Florence + The Machine make a triumphant return to the stage in a thrilling exploration of female rage.
When you think of Florence Welch, you can’t help but picture her barefoot complete with flower crown and bouncy skirts racing around the stage in a fairy-like fashion.
And yes whilst she still is this, the band’s new era is suddenly a lot darker and haunting with their new album Everybody Scream exploring topics of loss and grief.
Florence and her coven-like quartet of dancers did not leave the stage once throughout the 21-track setlist, but not once did it feel tired.
Image: The Manc
The album’s title track kicked off the show before transitioning into fan-favourite anthem Shake It Out.
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Florence’s voice is just as recognisable as ever, as is her long auburn hair that she swishes with her as she strides up and down the stage alongside her flowing sleeves.
Beneath the powerful vocals, the haunting atmosphere grew stronger as Seven Dials and Which Witch saw the dancers, coined as ‘the witch choir’, crawling up and down the stage in a Michael Jackson Thriller-style fashion.
Daffodils saw Florence interact with the crowd – embracing a woman pressed to the front of the barrier sporting a bright yellow flower crown.
It’s clear to see how much their music means to so many, and being at a Florence gig you feel as though you’re really part of something special.
A highlight came half way through the two-hour spectacle, as Florence dedicated Never Let Me Go to her sister in the crowd who she stated was “clever enough to marry a man from Manchester”.
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Image: The Manc
We couldn’t agree more Florence.
Spectrum (Say My Name) really ignited a fire in the crowd, the entire arena was up and moving to the iconic track.
Her most vulnerable moment of the night comes as she returns for the encore, when she sings You Can Have It All which is written about her near-fatal ectopic pregnancy she experienced in 2013.
It’s raw and haunting, and we feel every note as she summons the strength to perform a song so revealing.
Of course, as the first two notes of Dog Days Are Over the crowd erupts into chaos.
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Florence asks us to put our phones down, “you won’t get a good video and if you’re holding your phone, you can’t move” she states, and so we did what we were told.
It’s proof of the power that Florence holds over her audience, and from then on we were left to dance with complete abandon as the show ended in a feeling of pure joy and euphoria.
Role Model adds Manchester arena show to world tour after huge demand
Daisy Jackson
Platinum-certified singer-songwriter Role Model has just added a huge Manchester gig to his upcoming world tour.
The star – real name Tucker Pillsbury – had previously only added one single UK date to his Chuck on Tour tour, and that was down in London.
But now Role Model is officially heading north, announcing a massive gig at the AO Arena in Manchester.
The news follows a sold-out run of dates last year, which brought him to the (much smaller) O2 Apollo here.
His star really rose after the release and viral success of his 2025 single, ‘Sally, When the Wine Runs Out’.
And now with a third studio album to his name – Chuck Timely & The Hourglass – Role Model is ready to return to Manchester and London on his 2026-2027 global tour.
The tour will travel across North America before heading overseas, with dates across Europe early next year.
Keni Titus will support Role Model at all dates on the UK and European leg of the Chuck on Tour tour.
Role Model will perform at the AO Arena in Manchester on Sunday 28 February, with pre-sales available on 4 and 5 November before general release tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 6 November – grab yours HERE.
Pop icons S Club announce new arena tour, with huge Manchester gig
Daisy Jackson
S Club will be heading back to Manchester on a newly-announced 13-date arena tour next year.
The pop icons have announced the Ain’t No Party Like A S Club Party tour, which will see Bradley, Jo, Jon, Rachel and Tina back on stage for the ultimate pop party.
The huge tour includes a night at the AO Arena in Manchester, as well as two gigs at the O2 in London.
S Club are one of Britain’s most successful pop groups, formerly known as S Club 7, who went on to become a cultural phenomenon with their own TV series – one of which, L.A. 7, remains the highest-rated programme of all time on CBBC.
Their smash hits include Reach, Don’t Stop Movin, Bring It All Back, Never Had A Dream Come True, and S Club Party.
In 2023, S Club celebrated their 25th anniversary with a sellout UK and US tour, shortly after the tragic death of former member Paul Cattermole.
Now, five of the original seven are ready to bring the party back to Manchester, as S Club return to the stage.
They’ll have very special guests supporting on the tour too, announcing Boyzlife, the supergroup made up of the former Boyzone and Westlife members Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden.
S Club say: “We can’t wait to get back out on tour, see you all and celebrate the songs, memories and moments we’ve shared together over the years.
“It’s going to be one BIG party, and we want you all to be part of it!”
S Club will play the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday 9 October 2027.
Tickets for all shows go on sale at 9.30am on Friday 6 November HERE.
Clementine Hall -
21st February 2026 
