Art & Culture

Manchester Art Fair is back and bigger than ever for 2023 after record-breaking year

2022 was their most successful event to date — let's make this year's even better.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 13th July 2023

Manchester Art Fair is back for 2023 and after a record-breaking year in 2022, it’s promising to be bigger and better than ever.

With more than 13,000 visitors last year and a whopping £798,405 made in art sales over the three-day event (up around 58% and 60% on 2021, respectively), the scale of this beloved annual event is

Starting out back in 2008 and now into its 15th year, Manchester Art Fair has gradually become one of the largest and most significant art fairs in the UK and not only encourages people to better engage with local art and culture but also makes viewing and buying quality art accessible and enjoyable.

This city has such a rich artistic history and continues to platform creators from all around the world — this year’s Manchester International Festival being a perfect example — it’s only right that we continue to keep that heritage alive and grow it even further.

As a result of last year’s success, Manchester Art Fair tickets early this time to meet the unprecedented demand and have even increased the floor size by a whole 35% to make room for even more artists.

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In addition to further galleries and artists being able to host exhibits, not to mention more space for visitors to stand back and appreciate the works on display, The Manchester Contemporary will once again accompany the main fair, focusing on artist-led spaces and charitable organisations.

Over 170 UK and international individual artists, galleries, and artist-led spaces will show, with new entrants such as Demif Gallery, British Art Portfolio, Art Court and Bristol’s First Contemporary; returning exhibitors include Saul Hay Gallery, Hidden Gallery and Carnes Fine Art, among many others.

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Manchester Art Fair 2023 will also deliver an extended programme of activities to accompany the fair, with exclusive drops of limited-edition prints, workshops for all ages and a sculpture pavilion, as well as even more artist talks and Q&As. There’ll even be advice on how to build your own art collections.

Manchester art galleries
Manchester Central events 2023
The Manchester Contemporary art fair
Credit: Manchester Art Fair

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Speaking ahead of this year’s massive event, director Sophie Helm said: “We can’t wait to bring the community built by Manchester Art Fair and The Manchester Contemporary back together in November.

“Once again, we are stepping up our ambitions for the fair… This year’s programme features an exciting breadth of names, many of whom will be joining us in person to share the inspiration behind their work and journey as an artist.

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“We look forward to also setting a new record for the Manchester Contemporary Art Fund, as we commit to tripling this year’s fund for Manchester Art Gallery’s public collection. One of the most significant philanthropic art funds in the country, it’s a foundation of which Greater Manchester can be proud, providing the opportunity for people to enjoy art for years to come.”

Manchester Art Fair 2023 opens on Friday 17 November from 5-9pm and runs until Sunday, 19 November. The full list of opening hours as well as all info on the exhibitions can be found HERE and you can grab your tickets NOW.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image — Manchester Art Fair

Art & Culture

Co-op Live has been named the number one arena in Europe following its debut year

Danny Jones Danny Jones Co-op Live arena best in Europe

Despite a rocky opening month or so, Manchester’s Co-op Live made the ultimate instant recovery and has now been named the number one arena not just in the UK but all of Europe.

Manc music venues being best in class? Sounds about right.

Yes, even despite some obstacles, delays and early hiccups, Co-op Live‘s debut year as a live music and indoor entertainment venue has seen it beat out the likes of the long-established and iconic O2 in London to take the top spot.

The inaugural 12 months of the arena have not only seen it welcome all manner of music legends, as well as live sporting events such as the UFC and WWE, but the arena welcomed more visitors than any other venue across the continent during that time.

co-op live top venue for ticket sales in europe
Credit: Press Shot (supplied)

Hosting 105 events since opening, Co-op Live was officially ranked the number one arena for gross ticket sales in the UK and Europe by Pollstar this week.

Names to have graced the industry-leading stage so far include Liam Gallagher, Stevie Nicks and Take That; Peter Kay, Elbow, Sabrina Carpenter, Paul McCartney, and so many more.

Commenting on the successful start, Tim Leiweke (CEO and chairman of the Oak View Group behind the venue) said: “Our ambition was to bring the world’s best music arena to one of the world’s greatest music cities and we are thrilled with the reaction from fans and artists alike over this past year.

“Co-op Live’s revolutionary acoustics investment has already attracted some of the world’s biggest artists and events to Manchester, with many more to come.  And our sustainability commitment will ensure we remain responsible contributors to Manchester and the planet for years to come. 

“We believe that amazing venues can transform cities for the better, and Co-op Live has done just that.”

It’s fair to say we’ve had some truly unforgettable nights in there already – and that’s just in the last month alone. Case and point:

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Artists themselves have fallen in love with it as well, with LG himself putting it on a par with one of the most iconic arenas on the planet.

With a continued commitment to achieving ‘Net Zero’ status too, the venue’s carbon reduction technologies, solar panels, heat pumps and rainwater harvesting, not to mention the recently refreshed CityLink walking in partnership with the Climate Pledge, are all things we can be proud of.

Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, went on to add: “We are delighted with the success of Co-op Live’s first year, and to see it taking the top spot off London.

“It shows Manchester is the home of live music in the UK, with Co-op Live bringing so many exclusives from artists like Bruce Springsteen to the city and Oasis playing massive hometown shows this summer – 2025 is going to be one of the biggest ever for our city’s music scene.”

Meanwhile, things are feeling less fortunate at the grassroots end of the spectrum, as the Music Venue Trust is imploring people to get behind a vulnerable Manc music institution.

Music venue charity issues ‘shocked’ statement ahead of impending Manchester closure
We can’t forget about the small-cap venues that get things started.

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Featured Images — The Manc Group

Art & Culture

Swordplay and rock ‘n’ roll: A Knight’s Tale comes to Manchester Opera House

Danny Jones Danny Jones A Knight's Tale Manchester musical review

From the moment the curtain rises at Manchester Opera House, A Knight’s Tale bursts into life with exhilarating energy. This stage adaptation of the beloved 2001 film expertly blends medieval spectacle with a bold, modern twist.

Full of jousting tournaments, noble quests, and underdog triumphs, the production delivers both heart and high drama – all with a heady dose of rock ‘n’ roll.

At the centre of it all is William Thatcher, a young squire who dares to defy his lowly birth and enter the world of high-born knights. Played with charm and confidence by Andrew Coshan, William’s journey from peasant to jousting champion is rousing, if occasionally veering into heroic cliché.

Still, Coshan’s likability and natural charisma keep the audience cheering for him through every lance charge and dramatic monologue. The supporting cast also shines.

A Knight’s Tale the musical at Manchester Opera House. (Credit: Press Shot)

A standout is Eva Scott, whose comic timing and delivery consistently land laughs, often stealing scenes with her sharp one-liners.

Meanwhile, Meesha Turner brings elegance and spark to the role of Princess Jocelyn. Her powerful vocals during the show’s pop-classic ballads transform the character into a fiery, modern princess you can’t help but root for.

The production’s standout sequences are undoubtedly the jousts, theatrical set pieces that are an absolute masterclass in stagecraft. Using a clever combination of rigging, physical choreography, and dynamic sound design, the creative team conjures a truly immersive atmosphere.

Dramatic lighting and resonant sound effects make you feel the thud of hooves and the crash of lances. The cleverly designed set, featuring an arena-style jousting field, draws the audience into the action in a way that feels fresh and cinematic.

However, the show stumbles slightly in its quieter, more emotional scenes. The dialogue, while laced with humour, sometimes dips into melodrama. The villain, Count Adhemar, feels a touch underwritten, with motivations that don’t quite match the emotional weight the story strives for, but is still well-acted.

Don’t just take it from us: the A Knight’s Tale reviews from Manchester crowds are already very strong.

The stakes between him and William never fully build to the payoff they could – leaving certain dramatic beats a little flat. Musically, the show makes a bold departure from traditional scores. Instead, it leans into a soundtrack of classic rock anthems; think Queen, AC/DC, The Who and more.

At first, it seems like an odd match for a medieval tale, just as it did with the movie, but it works brilliantly. The music injects the show with rebellious energy and gives it a timeless quality. It’s loud, bold, and exactly what this high-octane tale of ambition and identity calls for.

A special mention must go to the ensemble and choreography. The jousting scenes are beautifully choreographed, blending acrobatics, dance, and swordplay with seamless precision. Even in quieter moments, the movement on stage supports the storytelling with subtle grace.

But the unexpected stars of the show? The horses. Designed with clever costume and movement illusions, they create the convincing effect of riders in full gallop – and at times, they very nearly steal the spotlight altogether.

Credit: Supplied

Though clearly aimed at adult audiences, with its cheeky humour and classic rock soundtrack, the show flirts with the spirit of panto, oversized characters, regional accents, and exaggerated physical comedy. And it works.

The regional dialects add warmth and levity, grounding the fantasy in a cheeky, very British sensibility.
In the end, A Knight’s Tale is a triumphant and entertaining spectacle, an electrifying mix of medieval mythology and modern musical theatre.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original film or seeing the story for the first time, this production offers a fun, fast-paced, and surprisingly heartfelt night out. It’s not perfect, but it’s hard not to be swept up in the clashing swords, galloping hooves, and power chords.

Put simply, this is a knight to remember – with a soundtrack that slays.

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Featured Images — Press Images (supplied)

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