If you’re a kid born in the 90s or noughties, get your classic Converse on, an old-school tie out of the cupboard and oversized camo pants with an unnecessary amount of zips at the ready, because pop-rock queen Avril Lavigne is coming to Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl this week.
We hope you still have some kind of emo fringe going on and a spare spiked bracelet or two lying around somewhere, but don’t worry if not – even if Avril seemingly hasn’t aged, the rest of us have.
That’s right, the 39-year-old singer-songwriter who soundtracked the youth of so many Mancs, let alone millions of others around the world, is the very first act of Sounds of the City 2024 lineup and what a way to kick things off.
On the scene since 1999, the iconic ‘Sk8er Boi’, ‘Complicated’ and ‘Girlfriend’ singer is still up there with one of the most iconic voices on the planet and getting her to play her first-ever gig at Castlefield Bowl is some coup for the festival if you ask us. Here’s everything you need to know.
Are there tickets left for Avril Lavigne at Castlefield Bowl?
Now, we’re sorry to break the news to you but Avril Lavigne‘s Greatest Hits show at this year’s Sound of the City is a sold-out event. No surprises there, really.
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However, when it comes to big gigs like these, there’s still the chance that you might find a few spares popping up here and there on legitimate resale sites like Twickets, Viagogo, TicketSwap etc.
That being said, we always advise due diligence when it comes to picking up second-hand tickets and we urge you to avoid ticket touts by all means necessary – they’re illegal and the only way to get rid of them as a problem in the gig industry is to ignore them altogether.
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Who’s supporting Avril Lavigne in Manchester?
For those of you who are going along to the show, you’re in for another early to mid-2000s treat as the Canadian pop-rock princess is joined by her fellow compatriots Simple Plan as the main support act on this tour.
Made famous by tracks like ‘I’m Just A Kid’, ‘Perfect’, ‘Welcome To My Life’ and a version of the Scooby-Doo theme (oh yeah, that one), they’ve been going almost just as long as Avril and are still releasing new music all these years later, with their last album dropping in 2022.
They even did a collab with Natasha Bedingfield over a decade ago and if you’re wondering whether you’ve heard them before, you most definitely have but, like the Lavigne, it’ll be their first time at the Bowl so you best make it a special one.
Judging simply from last year’s times, doors to Sounds of the City typically open from 5:30pm onwards and the main event headliners don’t usually start until somewhere between 8:30-9pm.
We’ll confess there’s still a bit of guesswork since details are yet to be confirmed, but you can probably expect Simple Plan to take the stage from roughly 7-7:30pm – but once again, these are always subject to change.
Don’t worry either way, we’ll update you with the final stage times as and when we get them.
The Greatest Hits setlist
As for what the timeless singer-songwriter will be playing on the night, we have the good fortune of this being a tour in support of her recently released Greatest Hits album and having just watched her smash Glastonbury set this past weekend, so we think we have a pretty good idea of the running order.
The order might be tweaked slightly but here’s a guess and what she is likely to play based on the performance at Worthy Farm:
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Girlfriend
What the Hell
Complicated
Here’s to Never Growing Up
My Happy Ending
He Wasn’t
Don’t Tell Me
Losing Grip
I’m With You
Bite Me
Love It When You Hate Me
Sk8er Boi
That being said, other favourite tracks like ‘He Wasn’t’, ‘Head Above Water’, ‘Rock N Roll’; ‘Keep Holding On’, ‘Smile’, ‘Bois Lie’; ‘When You’re Gone’ and ‘Nobody’s Home’ could be part of a full 20 track setlist.
Imagine how much a Yungblud guest appearance for ‘I’m A Mess’ and this version of her ultimate ballad (don’t even try to argue) would go off…
Someone get a Yungblud’s flight-tracker going right now and find out if he’s heading to Manchester.
How to get there
Castlefield Bowl (M3 4JR) is on Rice Street just down Liverpool Road which cuts off the main Deansgate strip in the city centre and you can enter Manchester’s much-loved outdoor amphitheatre via Duke or Castle Street.
It’s just a short walk from Deansgate train station or the Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop, where you’ll find regular trams running all over Greater Manchester.
If you’re driving there, Great Northern Warehouse’s (M3 4EE) car park, as well as two other NCPs near Bridgewater Hall and on Quay Street in Spinningfields.
Sounds as good as she ever has.We had a blast watching Blossoms at the bowl in 2023. Credit: Justin Higuchi (via Flickr)/The Manc Audio
Avril Lavigne rocks up to Castlefield Bowl on Wednesday, 3 July to kick off a great summer of music at Sounds of the City 2024, with the likes of Jungle, The National, Tom Grennan and more.
Aren’t we lucky to get such amazing names filing into the city for such massive shows every year?
As for Avril, we’ll see you there skater boys and girls!
Featured Images — Press Images/The Manc Group/Justin Higuchi (via Flickr)
Audio
10 of the biggest and best gigs coming to Manchester | 2026
Thomas Melia
Manchester has some fantastic live music lined up for next year, and we’ve rounded up 10 of the biggest live gigs and concerts coming in 2026.
This city is synonymous with having some of the best gigs around, so it will come as no surprise that 2026 is shaping up to be another jam-packed year of live music and unforgettable performances.
Whether your dream gig has to contain some jazz scatting, acoustic guitars or heavy EDM hits, this list has got most music bases covered.
So allow us to present to you 10 of the biggest live gigs and some of the concerts we’re most excited for in the New Year at Audio North, with acts and artists across a variety of genres.
10 of the biggest Manchester gigs in 2026
Mariah the Scientist – Manchester Academy (Wed 14 January)
When Mariah the Scientist last visited the musical capital of the North in 2024, she opted for Gorilla; this time, the US R&B singer-songwriter has chosen Manchester Academy.
She’s added another LP to her discography since, titled Hearts Sold Separately, it features the standout track ‘Burning Blue’, which has become her most successful single to date.
Ms Scientist is playing this venue’s biggest stage, playing out to over 2,000 fans will be ready to sing along to all her impressive hits, like ‘Is It a Crime’: her collaboration with Kali Uchis, and many others that have made her one of our artists to watch in 2026.
Off the back of their Co-op Live gig earlier in December, English folk-rockers Mumford & Sons are the gift that keeps on giving as they’re heading back to the city in February for a more intimate show.
Playing at Albert Hall in Manchester city centre, these London lads will be celebrating the release of their newest musical addition, Prizefighter, popping up in smaller venues across the UK for a one-of-a-kind album launch gig.
The celebrations don’t stop there as the trio will soon surpass a huge milestone with their hit ‘Little Lion Man’ close to one billion streams, a feat most artists dream of achieving – Tickets HERE.
Raye – Co-op Live (Tues 17 and Wed 18 February)
One of our leading vocalists, Raye, is stopping off at Co-op Live twice / Credit: Press shot (supplied)
Tooting talent Rachel Keen, widely recognised by her artist moniker Raye, is taking over Co-op Live for two nights of magical music, but as the title of the shows preface, This Tour May Contain New Music.
Her songs are addictive and distinctive, like the EDM/rap-fusion of ‘Escapism.’, or the big band-inspired ‘Where Is My Husband?’ – this South London star knows how to craft a pop hit.
Her career started in the Dance/EDM genre, where she contributed vocals and writing skills to a number of records. In previous shows, she usually merges these songs into a stripped-back showcase.
Unfortunately, general on-sale tickets have sold out, but you can still try and find premium seats for both dates HERE.
Lily Allen – AO Arena + Aviva Studios (10 and 11 March + 19 and 20 June)
This storytelling vocalist is returning to 0161 as part of the biggest headline tour of her career and getting ready to sing her latest tracks like ‘Tennis’, ‘Ruminating’ and more.
Allen is getting ready to turn both Aviva Studios and AO Arena into her pop-up ‘P*ssy Palace’ for four nights of ‘Lily Allen Performs West End Girl‘.
The London star announced her arena tour after selling out a string of theatre dates one week prior. We expect these extra dates to be just as exceptional; the only thing we don’t know is “Who’s Madeline?”
Both Aviva Studios dates are sold out, but don’t start ‘Ruminating’ just yet, as there’s plenty for her AO Arena shows HERE.
Basement Jaxx – Aviva Studios (Sat 28 March)
EDM icons Basement Jaxx are also coming to Aviva in 2026 / Credit: Jean-Luc Brouard (via Press Shot)
Felix and Simon – more commonly recognised as electronic act Basement Jaxx – are heading to Aviva Studios, and they’re bringing banger after banger.
Whether you’re ready to groove to ‘Romeo’, dance the night away to ‘Red Alert’ or lose control when ‘Do Your Thing’ blasts out the speakers, this night will be stacked with some huge tunes.
This EDM duo know how to command a crowd, so don’t wait for your friends to ask you, ‘Where’s Your Head At’ – get those tickets booked HERE.
The Scottish star is touring up and down the country, including Wigan, Preston and Blackpool, just to name a few, and has kindly decided to bless Manchester with her bouncy and upbeat tracks.
Get ready to be ‘Dancing At The Edge Of The World’ when soul singer-songwriter Brooke Combe plays out her cathartic tunes at this packed-out Manchester gig hotspot HERE.
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Lusaint – Band on the Wall (Tue 14 April)
Local artist Lusaint is coming to Band on the Wall / Credit: The Manc Group
This time, Stretford soul singer Lusaint has chosen to bless Northern Quarter institution Band on the Wall with her next hometown performance.
She’s been slowly adding to her music catalogue since her last Manchester gig, and with the newly-released single ‘Blind’ as well as her latest EP, Apothecary Pt.1, Lusaint is ready to wow crowds with her incredible vocals – Tickets HERE.
Olivia Dean – Co-op Live (Sat 25 and Sun 26 April)
Superstar Olivia Dean is ready for Manchester – are you? / Credit: Jack Davison (via supplied)
2025 was Olivia Dean’s year; four singles charting in the UK Top 10 simultaneously and a number one album in the form of The Art of Loving, she’s unstoppable.
Playing two nights at Co-op Live in Manchester and a SIX-night residency (yep) at The O2 in London, Dean has captured audiences across the country with hits like ‘Nice To Each Other’ and ‘Man I Need’.
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Her success is no surprise, being a Brit School graduate and her middle name inspired by R&B royalty Lauryn Hill, now she’s playing out to a combined 47,000 over two nights.
As you can expect, tickets for this one were snapped up pretty quickly, but there are a number of premium tickets for both dates HERE.
If you missed out on your chance to catch Neo-soul hitmaker Olivia Dean, why not check out this class local act at O2 Ritz Manchester instead?
Titled after one of Manchester’s busiest motorways, M60, this indie rock band aren’t just one of our favourite artists right now, they’re Gary Neville’s too.
Their biggest song, ‘I Don’t Mind,’ has amassed over five million streams, and ‘Honey’ is not far off with over one million streams. Give them a listen and catch them live HERE.
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Doja Cat – Co-op Live (23 May)
Multi-talented musician Doja Cat knows how to put on a performance, and she’ll be doing just that when she arrives in Manchester with her ‘Tour Ma Vie‘.
Her music pays homage to her pop predecessors like ‘Jealous Type’, an ode to the aesthetics and sounds of 80s music, or her smash hit ‘Say So’, which is heavily inspired by 70s funk and disco.
This indoor Co-op Live date will be a lot drier than her last visit to Manchester took place at Parklife Festival, where the star found herself performing during one of this city’s infamous downpours.
‘Get Into It’ with Doja Cat as there’s an array of tickets available HERE.
The Weeknd – Etihad Stadium (11 June)
The Weeknd is returning to the Etihad / Credit: Sebastian Nagy (supplied)
Initially, The Weeknd had Manc fans contemplating the four-hour journey down to the Big Smoke with his tour dates originally listed for Wembley Stadium in London.
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Since the first announcement, the Canadian R&B record-holder surprised Northern fans with a large-scale gig right here in Manchester city centre at the Etihad Stadium next June.
This latest live appearance is labelled as ‘The Weeknd: After Hours Til Dawn Tour’, but it now incorporates his most recent album Hurry Up Tomorrow and features support from Rap act and collaborator Playboi Carti, and you can still get your hands on tickets HERE.
Audio North’s favourite albums of 2025
Danny Jones
It’s that time of the year again: time to round up the best, or at least our favourite albums of 2026 here at Audio North.
We’re ready for your spiky opinions and intense judgement.
For those of you who haven’t been following over the past year or so, members of The Manc, The SheffandThe Hoot have banded together in our love of music to create the one-stop shop for all the best Northern tunage there is, going to as many gigs and chatting with as many artists as possible.
However, we’d never dare limit an audiophile’s listening to one region, so you can expect plenty of globe-trotting, genre-hopping and head-bopping excellence on this list. Without further ado, here is Audio North‘s round-up of the best records of the year for 2025.
Lux by Rosalía – Emily
5/5
I am not a trusted voice in music criticism, nor do I claim to be, so take what this verging-on-30-year-old white girl who only speaks English and has no relationship to religion whatsoever, says with a pinch of salt… but I think this might be one of the best albums of the decade, never mind this year.
When was the last time a genre-bending concept album about feminine spirituality and female saints sung in 14 DIFFERENT languages managed to wiggle its way into the cultural zeitgeist and onto the global charts? Yeah, never.
But that’s exactly what’s happened with Spanish singer Rosalía’s fourth studio album, Lux. It sees the hugely influential musician return to her roots by showcasing her classical training, with touches of flamenco mixed in with contemporary pop and orchestral sound – and to me, it’s exactly where she belongs.
Go on, give it a listen if you haven’t already.
We’re Never Getting Out by Deaf Havana – Danny
4.5/5
Since early adolescence onwards, Deaf Havana have been with me through every major milestone, significant moment and formative part of my life, good, bad, and everything in between, so it only feels fitting that I’d enter my third decade on this planet with one of their records to start me off right.
In fact, not only did they release this in my birthday month, but they also happened to play Manchester not long before the big day. I couldn’t have asked for a better 30th gift, but getting to hear this long-awaited batch of new tunes live and seeing frontman James Veck-Gilodi back at his best felt special.
They’ve been through many iterations over the years and I’ve loved them all in their own way; their previous two albums definitely felt like a return to form after perhaps somewhat of a blip (for various background reasons), but it still staggers me how Matty and James’ stuff never fails to connect with me more than any other artist, no matter the age, stage or style.
To be completely truthful, I’ll always lean towards their heavier guitar-driven stuff – and they’ll never abandon it – but I guess there’s a comfort in knowing just how challenging a period of life James has gone through, yet he still continues to be the most raw, introspective and eternally honest lyricist.
For my money, the best and most underrated songwriter of a generation. Help hail him if you want it, or don’t; even if not, it feels like he gets to stay mine, or at least for those of us initiated, OURS.
Thanks for everything up until now, and you know what? Sod it, I’ll take the liberty of speaking on behalf of all Deaf fans when I say we’re SO bloody happy you’re back with us, even if ‘The Present Is still feels like* a Foreign Land’.
Would I have called myself a Lily Allen fan six months ago? No. But I have always called myself a fan of a diss track and a good gossip, so when I learned of her divorce album, I consumed it HARD.
West End Girl is a solid pop album, but also a masterclass in knowing your worth, speaking your truth, and serving revenge ice-cold. And bringing the receipts, too.
It’s also a masterclass in music marketing – not only did it drop right before the release of her ex-husband’s biggest project of his career, but her tour posters were then placed directly opposite Stranger Things posters, so her face reflected back over his.
He effectively vanished from his own press tour, and possibly the face of the planet? Has David Harbour gone into witness protection in ‘The Upside Down’? I would.
Love and light, Lily, and thank you for delivering the best.
Before you ask, yes, I have endured a breakup this year and, coincidentally, around the same time as Ms Dean released this absolute masterclass of a sophomore album.
The Art of Loving is a perfect analysis of love in all forms. Her heartfelt yet humoured lyricism explores its constant ups and downs, from delightfully romantic songs like ‘So Easy (To Fall In Love)’to more gut-wrenching, raw confessions like ‘Let Alone The One You Love’.
But perhaps the most prominent theme of love throughout is self-love; Olivia portrays herself as not a victim but a student, and we, as listeners, are reassured that we’re all in the same boat and that if we trust the process, the right sort of love will find us eventually.
It’s no surprise that Olivia Dean is one of the most exciting artists in the world right now, oozing class, charm and impeccable talent – we can’t wait to see her live again and to see what she does next.
A Complicated Woman by Self Esteem – Kris
5/5
Self Esteem has kicked the door off its hinges this year with her third studio album, A Complicated Woman, with standout critical acclaim. The album explores identity, womanhood and burnout against a backdrop of delicious pop-bops and powerfully honest lyrics with a theatricality that few other musicians can muster.
I only properly “discovered” Self Esteem this year, and she has absolutely knocked my musical socks off. I had the joy of watching her sensational performance at Glastonbury, shedding a number of tears at the likes of ‘I Do And I Don’t Care’, ‘In Plain Sight’ and ‘Focus Is Power’.
Her lyrics and her music have a way of mining the depths of your emotions and dragging feelings out of you that you didn’t even know existed. ‘The Deep Blue Okay’ is the perfect closer, reminding us that self-preservation is acceptable and OK.
In a world where there is constant pressure, internally and externally, to be perfect, this whole album reminds us that sometimes being imperfect and trying is what matters. Every day we get to have is big.
Whilst Sheffield-born Self Esteem might be a complicated woman, there is nothing complicated about this album being an absolute knock-out.
I’m usually a pop-punk, obsessed with Oli Sykes kinda girl, but Addison Rae… You are my Queen.
The soundtrack to my summer, Addison Rae brought us all classics like ‘Summer Forever’, ‘Diet Pepsi’, ‘Headphones on’, and the absolute fan favourite ‘Fame Is A Gun’ on the self-titled album, Addison.
She followed me to all my holidays, and the album itself takes you on a journey of what it’s like to be a woman; it’s empowering, showcasing what it’s like to be young, being in love, not wasting time and maybe a little bit of money – it’s a joyful masterpiece.
I fell short of seeing her live in Manchester earlier this year, but it didn’t stop me from scrolling through TikTok the next morning.
Addison, thank you for being the noise of one of my favourite summers – now put your ‘headphones on’ and enjoy.
People Watching by Sam Fender – Lonnie
4/5
People Watching… WHAT an album. Where do I even start? Sam Fender really has knocked it out of the park on this one – Wythenshawe Park, specifically.
It’s raw, emotional, yet still full of energy. I was lucky enough to see Fender for that wonderful day fest in Wythy back in August, where he did this album the utmost justice.
The title track ‘People Watching’ is a full-on banger: high energy and massive sound. It also carries a message that will hit people from all walks of life. Knowing it’s about a late mentor and friend of Sam’s made it land even harder.
‘Rein Me In’ is another standout, touching on self-sabotage in love, which most of us can acknowledge we have done at one time or another. It’s honest, extremely relatable, and hits home without trying too hard; having Clem’s favourite Olivia Dean then hop on it was just the stuff of dreams.
Overall, the album feels incredibly human. Reflective without being boring, emotional without being over the top. It’s the sort of record you stick on and let play, and it’ll hit different ways depending on where your head is. A brilliant album and one of Sam Fender‘s strongest to date.
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Hopefully! by Loyle Carner – EmJ
4/5
Hopefully! has been one album I’ve listened to time and time again this year. Loyle Carner (real name Benjamin Coyle Larner) continues to prove why his music connects so deeply with so many people.
From the moment I pressed play on the record, I was met with an immediate sense of comfort. The opening track, ‘feel at home’, begins with a child-like sound of wind chimes before switching into a jungle/breakbeat rhythm – a more experimental direction for Loyle, but one that feels completely natural.
Sonically, the album is interesting. There are moments that lean into a murky, slightly off-kilter sound that will remind many listeners of King Krule and Mac DeMarco – more in mood and atmosphere than direct influence. It shows Ben pushing himself creatively without losing what makes his music feel so personal.
Throughout the album, you can hear the weight in Loyle Carner’s voice. Often sounding like there’s a lump in his throat, his thoughts feel raw, unpolished and imperfect, and that’s exactly what makes the record resonate with me.
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Vulnerability has always been at the heart of Loyle’s music, but it feels especially front and centre here. The album flows effortlessly, and it’s one of those records you end up listening to front-to-back without even realising.
Tyler, The Creator’s latest album, DON’T TAP THE GLASS, is another reminder of why his evolution has been so compelling to watch. I’ve been listening to his music since the Odd Future days, and what’s impressive is how he’s managed to grow without losing that edge.
The album is inspired by people’s fear of dancing in public due to social media; it’s an album about letting loose and expressing yourself. Production is layered and interesting, but never distracting, giving Tyler room to say exactly what he wants to say.
‘Sugar On My Tongue’ stands out immediately. It’s the kind of track that grows with every listen and sticks around long after the album ends.
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This isn’t Tyler trying to prove anything. It’s an artist fully comfortable in his sound, still pushing himself forward while staying true to where he started.
Hearts Sold Separately by Mariah the Scientist – Thomas
4.5/5
With this project featuring my top song, album and artist of the year, ‘Is It a Crime’ if I didn’t choose this to be my album of the year? Yes. Mariah has resorted to every artist’s favourite era of inspiration, calling back to the 80s for some echoey drums, chimes and synths which dominate this record’s soundscape.
This album’s magnum opus, ‘Burning Blue’, sees her letting down her guard as she finds true love with ‘Eternal Flame’ and ‘Like You Never’ continuing this theme. Fittingly, Ms Scientist uses this album to discuss her expertise in one specific chemical reaction, love.
Roll on January, when I’ll be belting out Hearts Sold Separately for its entire duration when she plays Manchester Academy.
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Getting Killed by Geese – Lilly
5/5
As an avid rock fan, I’ve been hungry for an album that flips the genre on its head and finally provides us with a fresh new perspective. Thankfully, Geese DELIVERED this year, and brought out their third wild and weirdly wonderful LP, Getting Killed, which has since gone platinum in my house.
Each song on the album feels like its own religious experience; it’s a perfectly crafted amalgamation of art-rock and post-punk with references to prime funk and soul, conveyed through groovy basslines and sonic shifts.
Cameron Winter’s uniquely brilliant vocal range shines through once again, accompanied by his absurdist lyricism and the band’s overall 70s flair; Getting Killed isn’t just a good rock album in my eyes, it’s a modern-day classic.
With a name like ‘Geese’… It’s hard to forget a band like these lot – and once you hear this album, they’ll be cemented in your brain forever.
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Go on, then – how did we do?…
Let us know your favourite albums of 2025 down below, and here’s to what we’re sure will be another brilliant year of music in ’26.
Danny Jones -
2nd July 2024 
