Andy Burnham surprised festival-goers at Kendal Calling last night by popping up on the main stage.
The Greater Manchester Mayor briefly swapped the political stage for a music one to introduce Blossoms for their massive headline performance.
Blossoms have gained a few famous pals over the years, from Liam Fray of the Courteeners to the legendary Rick Astley – but they turned to their old mate Burnham for this job.
The Stockport five-piece have worked with the Mayor in the past, including at his Raise the Roof charity concert, raising money for Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity #BedEveryNight campaign.
So it wasn’t a total shock when Andy Burnham rocked up to introduce them, dressed in cargo pants and a shacket.
And before anyone starts commenting that he should be doing his day job – it’s the weekend. Have a day off.
Burnham asked the crowd where the coolest place in the north west is, dismissing his home city of Liverpool and his adopted city of Manchester.
He then said the Stockport is, in fact, the coolest place in our region – which was welcomed with a fair few disagreeing boos from the huge crowd.
Burnham said: “Kendal Calling how we doing? This is the Mayor of Greater Manchester reporting for duty.
“I’m just here to check that you’re all okay, yeah? You all okay? You having a good time?
“Isn’t the north west of England the best place on Earth? It is, isn’t it. And d’you know where the coolest place in the north west is right now? It’s not Liverpool. It’s not even Manchester. It’s Stockport!
“Stockport! Honestly, it is! And do you know why Stockport is the coolest place in the north west?
“It’s because 10 years ago, five lads got together, and they formed a band, and they named it after the local pub. And 10 years later, they smashed Glastonbury, and now they’re headlining the biggest festival in the north west.
Andy Burnham introduced Blossoms to the stage at Kendal Calling. Credit: The Manc GroupAndy Burnham introduced Blossoms to the stage at Kendal Calling. Credit: The Manc Group
“Kendal Calling, give it up, for Stockport’s finest, the north west’s finest, give it up for Blossoms!”
Reaction to his appearance has been a little mixed, to say the least.
One person labelled him ‘The king of the north’ while another said the was actually ‘the c*ck of the north’ – so that’s nice.
Someone else said: “He can p*ss off, along with his CAZ proposals too.”
Then he was defended by a few saying: “He’s a great Mayor. Only the Tory scum hate him.”
And then there’s the comment we all saw coming a mile off – “Stockport is still sh*t!”
A huge house and disco music festival is taking place just on the border of Greater Manchester
Danny Jones
Not ready for Oasis fever or festival season to be over? Well, lucky for you, there’s still plenty more live music happening this summer – and if you’re into your house, electronic, disco and dance music, there’s an event happening just outside of 0161 next weekend.
Fancy a little trip out to Cheshire?
Yes, over in the lovely suburb of Wilmslow, the increasingly popular House and Vocal Disco Fest returns for 2025, promising plenty of energy, loads of local food and drink vendors, as well as non-stop tunage all day long.
Speaking ahead of their comeback this year, the organisers say: “Whether you’re reliving the glory days of clubland or discovering disco classics for the first time, House & Vocal Disco Fest 2025 is set to deliver the ultimate summer soundtrack.”
Hosted at the Phoenix Sports Club (no, as funny as it would be, there’s no connection to Peter Kay or Paddy McGuinness) near Styal, only a short drive from the town centre,
Booked for this year’s festival is chart-topping headliner DJ and Kiss FM presenter, Majestic, best known for his huge remixes and viral house hits.
Speaking of which, local artist, producer and co-creator Jon Fitz, who has recently opened his own bar, Fizpatrick’s in the heart of Stockport, will also be performing 20 years on from the release of his timeless classic, ‘I Just Can’t Get Enough’.
Legendary DJ Allister Whitehead and fellow veteran, Lifford – the velvety voice behind many soulful house music favourites – will also be alongside Fitz and co. as they turn those old market village vibes into one big dancefloor.
Excited to get back behind the decks, Fitz told The Manc: “Now in our third year — and our biggest yet — we’re bringing something truly spectacular to Cheshire. People can expect boutique vibes, intimate energy. This isn’t just a festival, it’s an experience. House & Vocal do things differently”
Once again, festival-goers can expect a day packed with uplifting tunes, a feel-good North West crowd living it large not too far from Greater Manchester, as well as all the perks of a local boutique festival setup too.
Taking place on Saturday, 26 July at Wilmslow Phoenix Sports Club from 12 noon until late, all early bird and VIP passes have sold out, but general admission is still available for £38.75 – and that’s including your booking fees.
You can find out more on House and Vocal Disco Fest 2025, as well as grab your tickets, right HERE.
Oasis fans prepare for biblical rain as Met Office issues thunderstorm warning
Daisy Jackson
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms – just in time for the next Oasis gigs.
The weather service is forecasting ‘heavy rain, with some thunderstorms’ on Saturday, the day of the fourth Oasis homecoming show in Heaton Park.
The opening two Oasis Live ’25 shows at Heaton Park took place under cloudless blue skies with temperatures upwards of 30°C – but that doesn’t feel very authentically Manc, does it?
It’s looking like it’s all about to take a turn back towards normal Manchester weather for the final two shows.
The yellow weather warning is currently in place across Greater Manchester and much of the UK until 9pm on Saturday 19 July.
According to the Met Office, heavy rain is likely in Prestwich from midday until 5pm on Saturday, easing off to light rain until 7pm and then (hopefully) dry by the time Oasis take the stage at Heaton Park.
Daisy Jackson -
30th July 2023 
