musician (real name Elliot John Gleave) was a regular chart-topper throughout the 2010s and has still been plenty busy in the time since then.
Although he has gradually pivoted more towards the production side of the music industry in recent years, he’s not lost any energy when it comes to performing – as seen by his most recent run of festival appearances. With that in mind, we can’t wait to see Example back playing live in Manchester.
The 43-year-old is known for his high-octane live shows, and has always had a particular flair for anything EDM-related, smashing sets at pretty much every major music event in Europe, from Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds, Creamfields, Bestival, Latitude, Benicassim, TRNSMT and many more.
Announcing his aptly-titled ‘Hits & Bits’ tour for 2026, Example wrote on Instagram: “If the last tour is anything to go by, these shows will sell out.
“I’m playing every single one of my songs that charted in the Top 20 (that’s 14 hits), plus some album favourites and a few new bits; plus huge unique visuals, laser and FX show, which will level up once again, as we always do. Things are about to get very ravey. Don’t sleep on this. El x”
In terms of the ‘bits’ side of things, we reckon he’ll include a little more of his newer material, the most recent of which is his collab with Local, having also worked with the likes of YouTube cult favourite Elro and fellow digital garage, grime, bassline artist, as well as TikTok personality, Window Kid, of late.
You can hear his newest crossover, ‘Head’s Gone’, in full down below.
Bit of a banger, to be fair; hope it’s on the selist.
Here are all the shows he has confirmed for next year, including that sure-to-be-electric gig at Victoria Warehouse in Manchester next spring:
Example UK tour dates 2026
Wed 13 May 2026 – Newcastle NX
Fri 15 May 2026 – Birmingham O2 Academy
Sat 16 May 2026 – London O2 Academy Brixton
Fri 22 May 2026 – Nottingham Rock City
Sun 24 May 2026 – Manchester O2 Victoria Warehouse
Pre-sale is set to go live this Wednesday, 12 November, and general admission for the Example Hits & Bits UK Tour will be available on the following Friday (14 Nov) at 10am; you can get ready to grab your tickets for his Manchester gig right HERE.
Featured Images — MRCZMT/Press shot (supplied via SJM Concerts)
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Westlife announce extra Manchester arena show for huge 25th anniversary tour
Daisy Jackson
Legendary pop group Westlife have announced the European leg of their 25th anniversary tour, which includes not just one but a trio of Manchester Arena gigs.
The beloved boyband will be hitting the road from September next year to celebrate a quarter of a century of timeless ballads and chart-topping pop songs.
Westlife, which is made up of Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan, Kian Egan and Mark Feehily, are behind massive hits like ‘You Raise Me Up’, ‘Flying Without Wings’, ‘Swear It Again’, and ‘If I Let You Go’.
The upcoming ‘Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour’ will include shows right across the UK and Ireland, including Leeds, Sheffield and one extra show here in Manchester.
The initial news came ahead of the group performing two sold-out nights at the Royal Albert Hall, and a sell-out success in Dublin and Belfast already.
Following an overwhelming reaction and huge demand, Co-op Live have seen fit to add another Westlife show to their calendar and double up on their venue debut, with other multiple cities now looking at more shows, too.
Over the last 25 years, Westlife have become one of the most successful pop groups of all time, with three billion streams globally, 36 number one albums worldwide, and 14 UK number one singles (ranking only behind Elvis Presley and The Beatles).
In fact, Westlife still remain the UK and Ireland’s top-selling album group of the 21st century.
Westlife have also just released a new single, ‘Chariot’, written by Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid from Snow Patrol and Will Reynolds, as well as being co-written and produced by Steve Mac.
And in February next year (just in time for Valentine’s Day), they’ll release 25 – The Ultimate Collection, a greatest hits album of 21 fan favourites.
Credit: Supplied
Westlife said: “This year marks 25 years since we started this incredible journey together, and it still feels like only the beginning.
“The support from our fans has been unbelievable, and to celebrate with this world tour, new music, and a brand-new album feels truly special.
“We can’t wait to see you all on the road and share this next chapter together.”
Westlife will perform their first night at the Co-op Live arena on Friday, 23 October 2026, before playing a second and third night in Manchester over the weekend.
General sale tickets are already on sale HERE, with affordable VIP packages also available through Seat Unique HERE.
What do you make of the new Westlife song?
Westlife UK/IE tour dates
Thu September 10 2026 – DUBLIN, 3Arena
Fri September 11 2026 – DUBLIN, 3Arena
Sat September 12 2026 – DUBLIN, 3Arena
Tue September 15 2026 – DUBLIN, 3Arena
Wed September 16 2026 – DUBLIN, 3Arena
Fri September 18 2026 – DUBLIN, 3Arena
Sat September 19 2026 – DUBLIN, 3Arena
Sun September 20 2026 – DUBLIN, 3Arena
Tue September 22 2026 – DUBLIN, 3Arena
Wed September 23 2026 – DUBLIN, 3Arena
Thu September 24 2026 – DUBLIN, 3Arena
Fri September 25 2026 – DUBLIN, 3Arena
Sat September 26 2026 – DUBLIN, 3Arena
Tue September 29 2026 – ABERDEEN, P&J Live
Wed September 30 2026 – GLASGOW, OVO Hydro
Thu October 01 2026 – GLASGOW, OVO Hydro
Sat October 03 2026 – NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, Utilita Arena
Sun October 04 2026 – NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, Utilita Arena
Emily Sergeant -
27th June 2022 
