2024 is already off to a flyer at Manchester’s AO Arena, with the likes of Arenacross delighting thousands in the opening week of the year, tens of thousands of metalcore fans set to descend on Victoria for the Bring Me The Horizon gig weekend, but we’re only just getting started.
There is some seriously massive stuff happening at the AO Arena in the first half of the year alone and having had the pleasure of going to plenty of amazing shows in 2023, we’re already dying to be back inside the legendary Manc venue.
And when we say there’s some massive stuff, we mean it; some of the biggest names on the planet across all forms of live entertainment are set to fill the 20,000-capacity venue over the next six months.
Best gigs and events happening at the AO Arena (January-June)
1. Peter Kay
Bolton‘s beloved comedian is taking to the stage for the first time in 13 whole years and what better way to make a return than by performing for almost the entire year in 2024?
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The doors open for the first show on Friday, 26 January and run right up until Saturday, 21 December but, as you might expect, the demand is extremely high and you’ll probably be relying on resale for this one.
Having pushed his tour back from 2022, tickets have been highly anticipated and most shows are currently at limited availability. He also has a monthly residency at the O2 in London, but we all know seeing him on home soil would make it that little bit sweeter.
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The star of stage and screen is a British icon and he’s finally back doing what he does best. So, if you do get the chance to see Kay in action we can almost guarantee an evening of side-splitting stand-up. You can try your luck HERE.
2. The 1975
The Wilmslow group have arguably established themselves as one of the biggest and most generation-defining bands of the decade so far, and now they’re back for their biggest tour to date yet.
Simply entitled the ‘Still… At Their Very Best’ tour, they certainly are. Due to insane demand, they quickly realised that one show in Manchester was never going to be enough, so now we’ve got two, coming to the AO Arena on 17 and 18 February, having also added additional shows in Glasgow and London.
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Supporting acts are still yet to be confirmed but watch this space. We all know if there’s one place to see Matty Healy and the boys it’s under the lights at the AO Arena. You can scout for tickets HERE.
Let’s just say we enjoyed ourselves a little too much last time around…
As big a name as ever, Rick Astley will be closing out his ‘Are We There Yet?’ tour right here in Manchester. The 57-year-old rose to prominence in the late 80s with era-defining classics like ‘Together Forever’ and a little-known tune called ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’, but remains a cultural icon to this day.
Astley is continuing his 21st-century renaissance, having shone at Glastonbury, R&L 2023, Kendal Calling (we can vouch for two out of three of those) in the summer, not mention becoming best mates with Blossoms over the past couple of years.
His almost sold-out show will be coming to the AO Arena on Saturday, 2 March, supported by the legendary Belinda Carlisle and Leigh-based indie-pop group, The Lottery Winners.
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Why not grab some tickets below? At the end of the day. he’s never gonna let you down, famously.
Irish sensation Niall Horan is back on tour, a world tour! Before moving on to Europe, Asia and the US, he’s closing out the UK leg with a big performance at the AO on Tuesday, 5 March, but be quick because only the last few tickets are available.
The former 1D superstar has continued where he left off with his solo career, giving us ‘Slow Hands’ and ‘This Town’ and building on his already global fanbase. He’s also going to be one of the first acts to play at the new Co-op Live later in the year.
This time out he’s giving us The Show, his third studio album released in the summer and with it the first chance to hear it live. He will be back in Manchester in August, but if you can’t wait until then you know what to do.
We can’t lie, we love a bit of this Irish lad’s stuff and even if you don’t grab tickets to see him, we will be.
Certified chart-topper Ne-Yo is back in the UK in 2024 with setlists guaranteed to be packed out with iconic hits.
The three-time Grammy award winner will be opening and closing his ‘Champagne and Roses Tour’ in Manchester with the first show on Thursday, 7 March. After bouncing around the country for ten dates he’ll be wrapping things up at the AO Arena again on Tuesday, 19 March.
His melodic debut single, 2005’s So Sick’ hit No.1 on the Billboard Top 100 and went on to become a quadruple platinum record. Since then, Ne-Yo’s been dishing out bangers like a busy butcher, ‘Miss Independent’, ‘She Knows’ and ‘Time of Our Lives’ just to name a few.
If one American superstar wasn’t enough, have another. Alongside Ne-Yo, R&B heavyweight Mario will be joining the tour whose track ‘Let Me Love You’ will have a millennial meltdown in the crowd covered… if Ne-Yo hadn’t sorted that already.
Anyone else becomes slightly obsessed with the World Darts Championships over the New Year, and by slightly we mean massively!
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Well, the Premier League is coming to town on Thursday, 4 April. The world’s top four, Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, Michael Smith and Stockport’s very own Nathan Aspinall will be joined by four wildcards, including a debut season from the teenage phenomenon, Luke Littler.
Disclaimer: Luke ‘The Nuke’ will no longer be 16 years old at this point.
Over 17 weeks in 17 cities, Dart’s biggest names will be battling it out for the coveted title so make sure you take the chance to see it live in our own backyard. Dig out your daft fancy dress and get your ‘180!’s at the ready! You can book your seat on the boring, boring tables (or elsewhere) HERE.
7. The National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals
The biggest musicals, all in one night, all in one place? Yep! Hosted by comedian and musical theatre star Jason Manford, the show serves as a special thank you to National Lottery players who have in the past year helped support over 750 theatre-related projects across the UK.
The lineup includes performances from the cast of Hamilton, Disney’s Aladdin, Les Misérables and Grease. The highly coveted event sold out in a matter of hours on first release and the additional few hundred that were released last week were snapped up in the same style.
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Coming to the AO Arena on Monday, 22 January, it’s only around the corner, so if you we’re fortunate enough to get your hands on some tickets start looking forward to some of the UK’s best stage talent.
It goes without saying that this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the gigs, live entertainment and all the other events happening at the AO Arena in 2024.
It’s going to be a great year, we can just feel it.
Keep an eye on our Instagram and dedicated The Manc Audio page to make sure you don’t miss one bit of it — and see you out there!
Featured Images — Supplied/The Manc Group/Marc Benner
Audio
Smirnoff teams up with Co-op Live for new Summer Series
Danny Jones
Smirnoff, the world’s number-one vodka brand not to mention a leading force in wider music culture, has officially partnered with Co-op Live to mark the opening of the new state-of-the-art venue and its debut calendar.
The partnership will see the new ‘Co-op Live Summer Series presented by Smirnoff‘ run until 13 September 2024. As part of the collaboration, the vodka brand will surprise and delight guests visiting the venue with great-tasting drinks and the ultimate night out, with VIP packages and more.
Co-op Live has curated a stacked lineup of popular bands, singers and entertainers, including some of the biggest names in music, who are set to perform at Europe’s largest indoor entertainment venue.
Starting the Summer Series off with a bang presented by Smirnoff celebrations, the brand is offering friends a chance to win tickets to see their favourite stars perform live, hosted by celebrities including TV favourite Callum Jones, as well as social media and makeup virtuoso Mitchell Halliday.
Alongside their hosts, winners will enjoy access to the exclusive Decibel Club and enjoy the concert from a private suite hosted by Smirnoff, fully immersing themselves in the ultimate venue experience. Competition details (18+ only) can be found on Smirnoff’s Instagram page.
Attendees at the 23,500 capacity Co-op Live arena will have the opportunity to choose from a range of Smirnoff favourites, including Smirnoff Raspberry Crush, Smirnoff Mango and Passionfruit Twist, Smirnoff No.21 and more.
These drinks will be available to guests over 18 at bars and grab-and-go stations throughout the venue, including the Smirnoff Founders Bar. Guests can also try the newest addition to the range, Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind, at the bar located on the concourse – fingers crossed there’ll be plenty of sun too.
There is a unique must-try experience for all gig attendees: a 360-photo booth on Level 3, where guests can use fun props to snap the best and most high-end selfies they’ve ever taken, and have a chance to get their tickets upgraded that evening.
Operated by holding group Diaego, the aim of Smirnoff’s Co-op Live Summer Series is to reflect the vodka brand’s ongoing commitment to making music more accessible to everyone.
Smirnoff recently rolled out its ‘WE DO US’ campaign, activated through a series of initiatives that aim to reignite social connections and lower barriers to socialising.
Tyler Monk, Smirnoff Brand Manager at Diageo Great Britain, said: “Smirnoff is on a mission to make music more accessible and create unforgettable experiences that bring people together through live music. We’re proud to partner with Co-op Live and be part of Manchester’s vibrant music scene, offering great-tasting Smirnoff drinks, music, and unique experiences to a wider audience.”
Check the website for the full schedule of events at Co-op Live HERE.
Featured Images — Smirnoff (supplied)/The Manc Group
Audio
Tramlines Festival 2024 – tickets, stage times, drinks prices and everything you need to know
Emily Johnson
Tramlines Festival returns to Hillsborough Park for another year and we here at Audio North cannot wait to walk back out onto that field.
Between Friday, 26 July and Sunday, 28 July 2024, festival-goers will have the opportunity to watch some of the UK’s best musical talent and discover new acts on the smaller stages in the musical city of Sheffield.
The line-up is stacked this year, with Paolo Nutini, Jamie T and Snow Patrol taking the headline slots over the weekend, alongside huge acts such as Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Bombay Bicycle Club, Miles Kane, The Human League, Bombay Bicycle Club and Tom Grennan.
Over 100 acts are expected to perform at Tramlines 2024 across five stages, with an array of genres from indie rock, pop, punk, hip hop, comedy and more. There’s definitely something for everyone.
Credit: Tramlines (supplied)
Tramlines lineup 2024
Friday 26 July
Kicking off the weekend and setting the bar high, Paolo Nutini is set to headline the main stage on Friday 26 July. With huge hits like ‘New Shoes’, ‘Candy’ and all-time favourite ‘Last Request’, the soulful Scot knows how to get a crowd going.
Bombay Bicycle Club will also perform in the evening, the perfect band to play as the sunsets over Hillsborough Park. With over six albums to pick from, we’re guaranteed some bangers.
The full line-up for Friday includes Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Miles Kane, Coach Party, The View, The Charlatans, SOFT PLAY, The Mysterines, Dylan John Thomas, Mitch Santiago, Lucy Beaumont, Hannah Rowe and Matilda Shakes.
The Sarah Nulty stage schedule is as follows:
Paolo Nutini: 8.15pm-10.15pm
Bombay Bicycle Club: 6.15pm-7.15pm
Sophie Ellis-Bextor: 4.45pm-5.30pm
Miles Kane: 3.50pm-4.15pm
Coach Party: 2.30pm-3pm
The View (Special Guests): 1.15pm-2pm
Bedroom High Club: 12.15pm-12.45pm
Credit: Supplied
Saturday 27 July
The excitement continues over the weekend with indie legend Jamie T taking the headline slot Saturday night, with the crowd belting out British classics of ‘Sheila’, ‘Zombie’, and ‘Sticks n Stones’. We’re proper buzzing for it. The crowd will be warmed up with Tom Grennan and Scottish indie rock band, The Snuts.
The Sarah Nulty stage schedule is as follows:
Jamie T: 8.45pm-10.15pm
Tom Grennan: 6.45pm-7.45pm
The Snuts: 5pm-5.45pm
Sprints: 3.45pm-4.15pm
Nieve Ella: 2.45pm-3.15pm
Everly Pregnant Brothers: 1.15pm-2.15pm
The Leadmill Studio Orchestra: 12.15pm-12.45pm
Credit: Supplied
Sunday 28 July
Snow Patrol will close the festival Sunday night, with tear-jerking tunes like ‘Chasing Cars’ and ‘Open Your Eyes’. But before the Irish trio take the stage and switch up the genre, The Human League will perform before Example will get the crowd partying with his massive hits like ‘Kickstarts’ and ‘Changed the Way You Kiss Me’.
The Sarah Nulty stage schedule is as follows:
Snow Patrol: 7.45pm-9.15pm
The Human League: 5.45pm-6.45pm
Example: 4pm-4.45pm
Flowerovlove: 2.45pm-3.15pm
Maximo Park (Special Guests): 1.30pm-2.15pm
Phillipa Zawe: 12.30pm-1pm
Credit: Supplied
Tickets
There are still some tickets are still available on the Tramlines website. The gates open at 12pm each day, with the last entry being at 19:30.
Resale tickets for the full weekend are set at £140; Friday will cost £65, Saturday £45 and Sunday £55 and there are lots of affordable prices for kids too.
You can see the full list of prices and grab yours HERE.
Tramlines Festival map and how to get there
Arriving by train
For people travelling into the city from elsewhere, Sheffield is easily accessible from all across the country, with regular trains running around the region and one central station. From there, the festival site is accessible via taxi, bus or tram, and only takes approximately 15 mins.
The tramlines to, well, Tramlines…
As the name would suggest, the festival is pretty much built for public transport and Sheffield’s great tram links mean it’s really easy to get there. Supertram has all the info you need for your weekend travel and can find all the info and ticket prices by downloading the TSY Mobile app.
You can catch these from the following key locations:
Yellow Route
Middlewood Park & Ride
The Cathedral
Meadowhall Park & Ride
Use Hillsborough Park stop and head for the Middlewood Rd Entrance.
Blue Route
Malin Bridge Park & Ride
The Cathedral
Sheffield Railway Station / Hallam University
Halfway Park & Ride
Use Hillsborough stop and head for the Middlewood Rd Entrance.
Supertram services will run every six minutes from the city centre to Hillsborough Park, which is then just a short two-minute walk to the festival.
As for when you’re leaving, it’s worth noting that the Hillsborough Park and Hillsborough Corner stops will be closed after the show, so you will have access to the Leppings Lane stop from within the park after the headliners have finished. You can view the full list of stops or plan your journey HERE.
There are two entrances: Penistone Rd, S6 2AN OR Middlewood Rd, S6 4HA
By bus
Just like the rail, Sheffield also has great bus links in Sheffield that can help you get to and from Tramlines. There is a dedicated Hillsborough Park bus stop but do keep in mind that there will likely be some disruptions/delays when leaving the festival. You can plan your journey via Travel South Yorkshire.
By car
Given that Tramlines is a Metropolitan festival and built for public transport, organisers strongly recommend not driving to the event given the amount of congestion and in an effort to reduce the environmental impact over the weekend; however, you can find out more about parking etc. HERE.
As a pedestrian
In all honesty, once you’re in Sheffield, one of the easiest ways to get to Tramlines is simply on foot after hopping on a tram or a bus, but should you also want to cycle to the festival, there is a bike rack at the Penistone Road entrance (S6 2AN).
Food and drink – vendors and prices
With all that partying you will definitely build up an appetite. Luckily, Tramlines has tons of food vendors for you to choose from, including gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options.
With over 40,000 festival goers to feed, there are plenty of options to keep you full, from Proove Pizza, ‘As Tha Got Beef and Get Wurst just to name a few.
As for drink prices this year, a pint at Tramlines will cost you anywhere from £6-£7 depending on what beer you go for, whereas cans of cider start from £6.25; wine starts from £10 for English sparkling white wine, with rose and pinot grigio costing £16 for a half or £32 for a full bottle.
Sprit and mixers deals start from £7.25 with the option to double up for £2.50 and you can push all the way up to £9.25 for an official Red Bull cocktail. Meanwhile, your shots are a fiver (barring jager bombs set at £6.50), soft drinks start from £2.90 and water is £2.70.
And with that, this should be just about all you need to know ahead of Tramlines 2024 – all that’s left to do is go and enjoy yourselves, and The Sheff crew will see you there!
Oh, and make sure to keep your eyes over on the brand-new Audio North for all the best coming out of this year’s festival. It’ll look a little something like this…