A well-known Emmerdale actor is set to kick off a series of special guest DJ slots at a much-loved Manchester pub.
In case you haven’t sussed it already, we’ll give you another hint: he’s one of the Dingles.
The Dingle Family are household famous here in Britain, whether you watch the soaps or not, and it goes without saying that when you say that name, there is always one that pops into your head first.
Now, if you’re pretending that it’s anyone other than Cain Dingle, you’re just lying; but more importantly, you can go see the man in the flesh as he performs the first of what is set to be one of several celebrity DJ sets at the popular Manc boozer.
Real name Jeff Hordley, the 55-year-old will be hitting the decks not for the first time, having previously presented a radio show at The Revolution 96.2 in his hometown, along with former colleagues Mike Joyce (The Smiths), DJ veteran and Inspiral Carpets star Clint Boon, as well as a late, great music icon.
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The Oldham-born actor also worked alongside the one and only Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield of The Stone Roses, who sadly died on Thursday, 20 November.
Passing away at just 63, the ever-adored bassist was one of the most talented musicians in one of the most influential bands to ever come out of our city, with countless people continuing to pay their respects this week.
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As for Cain Dingle, a.k.a. Hordley, he’ll be paying tribute in the best way possible – through his shared love of music, moonlighting as the MC for the night at The Garden Bar over in Chorlton, once the suburban Font site.
This night will mark the start of the venue’s guest DJ series, which will feature well-known faces alongside talented local artists as part of their mission to champion grassroots music and comedy.
Recently taken over and now proudly family-run, The Garden Bar’s new owners are passionate about making it a hub for the Chorlton community, with regular events and themed nights already planned months in advance.
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As for Hordley, he’s no stranger to delivering the tunes, nor doing so here in Greater Manchester, having frequently performed at the legendary Rock n Roll Bar in Manchester city centre (which went on to become South), long before his acting career took off.
He also drew big crowds to busy Chorlton club nights over the years, including Bop Local, Electrik’s one-deck sessions, as well as Fusion, cementing his reputation as a familiar face and entertainer.
Commenting on the booking, the nearby native wrote: “DJing has always been important to me. It’s something I did long before acting took over, and it’s still one of my favourite ways to connect with people through music.
“I’m really looking forward to being back behind the decks in Chorlton. I’ve got a real soft spot for the area, and it’s always had such a brilliant energy.
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“I’ll be playing some of the tunes I’ve loved for years: a mix of indie, northern soul, a bit of funk… and a few surprises I’ve picked up along the way! I’ll be dedicating the night to Mani – he was such a legend and a lovely soul.”
The Emmerdale star will perform a completely free-entry DJ night at The Garden Bar from 8:30pm until late on Friday, 28 November. Guess we’ll see you there.
Featured Images — Sophie Powles (supplied)/The Garden Bar (via Facebook)/ITV
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Unknown Mortal Orchestra at the Albert Hall Manchester – groovy, hazy and effortlessly cool
Clementine Hall
Unknown Mortal Orchestra at the Albert Hall proved exactly why they’ve built such a cult following over the past decade.
Formed in 2010 by frontman Ruban Nielson, the band first broke through with their scrappy, lo-fi self-titled debut and since then, they’ve become known for their signature blend of psychedelic rock, funk, and warped pop.
I first saw the band back in 2023 at Glastonbury, and yes sorry I am one of those annoying people that bring it up all the time.
They’re the perfect band to close your eyes, sway your head and tap your foot to – and that’s exactly what the crowd were doing in unison last night at the Albert Hall.
Image: The Manc Group
From the second they stepped on stage, there was no rush – just that signature hazy groove met with enough stage lights to sink a ship.
You could barely see them on stage, but that made it even cooler. And you can only imagine how gorgeous the Albert Hall looked with hundreds of spotlights in different colours whizzing all over it.
Early tracks simmered and pulled us in before the band stretched out into crowd pleasers like ‘Multi-Love’ and ‘Hunnybee’. What an absolute tune by the way.
Image: The Manc Group
There wasn’t much crowd interaction but, again, there didn’t need to be. They let the music do the talking and by treating us to some of the most epic guitar solos we’ve ever heard (no, seriously), we’ll forgive them for not talking to us.
Each song melted into each other as the band oozed effortless charm and talent throughout the almost two hour set, which is no mean feat.
Of course, a sea of phones shot up for ‘So Good at Being in Trouble‘, their most popular track which prompted a harmonious audience singalong. Not very harmonious by me, admittedly.
It was a fantastic ending that left the audience feeling united by the laidback brilliance of Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and I hope they don’t leave it too long to come back this time.
Review | Leon Thomas at Manchester Academy – ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’ but this gig healed me
Thomas Melia
American singer-songwriter Leon Thomas visited Manchester Academy last night, performing hits from his deluxe album to a sold-out crowd of more than 2,600.
One year after an exclusive London MUTT Live date, Mr Thomas returns to the UK with the ‘MUTTS DON’T HEEL’ Tour, venturing to five cities, including the music capital of the North: Manchester.
The night started off just how it should’ve done with ‘HEEL’, as the audience were welcomed by the drum-loop and a chill atmosphere from the start.
Now, it wouldn’t be a Leon Thomas gig without at least one Ty Dolla $ign collaboration making the setlist, and there’s plenty to choose from with a new one dropping just over a month ago, ‘miss u 2’.
Leon Thomas performing hits at Manchester Academy (Credit: Audio North)
The funk-influenced musician opted for ‘FAR FETCHED’, and the audience was in the palm of his hand. No matter which of the four link-ups he chose, it was always going to go down well – Manchester never disappoints.
Leon didn’t even have to ask the crowd to bring more energy; they already matched him. When he sings, “For someone who don’t ask for favours, I’ve done way too many favours”, on ‘PARTY FAVORS’, he really meant it.
Last year, Leon Thomas dropped PHOLKS, a project which saw him exploring old-school funk and soul sounds even further and ‘Just How You Are’ had even the shyest dancer pulling out a little two step.
This isn’t the only hit that sent the crowd into a frenzy; ‘Baccarat’ and its impressive psychedelic guitar solo had jaws literally falling to the floor at Manchester Academy.
His songs might not be dramatic or extravagant, but they don’t need to be. Leon’s artistry prevails when he’s softly singing, and you’re still able to detect each instrument.
Leon Thomas brought the MUTTS DON’T HEEL Tour to Manchester Academy (Credit: The Manc)
‘Breaking Point’ is an easy-listening soul track that had all 2,600 Leon Thomas fans in our feelings as we realised we were coming to the end of a phenomenal concert.
And of course, ‘Mutt’ – his biggest single to date: a bouncy and swag-filled number that sticks in your head for weeks on end – sounded even better when backed by a live band as I discovered last night.
There was some insane musicality, distinct bangers and impeccable live arrangements that elevated the original studio recordings. Maybe ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’, but Leon Thomas definitely healed me.
He wasn’t the only cool cat playing last night either:
Danny Jones -
24th November 2025 
