New images have been released that give a glimpse inside the Co-op Live arena, the enormous 23,500-capacity venue that’s being built beside the Etihad Stadium.
As the UK’s only music-first arena, and with expert design input from Bruce Springsteen and Harry Styles, Manchester’s exciting new arena will feature an innovative ‘smart bowl’.
It will have the largest floor space of any indoor venue, a lower ceiling than other arenas, and tiered seating that will take fans closer to the action.
Co-op Live is the first of its kind to be built with concert acoustics as a priority.
Not only will gig-goers experience state-of-the-art acoustics, there’ll be nothing to detract from the visual spectacles on stage either – the bowl will feature no corporate branding, and soundproof black curtains will be used in the suites that line the edges of level two.
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The smart bowl at Co-op Live arena. Credit: Supplied
There’ll be 32 bars, restaurants, and lounges around the site, including a locally sourced and sustainable food and drink offering.
The shell of the arena is now clearly taking shape just north of the city centre, with the project set to be complete in December 2023.
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It’s a joint venture between Oak View Group and City Football Group, with Harry Styles as a private investor and consultant in the design.
Harry said: “I am incredibly happy to be partnering with OVG on their plans for Co-op Live.
“Manchester is an incredible city filled with incredible people and I couldn’t be happier to be involved in this project. It very much feels like coming home.”
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President of OVG International, Jessica Koravos, said: “Co-op Live is about the fan and the artist, it is specially designed to deliver the best sound, atmosphere and experience for everyone who walks through our doors.
“Innovative technology and design will bring a unique live entertainment experience to the UK.”
The venue will also have 330 tonnes of rigging capacity and eight loading bays, so some of the world’s biggest live productions can come to Manchester.
More images of Manchester’s new Co-op Live arena
The state-of-the-art smart bowl at Co-op Live. Credit: SuppliedThe Co-op Live’s atrium. Credit: SuppliedThe entrance. Credit: SuppliedA bar at the Co-op Live arena. Credit: SuppliedCanalside. Credit: SuppliedCredit: SuppliedThe backstage club. Credit: SuppliedThe Deck Suite. Credit: SuppliedThe Atrium Mezzanine. Credit: SuppliedAtrium. Credit: SuppliedDressing room. Credit: SuppliedBackstage Club entrance. Credit: Supplied
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Robbie Williams announces intimate gig in Manchester for BRITs Week 26 for War Child
Daisy Jackson
Iconic popstar Robbie Williams has announced a surprise gig in Manchester – and it’s soon.
The British star will be performing as part of the upcoming BRITs Week 26 for War Child, a gig series which is seeing huge artists playing intimate venues all over the UK.
Robbie Williams will be taking to the stage at Aviva Studios in Manchester in just a few weeks’ time, ahead of the BRIT Awards’ northern debut at the Co-op Live.
The 18-times BRIT Award-winner be performing tracks from his debut album Life Thru A Lens and his recent number one album BRITPOP, with support from indie chart-toppers Lottery Winners.
The newly-announced gig for Robbie Williams is part of BRITs Week, which takes place around The BRIT Awards 2026, with other artists performing in Manchester including Olivia Dean, Josh Baker, and The K’s.
All proceeds from the shows will go to help War Child’s essential work providing aid, education, specialist mental health support to children whose lives are affected by war.
Robbie Williams will perform at Aviva Studios in Manchester on 27 February.
BRITs Week 26 for War Child full lineup
12 February – Fatboy Slim – Boiler Shop, Newcastle, supported by Max Jones
16 February – Lambrini Girls – The Garage, London, supported by Bimini
18 February – Spiritualized – EartH Theatre, London
20 February – The K’s – Gorilla, Manchester
24 February – Myles Smith – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham, supported by Saint Raymond
25 February – Jack Savoretti and Katherine Jenkins OBE – Emerald Theatre, London, supported by Gabriella Cilmi
25 February – kwn – Patterns, Brighton, supported by CARI
25 February – Josh Baker – YES, Manchester, supported by Deliah and Alexandria
26 February – Rossi. – YES, Manchester, supported by Olive F
26 February – Olivia Dean – Albert Hall, Manchester
27 February – Jacob Alon – Music Hall at Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, supported by Lizzie Reid
27 February – Robbie Williams – Aviva Studios, Manchester, supported by Lottery Winners
Fans can enter the prize draw and win a pair of tickets to see the artist of their choice, for just a £10 per entry donation to War Child. Available HERE.
A limited number of tickets are also available on general sale HERE.
A ‘Primary School Bangers’ gig is coming to Manchester
Daisy Jackson
A night of non-stop, nostalgic primary school bangers is heading up to Manchester this year.
The event comes from viral sensation and Glastonbury festival favourite James B Partridge, who’ll be taking his incredibly silly event on the road in 2026.
Expect to hear all those hits that shaped your childhood, whether you were sat cross-legged on a carpet or one of the lucky ones who got to sit on a PE bench in assembly.
His usual setlist includes classics like Sing Hosanna, One More Step Along The World I Go, and When I Needed A Neighbour.
Primary School Bangers will be heading to the beautiful Albert Hall in Manchester in March, along with a run of dates across the UK.
He’s promising ‘classic school-day singalongs, heart-on-sleeve nostalgia, and the infectious joy that has made James a national favourite’.
Most recently, the teacher-turned-performer has been delighting audiences with his Big Christmas Assembly tour, playing to tens of thousands across the country.
James continues to teach primary school children during the week, then goes so far as to shut down the fields of Glastonbury with the crowds he pulls in.
He’s also had appearances on the likes of Chris Evans’ Virgin Radio Breakfast Show, BBC Radio 2, The One Show, and Songs of Praise: The Big School Assembly Singalong.
Daisy Jackson -
19th October 2022 
