Art & Culture

‘The Witcher in Concert’: the smash-hit video game’s soundtrack brought to life in Manchester

It's selling out FAST.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 29th January 2025

One of the most iconic games ever, The Witcher III: Wild Hunt, is set to see its iconic score and soundtrack reborn in concert right here in Manchester.

Better still, due to the sheer demand for tickets already, an extra date has been added, giving you an extra chance to hear the record-breaking RPG brought to life on stage in front of your very eyes.

‘The Witcher in Concert’ is an immersive audio-visual experience from developers, CD PROJEKT RED (the same team behind Cyberpunk 2077), which will see the music from the series performed by a live orchestra at Aviva Studios.

Let the Wild Hunt begin…

Revolving around The Witcher III, specifically – widely considered to be not just the best in the franchise but one of the greatest games of all time – the show is soon set to take place all over the world, but Europe is getting the pleasure first.

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The soon-to-be world tour coincides with the 10th anniversary of the third title, which remains one of the best-selling video game releases of all time, having sold well over 50 million copies and still counting.

Fans will get to witness the open-world RPG’s timeless score and soundscapes recreated not only by a live orchestra, but the show will also feature special appearances by Polish folk metal band, Percival (a.k.a. Percival Schuttenbach) – the original co-composers behind the game’s soundtrack.

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This magical, cinematic experience combines breathtaking in-game visuals with live music, making it a must-see event for lovers of The Witcher or just classical/orchestral music in general.

It’s going to be special.

A glimpse at what ‘The Witcher in Concert’ will look and, more importantly, sound like when it lands in Manchester.

Although it’s the first event of its kind at the world-class arts and cultural space, as the official home of the ever-growing Factory International programme, it’s no surprise this was chosen as the location.

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Taking place in Aviva Studios’ The Hall space, the original Manchester gig has sold out but they have now added an extra date on 6 November 2025 due to the scramble for tickets.

You can grab your seat HERE but be warned, they’ll be gone before you know it.

Over the other side of Manchester, a very similar celebration of video game music is taking place at one of the city’s other industry-leading entertainment venues.

PlayStation ‘The Concert’ is coming to Manchester’s Co-op Live next year
Equally excited about this one.

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

Featured Images — Press Shots (supplied)

Art & Culture

Manchester Day is back with a ‘mammoth day’ of music-themed FREE fun next month

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Manchester Day is making a grand return for 2025 this summer, and you can expect a day filled with loads of music-themed fun.

Oh, and it’s free fun at that… doesn’t get much better.

With a whopping 1.3 million music tourists expected in Manchester this summer – apparently a little band called Oasis is performing or something? First we’ve heard of it – and a massive lineup of live music legends set to take over venues and parks across the city these next couple of months, this year’s Manchester Day is aiming to get everyone ‘in the groove’.

Manchester City Council is working with outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank on a programme that promises something for music fans of all ages and all musical abilities.

From the English National Opera teaming up with Manchester’s football fans, to community choirs, West End show tunes, juggling drummers, hip-hop wrestling, and loads more, this year’s Manchester Day has got all musical tastes covered.

As always, activities will be taking place right across the city centre – from St Ann’s Square to Cathedral Gardens, and everywhere in between.

Organisers say there will be plenty of chances throughout the day for visitors, both young and old, to get stuck in, try their hand at making music and maybe even uncover a hidden musical talent they didn’t know they had.

You can expect strum-along ukulele sessions, spontaneous sing-alongs, dancing to a steel pan band or some surprising Ska, and the stand-out music parade event travelling from St Peter’s Square to the Cathedral, with families invited to take a ‘musical meander’ through the city streets.

Manchester Day is back with a ‘mammoth day’ of music-themed free fun next month / Credit: Manchester City Council

“We’ve got a mammoth summer of live music coming up in the city this year, which means it’s only right that we max out on the music for Manchester Day,” commented Councillor Pat Karney, who is the Chair of Manchester Day, as this year’s theme was announced.

“Everyone in Manchester loves music, Mancs have music in their bones, there’s so much talent here – we’re either making it or playing it, and that’s why everyone’s on the guest list for this year’s Manchester Day to help us celebrate the music that Mancunians make best.

“We’ve got a fantastic day lined up, so loosen up those vocal chords, grab a guitar, grab your granny, all the family, and don’t miss it.”

Read more:

Manchester Day is taking over the city centre on Saturday 15 July, and will be kicking off at midday right through to 5pm that same evening.

Featured Image – Manchester City Council

Art & Culture

A popular Manc streetwear brand is hosting a big festival to mark their fifth birthday

Danny Jones Danny Jones CLINTS streetwear festival Manchester info

Popular Manchester streetwear and footwear brand, CLINTS Inc., is hosting its first-ever festival to mark five whole years in fashion – and it’s going to be big.

The highly sought-after clothing and sneaker make started out from a bedroom in Moston and is now a premium label in British urban, skating, UK grime and hip-hop culture, having been worn by many famous names and welcoming even more through the door of their Deansgate shop.

Located in the ABC Buildings on Quay Street next to Spinningfields, the flagship CLINTS store opened back in 2022 and is much more than a place to buy some new drip: it’s a place that showcases art, music, and a whole sub-sect of shopping beyond just skate silhouettes and trendy trainers.

As hack as it might sound to some, wearing this brand comes along with immersing yourself in the wider style and scene; the very same scene being celebrated in tandem with their fifth birthday.

Not to tease you more than the company already has, but as you can see, details are scarce.

There is no lineup or even location for this festival… only a date.

CLINTS Fest (the inaugural one, at that) will take place on Saturday, 6 September – presumably at or around the 21-23 Quay Street site, but who knows?

Fans of the brand can sign up for the mailing list for the latest details, and pre-sale tickets are also available now, with a couple of clicks on the website revealing that the event is set to start at 12 noon and wrap up around 10:30pm.

If you’re interested, you can register your interest HERE.

Credit: The Manc Group

While you can expect the festival to be packed to the rafters with die-hard followers of all things CLINTS and streetwear, they’re not the only local indie holding a special one-off this month.

In fact, this weekend, a fellow trainer specialist who is still just starting out life in the fashion game but is already making waves reminiscent of their contemporaries.

Here’s hoping this is just the beginning of the journey and they’re the next Manc brand to become a national success story.

A local indie fashion brand is cleaning tired old trainers while handing out free shoes and ice cream
You’d best be quick if you make the most of this one.

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

Featured Images — The Manc Group/CLINTS Inc (via Instagram)

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