Blossoms will be back on home turf tonight with a massive show at Castlefield Bowl.
It’s part of the Sounds of the City summer gig series and will see the Stockport indie-rockers perform on the canal-side outdoor stage.
The group announced the 6 July gig last December, hot off the back of four huge gigs at the O2 Apollo. They’ve also recently torn up the Glastonbury stage with a blistering set with Rick Astley.
Since forming in 2013, Blossoms have gone from strength to strength and quickly asserted themselves as one of the UK’s most recognisable artists- especially here in the north.
Blossoms have four chart-topping albums, from their self-titled debut to last year’s Ribbon Around the Bomb.
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Still to come at Castlefield Bowl after Blossoms will be Two Door Cinema Club, Bastille and Hacienda Classical, with shows from Pulp and The Lathums already finished.
Here’s everything you need to know about Blossoms at Castlefield Bowl.
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Stage times for Blossoms at Castlefield Bowl
Doors – 5.30pm
DJ – 5.30pm
Seb Lowe – 6.45pm
Inspiral Carpets – 7.45pm
Blossoms – 9pm
Who’s supporting Blossoms at Castlefield Bowl?
When they head over to Leeds later this week, Blossoms will be welcoming friend and fellow musician Miles Kane onto the stage with them.
But here, they’re looking much more local, bringing in a legendary Manchester name.
It’ll be Inspiral Carpets supporting the five-piece at Sounds of the City.
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The Oldham-formed band were an instrumental part of the Madchester movement in the late 80s and early 90s, made up of Clint Boon, Graham Lambert, Stephen Holt, Kev Clark and Oscar Boon.
19-year-old rising star Seb Lowe, who started his music career on TikTok but is now dominating much bigger stages, will open the show tonight.
Tickets for Blossoms at Castlefield Bowl
Oh dear, it’s another Sounds of the City gig that’s totally sold out.
Blossoms tickets were initially priced at £44.45 but, as often happens with their homecoming gigs, sold out quickly.
If you’re desperate to go, keep an eye on resale sites but make sure you’re buying from a trustworthy seller so you don’t get ripped off.
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What will Blossoms setlist be?
We’re looking forward to our two big shows in the coming week. We’re starting with a SOLD OUT show at Manchester Castlefield Bowl before heading to Leeds Millennium Square on Sat 8 July with @MilesKaneMusic. There are a limited tickets remaining for Leeds https://t.co/K2cuOr06vEpic.twitter.com/EShsD4YdTc
Blossoms love to pull out surprises at their shows, from special guests to unexpected covers, so you never know exactly what you’re going to get.
But this is their most recent setlist from their gig at HMV Empire in Coventry.
Your Girlfriend Honey Sweet Oh No (I Think I’m in Love) The Keeper Cool Like You Ribbon Around the Bomb How Long Will This Last? Getaway Ode to NYC The Sulking Poet Blown Rose I Can’t Stand It If You Think This Is Real Life Care For Blow At Most a Kiss My Swimming Brain My Favourite Room Encore: There’s a Reason Why (I Never Returned Your Calls) Charlemagne
Weather forecast at Castlefield Bowl, Manchester
Sounds of the City at Castlefield Bowl. Credit: Sam Neill
Castlefield Bowl is an outdoor venue, with only a very small amount of cover by the amphitheatre seating.
It looks like the Manchester rain will hold off tonight, though it’s not exactly screaming summer weather.
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Temperatures are set to peak at 21 degrees, with a low of 15 degrees, according to the Met Office.
It will be cloudy all night, too.
About Castlefield Bowl
Castlefield Bowl is an amphitheatre-style outdoor venue in the city centre.
Although all tickets are billed as unreserved standing, if you’re quick you can take a seat on the large concrete steps that curve around the stage.
Many people also take a perch up on the grassy banks at the back of the venue too.
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Castlefield Bowl is located at 101 Liverpool Road in the city centre.
The closest tram stop is Deansgate-Castlefield, which is only a six-minute walk away.
You can also walk it from the major train stations, or use the 101, 197, 255, 256, 41, 50 or X50 buses.
Shed Seven announce 10th anniversary of ‘Shedcember’ tour
Danny Jones
Music veterans, Shed Seven, are set to bring a special edition of their ‘Shedcember’ live shows to Manchester as they celebrate 10 years of the now annual tour.
The beloved British band has been around for more than three and a half decades at this point, and for nearly a third of those, the alternative rock group have been putting on regular winter gigs for their loyal fan base.
Having developed a fervent cult following during that time, Shed Seven‘s dedicated run of November and December dates has become a bit of a phenomenon, and since 2025 was one of their most significant 18-month periods ever, they’re toasting recent success at the end of this calendar year.
If you’re ‘Shed Head’, you’ll already know all about this event; if not, get to know…
Announcing this year’s 10th anniversary tour – fittingly dubbed ‘Shedcember X – alongside a new short film/teaser written and directed by long-serving guitarist, Paul Banks, those who have been listening since the start
Equally, thanks to this would-be trailer, even those who’ve never been to one of the shows or are yet to fully dive into their discography have had their attention caught.
Focusing on their die-hard crowds who now make sure to attend each Shedcember night, if not every single one of their gigs whenever they come to town, the mini social media movie captures just how passionate their audiences are even after all this time.
Part of the reason that the York-founded outfit has been enjoying somewhat of a resurgence of late is as a result of back-to-back number one albums
Notching the top spot for their A Matter Of Time in January 2024, a whole 29 years on from their maiden release (the longest gap between a debut and a no.1 record in UK history), they then did it again with Liquid Gold, which saw some of their biggest hits remastered and reimagined with orchestral backing.
These two massive and long-overdue moments of recognition arguably deserve a tour all of their own, but we will absolutely take Shedcember X.
Announcing an extensive run of performances for the de facto festival, the 10th anniversary edition of Shed Seven’s – we’ve also highlighted all of the Northern dates for you.
Shedcember X tour dates – 2026
Fri 13 Nov 2026 – Nottingham Rock City
Sat 14 Nov 2026 – Birmingham O2 Academy
Tue 17 Nov 2026 – Norwich The Nick Rayns LCR, UEA
Thu 19 Nov 2026 – Aberdeen Music Hall
Fri 20 Nov 2026 – Glasgow O2 Academy Glasgow
Sat 21 Nov 2026 – Edinburgh Usher Hall
Mon 23 Nov 2026 – Leicester O2 Academy
Tue 24 Nov 2026 – Brighton Dome
Thu 26 Nov 2026 – Cardiff University Great Hall
Fri 27 Nov 2026 – Sheffield Octagon
Sat 28 Nov 2026 – Newcastle O2 City Hall
Mon 30 Nov 2026 – Cambridge Corn Exchange
Tue 01 Dec 2026 – Bristol Beacon
Thu 03 Dec 2026 – Stockton Globe
Fri 04 Dec 2026 – Liverpool Uni The Mountford Hall
Sat 05 Dec 2026 – Manchester O2 Apollo
Mon 07 Dec 2026 – Lincoln Engine Shed
Tue 08 Dec 2026 – Stoke-On-Trent Victoria Hall
Thu 10 Dec 2026 – Bournemouth O2 Academy
Fri 11 Dec 2026 – London O2 Academy Brixton
Sat 12 Dec 2026 – Leeds O2 Academy
Pre-sale is now open to those signed up to the band’s mailing list, and as for general admission, tickets for Shedcember X go live 10am on Friday, 24 April; you can get ready to grab yours HERE.
We had the pleasure of speaking to lead singer and songwriter, Rick Witter, not too long ago, and it was great to hear how motivated he and the gang still are.
Featured Images — Audio North/Press shot (supplied via SJM Concerts)
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A live concert version of The Muppet Christmas Carol is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
We know it’s not even the summer yet, but we’re about to drop the C word, because a live concert version of The Muppet Christmas Carol is coming to Manchester.
An all-time classic, adored by children and adults alike, Disney’s Muppet Christmas Carol is arguably one of the best seasonal watches of all time.
Set to be hosted right here in the city centre at one of the most magnificent entertainment venues, the much-loved, festive and musical will be celebrated in its true glory, courtesy of a full orchestra.
It isn’t the first time special screenings of this family-friendly favourite have been held here in Manchester – nor is it the first time the UK has been treated to this particular tour – but if you haven’t tried a Disney Concerts experience before, this is an ideal opportunity.
Announcing not one but two dates at the beautiful Bridgewater Hall, The Muppets’ twist on the legendary Charles Dickens tale, which will see the visuals brought to life with the backing of strings, brass, percussion – the whole shebang.
If you’ve ever been to see one of these ‘live in concert’ type shows, you’ll know how magical they can make rewatching even something you’ve seen countless times before.
With Disney Music Group’s regular troupe of touring players taking on the original score and well-known soundtrack, you won’t be able to help but sing back every word.
Originally composed by Miles Goodman (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Little Shop of Horrors), along with songs by Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy-winning songwriter, Paul Williams (Rainbow Connection and Evergreen), there’s a reason the sound of this film, specifically, has stuck with so many people.
Just imagine this on the big screen as all the instruments kick in right then and there, in the flesh…
Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert – 2026 UK tour dates
We’ve also highlighted some other Northern options for you:
28 November – London Eventim Apollo
29 November – Poole Lighthouse
1 December – Bradford Live
2 December – Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
3 December – Edinburgh Usher Hall
4 December – Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
5 December – Southend Cliffs Pavilion
7 December – Manchester Bridgewater Hall
8 December – Birmingham Symphony Hall
9 December – Birmingham Symphony Hall
10 December – Sheffield City Hall
11 December – Bath Forum
13 December – Brighton Centre
14 December – Portsmouth Guildhall
17 December – Manchester Bridgwater Hall
With performances booked for 7pm on 7 December and the same time on 17 December, Members’ pre-sale goes live this coming Thursday, 23 April at 10am.
As for general admission, tickets will be available from the same time on Friday, 24 April; you can get ready to grab yours HERE.
It’s not the only big Christmassy concert coming to town this year.
Daisy Jackson -
6th July 2023 
