Audio

The first-ever Northern Music Awards – all the winners on a night where the region proved why it’s the best

An evening for every Northerner and music lover to revel in and a reminder of just how wonderful it is up here.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 24th April 2024

Last night finally saw the inaugural Northern Music Awards take place at the iconic Albert Hall, a night celebrating everything we know and love about the North: we love our music and we’re bloody good at it, and we also know how to have a knees up better than anyone.

The landmark awards ceremony, put on by music therapy charity Nordoff and Robbins and backed by dozens of local, national and global brands (including our lovely selves here at The Manc) has been 18 months in the making and faced plenty of obstacles, but nothing us Northerners couldn’t overcome.

More importantly, it was well worth the wait. Hosted by BBC Radio 6 Music presenter and passionate Nordoff and Robbins ambassador, Chris Hawkins, the night was packed not only with handing out shiny gongs but moving speeches, live performances from some big acts and a great ol’ boogie at the end.

From digs about Co-op Live not quite being ready and jabs at the government, HS2 and investment in Northern infrastructure when an award-winner couldn’t make it on time, to Gary Neville telling City fans to “f*ck off” and Andy Burham giving a rousing speech about why the North is top banana, it had it all.

Credit: The Manc Audio

So who picked up what at the first-ever NMAs for 2024?

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The winners of the very first Northern Music Awards

Although a few acts recognised on the night had to phone in, the overall turnout was incredible, with speeches and a stunning stripped-down performance by Liam Fray, household names like Simon Rimmer helping hand out the gorgeously floral and abstract trophies, it was a truly special night at Albert Hall.

It was also wonderful to see how many people were getting involved with Nordoff and Robbins’ charity raffle and silent auction, with all the proceeds going straight back into helping the non-profit carry out its heartwarming work across the country.

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But let’s get into who took home the bit of bronze, shall we?

  • Music and Culture for Wellbeing: Dance Syndrome – Lancashire
  • Inspirational Venue of the Year (under 500 cap): Brudenell Social Club – Leeds
  • Inspirational Venue of the Year (under 2000 cap): Band on the Wall – Manchester
  • Festival of the Year: Beat-Herder – Lancashire
Well, look who it is!
  • Industry Icon Award: Michael Adex – Manchester
  • Newcomer of the Year: English Teacher – Leeds
  • DJ of the Year: DJ Paulette – Manchester
  • Breakthrough Act of the Year: The K’s – Earlestown
  • Artist of the Year: Louis Tomlinson – Doncaster
  • Band of the Year: The Courteeners – Manchester
  • Music Moment of the Year: Aitch, Glastonbury – Manchester
  • Disruptor in Music: The Reytons – Rotherham
  • Northern Icon Award: Lisa Stansfield – Manchester
  • Special Recognition Award: Melanie C – Merseyside
  • LiveNation’s Northern Music Award: Tim Burgess – Salford

Congratulations to all of the winners – so well deserved and all spoke so well about why a dedicated Northern Music Awards matters, embodying exactly why we love it so much up here.

The live performances were unreal

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Host Hawkins said it perfectly on the night, these posh dos could take place at who knows where in the future just so long as the only rule is: “insert Northern town or city here“. It was an honour to kick off the Northern Music Awards here in Manchester but we’ll happily big up our Northern cousins any day.

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As he reminded us by expertly reeling off a lengthy list of the iconic names to have come out of not just 0161 but the North in general – he even managed to make it rhyme, for the most part – it’d be greedy try and keep it all to ourselves when there are so many other top-tier venues that deserve spotlighting.

Who knows, maybe it’ll head Yorkshire way and our friends over at The Hoot will help take on that difficult second album in 2025.

Regardless, we’ll remember the legend that is Lisa Stansfield still not even breaking a sweat as she got the Albert Hall up on its feet forever and we cannot wait for next year, wherever it may be.

The queen signing things off in style.

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

Featured Images — The Manc Group

Audio

Michael Ball and Alfie Boe at AO Arena, Manchester – tickets, times, setlist, and more for tour

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Michael Ball and Alfie Boe are bringing their Together At Home tour to Manchester, here’s everything you need to know for their AO Arena gig.

The boys are back in town, and by the boys we mean multi-million selling vocalists Michael Ball and Alfie Boe, who are heading to Manchester this month.

This duo are no stranger to each other’s company making six collaborative albums since 2016 covering songs from The Greatest Showman, The Lion King and New York, New York.

Their latest release ‘Together At Home’ which doubles as the name for the tour sees the pair back to their good old tricks covering hits like ‘He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother’ and ‘Ferry Cross The Mersey’.

These two powerhouses know how to sing in style and that’s why they’ve chosen the impressive AO Arena to host their brand new show.

Michael Ball and Alfie Boe UK tour dates

  • Sat 29 March – Cardiff, UK – Utilita Arena
  • Sun 30 March – Bournemouth, UK – International Centre
  • Tue 1 April – Nottingham, UK – Motorpoint Arena
  • Wed 2 April – Newcastle, UK – Utilita Arena
  • Fri 4 April – Manchester, UK – AO Arena
  • Sat 5 April – Liverpool, UK – M&S Bank Arena
  • Mon 7 April – Aberdeen, UK – P&J Live
  • Tue 8 April – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro
  • Thu 10 April – Leeds, UK – First Direct Arena
  • Fri 11 April – Birmingham, UK – BP Pulse Live
  • Sun 13 April – London, UK – The O2
  • Mon 14 April – Brighton, UK – Brighton Centre

Michael Ball and Alfie Boe tickets for AO Arena gig

Anyone looking at tickets for Michael Ball and Alfie Boe’s upcoming tour have plenty of opportunity to see these two singing their hearts out.

Fans of the duo better act fast as these tickets are very limited, starting from a reasonable £47.75 and reaching £98.75.

If you want to go all out on this occasion tickets are also available for The Mezz, which is the arena’s fine dining experience covering you before and throughout the show at a fixed price of £206.25.

All tickets and packages can be found HERE.

What are the stage times for Michael Ball and Alfie Boe in Manchester?

AO Arena has a curfew of 11pm meaning you’ll still be able to make it home and pop the kettle on before you get your forty winks.

Their support act comes in the form of another duo, however these two mighty performers are magicians rather than singers.

The Conjurors are a worldwide renowned act famed by audiences and A Listers for their talents which they will be showing off in Manchester on the night.

How to get to AO Arena

Tram

For those of you heading to AO Arena, luckily it’s in Manchester Victoria Station and its integrated Metrolink stop.

Head along the pink, light blue or yellow lines directly to the Victoria stop and you can get off the tram literally spitting distance from the arena. You can find the full map HERE.

Train

Considering this live entertainment venue is situated right in the middle of one of Manchester’s most frequented stations, concertgoers should find no problem getting to the arena wherever they are.

Bus

A variety of buses cover AO Arena and Victoria Station on their route such as the 2 bus which stops a one minute walk away from the venue.

A full list of buses and their routes can be found HERE.

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Getting there by car and parking

The Arena have their own official parking partners CitiPark with 958 spaces including 40 Blue Badge parking bays, which can be booked in advance.

Alternatively, anyone attending a gig can park at their nearest train station and jump on a train service or the various Metrolink park and ride facilities.

Walk/cycle

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 bike all through an easy-to-use app.

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About the AO Arena

The AO Arena has a few strict policies to keep gig-goers safe, so make sure to check entry requirements carefully before you travel.

For example, only one small bag per person is allowed, and bags like backpacks, travel cases and laptop bags are not permitted inside the arena.

All bags are scanned on entry to check for prohibited items like laser pens, flares, projectiles, weapons, drugs and alcohol, and even selfie sticks.

Read more:

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

Featured Image: Publicity Picture (via Supplied)

Audio

Band on the Wall buys adjoining The Rose and Monkey pub

Danny Jones Danny Jones Band on the Wall has bought The Rose and Monkey pub Manchester

Beloved Manchester music venue Band on the Wall has announced that they have bought the equally popular Rose and Monkey pub and hotel next door.

The two Great Ancoats St favourites on the edge of the district and the Northern Quarter have both served as reliable, entertaining gig spaces for years now, not to mention a great spot for a drink, and their business models have always aligned so perfectly, with visitors heading from one into the other for years.

With that in mind, and in a concerted effort to support the local music and hospitality industry, Band on the Wall have decided to turn that long-standing relationship into an even closer collaboration.

Confirming the acquisition of The Rose and Monkey earlier this week, Band on the Wall and its next-door neighbour are now official partners.

Speaking in an official statement on their website, the latter wrote: “This exciting development marks another step in Band on the Wall’s mission to support grassroots music and enhance its role within Manchester’s vibrant cultural scene.

“The Rose & Monkey (formerly The Burton Arms) has a long and chequered history dating back to 1783, but in recent years has been transformed into a beloved destination for music lovers and locals alike.

“Known as one of the city’s oldest public houses, originally built as part of the original Smithfield Markets and over the road from what was the ‘New Cross’ area of the city, the venue boasts an intimate atmosphere and commitment to live music.

“The pub is now a vital part of the Northern Quarter’s creative fabric with unique features, including a beer garden, small music stage, and even Airbnb accommodation upstairs; the venue perfectly complements Band on the Wall’s (BOTW) ethos of fostering community through music.”

As it turns out, the deal to take over The Rose and Monkey was actually agreed upon a while ago and fully finalised last 2024.

With backing from Figurative – a not-for-profit organisation that specialises in ‘impact investment’ throughout the cultural and creative sector – this most recent development follows the £3.5 million refurbishment of BOTW, which was finally completed back in March 2022.

Audio North was still ‘The Manc Audio’ back then, but Band on the Wall was busy being reborn first.

Gavin Sharp, CEO of Band on the Wall, said: “We are delighted to welcome The Rose & Monkey into the Band on the Wall family. This acquisition allows us to expand our footprint while preserving one of Manchester’s most cherished independent venues.

“Together, we aim to create even more opportunities for emerging artists and provide unforgettable experiences for music fans.”

As for the pub and lodging house itself, The Rose and Monkey Hotel, to use its full name, will still remain its own bar and live music entity but will now work closely with Band on the Wall to achieve better and more diverse programming.

In addition to a place to stay on the first floor, the pub now features a newly installed ‘Wurlitzer Jukebox’, too, which has been curated by none other than American alternative rock band Pixies, BBC 6 Music DJ Chris Hawkins and the in-house team.

Very cool.

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Finally, Band on the Wall went on to add: “The Rose & Monkey is ideally positioned to become an even greater hub for Manchester’s thriving music scene.

“Visitors can look forward to an enhanced calendar of events as well as continued dedication to inclusivity and creativity, and a jukebox specially curated by several high-profile friends and supporters of the venue.”

We’ll cheers to that.

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

Featured Images — The Manc Group

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