There’s no better place to be than Manchester when Record Store Day rolls around.
After giving birth to some of the greatest singers, bands and writers of all time, Manchester has earned its place among the great musical cities of the world – and 29 August is the day to revel in these rhythmic achievements.
During the weekend, local independent stores will be participating in Record Store Day – which sees shoppers flock to the city to get their hands on special edition vinyls released just for the occasion.
Of course, as with everything in 2020, things are a little different this year.
Instead of celebrating in April as normal (with the pandemic forcing a postponement), Record Store Day has announced a hat-trick of ‘drop dates’.
ADVERTISEMENT
The first is Saturday 29 August, with two more to follow on September 26 and October 24.
The Charlatans vs. The Chemical Brothers – 12” Vinyl (originally released in 1995)
New Order – The John Peel Sessions 1982 – 12” Vinyl (recorded for John Peel’s radio show and originally broadcast in June 1982)
The Charlatans – Live It Like You Love It – 2LP Transparent Orange (live sets from The Charlatans tour)
Cherry Ghost – Live at The Trades Club, Hebden Bridge (25/01/15) – 12” Double Vinyl (Bolton band Cherry Ghost’s final performance before their hiatus recorded live at in Hebden Bridge)
The Chemical Brothers – Surrender – 12″ Vinyl (features two tracks never before released on vinyl; ‘Surrender To Love’ mixed by The Avalanches; and new remix of 1999 classic ‘Out Of Control’)
Stores
Here’s a full list of the stores taking part in what is set to be a big day for music lovers:
As heading up North wasn’t already exciting enough, the nominations are looking well and truly stacked as always; without further ado, here is the shortlist in full:
2026 MOBOs Nominees
BEST FEMALE ACT, IN ASSOCIATION WITH got2b
FLO
KWN
LITTLE SIMZ
OLIVIA DEAN
PINKPANTHERESS
SASHA KEABLE
BEST MALE ACT, IN ASSOCIATION WITH PROSTATE CANCER UK
Biffy Clyro at Co-op Live, Manchester – tickets, times, setlist and more for UK tour
Thomas Melia
It’s nearly time for one of the biggest gigs of the year, and we’re lucky we didn’t have to wait that long, as Biffy Clyro are playing the Co-op Live arena in Manchester this month – and we have all the important info.
For instance, 2026’s rock calendar really isn’t wasting any time, as the Scottish legends are playing this coming weekend.
Despite being one core member down for this year’s tour in support of their 10th studio album, Futique, we have no doubt that the Kilmarnock icons will still give us both barrels, and you can always guarantee a Manc audience will give it back just as good as they get.
Without further ado, here is everything you need to know about Biffy Clyro at the Co-op in Manchester on 17 January 2026.
Gig guide | Biffy Clyro at Co-op Live – all the key info
Before we do anything else, it’s worth reminding/informing anyone who didn’t already know that this show will unfortunately not be involving James Johnston, who has dropped out of the tour.
One-half of the ginge twins shared a heartbreaking statement online last month, but the announcement was met with an outpouring of support; whilst it’s a shame, we hope he’ll be on the mend very soon.
After kicking straight into fifth gear already, we have no doubt his bandmates will honour him this Saturday and won’t disappoint when it comes to energy.
Are there tickets left for Biffy Clyro in Manchester?
The gig is still going ahead as planned, though, with session bass player Naomi MacLeod stepping in for the shows and having already impressed.
Now, as for those of you wondering if there are any tickets left for Biffy Clyro‘s gig, whilst it is currently low availability, you can find a few last-minute seated options at Co-op Live.
But that’s not all…
Following a huge last-minute clamour for the show, some extra standing tickets for Biffy in Manchester have now been released; you can grab yours HERE.
Who is supporting Biffy at Co-op Live?
Now, in addition to the very exciting hardcore punk outfit, The Armed – a raucous multi-member collective formed in Detroit – who are opening up for Biffy Clyro on the Futique tour, those going to the gig are also getting another cult favourite British band.
Soft Play (who you might better remember as Slaves) are the main support for Biffy in Manchester and across the rest of the tour, and despite just being a duo, they still make A LOT of bloody noise.
Even when they were ‘Slaves’, these boys have thrived here. (Credit: David Edgar via WikiCommons)
Biffy Clyro stage times for 2026 ‘Futique Tour’ dates
Now, as for when you can expect each of these support acts to take the stage, doors will open from 6pm, and the first warm-up performances from The Armed is due to begin around an hour later, with Soft Play following them at approximately 7:30pm.
Regarding the headliners, Biffy Clyro are scheduled to get the main event underway at roughly 8:50pm, accordingto the most recent set times posted on their social media.
The venue’s curfew is typically restricted to 11pm, giving people plenty of time to get home, but things can run over into extended hours on busy weekends like this.
‘Futique Tour’ setlist
As for what we expect the gang to play, we have the benefit of a few Futique shows having already been and gone, not to mention being very well reviewed.
We’d usually turn to the likes of the ever-trusty Setlist.fm, but luckily this time the legendary NME have done the work for us. The setlist can obviously change from night to night, but here’s a general idea:
Here’s what @BiffyClyro played as they kicked off their epic 2026 ‘Futique’ UK and Ireland tour
Special Biffy Clyro Futique pop-up for Manchester show
Another rather exciting part of the pre-gig fanfare this time around is that Biffy Clyro are hosting dedicated merchandise pop-ups across the UK ahead of the band’s gigs in each city.
On for a limited-time only, we’d advise getting those ducks in a row and nailing your schedule to make sure you leave enough time to visit one if you’re interested.
ADVERTISEMENT
Promising everything from special edition vinyls, tees, and even more, such as exclusive even tattoo sessions, Manchester’s Biffy Clyro merch pop-up venue is yet to be confirmed, so keep your eyes peeled on social media.
You can find the full list of details for over locations down below.
How to get to Co-op Live – travel advice, parking and more
Tram
For those of you heading to Co-op Live, you’ll be glad to know 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.
ADVERTISEMENT
Trams run frequently on the Ashton-Eccles line to the Etihad stop, with services leaving every six minutes from the city centre and until 1:00am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Bus
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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:
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:
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
Greater Manchester now also offers the option to hire bikes through the Beryl app, with riders able to locate, unlock, get to their destination and then safely lock up the bike 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.
The Manc -
28th August 2020 
