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How to get your Coldplay fix if you missed out on stadium tickets

I will try to fix you (with some tribute acts).

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia - 6th October 2024

Everyone and their nan has been trying to get tickets to see Coldplay across one of their twelve UK dates next summer.

The nine-time BRIT award winners have continued to see immense success ever since their debut album in the millennium.

Their most recent achievement is one many artists can only dream of: selling out Wembley Stadium for a whopping 10 whole dates across August and September next year.

Unfortunately, fans of the world-renowned band have been left frustrated after tickets to the upcoming events followed the same fate of Taylor Swift and Oasis.   

Even though some fans have missed out, the band have been praised for their efforts to keep prices low for those who did manage to grab those all-important tickets.

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Coldplay have announced ticket prices for their upcoming stadium shows. Credit: Stevie Rae Gibbs
Coldplay announced their tour this month.
Coldplay announce huge new UK stadium shows for 2025. Credit: Stevie Rae Gibbs
Crowds are always special at Coldplay gigs.
Credit: Stevie Rae Gibbs/Supplied

Coldplay seem to be skipping over Manchester this time round, they’re playing two nights at Craven Park in Hull and ten almost back-to-back dates at Wembley Stadium in London.

But ear not, us Mancs act fast – here is a rundown of plenty of Coldplay-inspired events happening soon to get your ‘Viva La Vida’ fix.  

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Coldplay-inspired events this year

The Music of Coldplay By Candlelight – The Monastery, Openshaw 

The first event eases you into the hits of one of the best-selling music acts of all time. Instead of the usual guitars and drums that are heard in their most famous songs, an orchestra takes the lead.

Originally there was one date available on Friday, 15 November but due to the event selling out unexpectedly, an additional concert has been added on Friday 25 October which still has tickets left.

Prices start at £30 for Band B, £35 for Band A, £40 for Premium and £45 for VIP tickets.  Access tickets are also £30 with a free companion too with proof of ID. You can grab tickets HERE.

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There are Coldplay tribute acts galore, as it turns out. (Credit: Facebook)

Ultimate Coldplay – Manchester Academy, City Centre

Is that Chris Martin? No, it’s Ultimate Coldplay, who have an uncanny lookalike taking on the role of the famous frontman and live band. 

For £18.15 you and over 2,000 fans can be transported through Coldplay’s musical timeline as this tribute act makes your night one to remember, at a fraction of the price.

Playing at Manchester Academy on Saturday 7 December, doors will open from 7:15pm and there’s a curfew of 11pm meaning attendees can get home in time to ‘dream of para-para paradise’. Tickets HERE.

Coldplay-inspired events in 2025

A Head Full Of Coldplay – The Witchwood, Ashton-under-Lyne 

The UK’s self-proclaimed ‘number one Coldplay tribute act’ are setting their sites on one of Manchester’s many boroughs, choosing Ashton-under-Lyne to show off their talents. 

On Saturday 1 March, audiences are treated to ‘A Sky Full of Stars’ when they leave the venue as this event doesn’t finish until the early hours, with a curfew of 1am. 

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They double down on the statement before saying they’re ‘The number one Coldplay tribute act in the world – fact’, so if you fancy hearing them live catch them while you can. Sort your tickets for the tribute night HERE.

Ultimate Coldplay – The Met, Bury 

Whether this is your closest stop on the tribute acts tour or you’ll be following them all around the North-West, these boys are making sure everyone gets a chance to have an ‘Adventure of a Lifetime’.

This time Ultimate Coldplay are painting the town ‘Yellow’ as they travel across Manchester, reaching The Met in Bury on Saturday 29 March.

Tickets are categorised by two prices, £24 for seats and £22 if you’re up for standing with the other 400 people in this more intimate and up-close performance space. 

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Ultimate Coldplay – Irlam Live 2025, Manchester 

If you haven’t had enough of these cheeky chaps yet, they’re back but this time at a festival with a wide range of other tribute acts.

‘Harry Styled’, ‘Bootleg Blondie’ and ‘VengaLive’ are just a few of the acts listed on the lineup for the Manchester festival which is taking place at the start of summer next year.

With this being a festival ticket prices are dependent on how long you’re planning on attending. ‘Ultimate Coldplay’ and the acts listed above are all gracing the stage on Friday 30 May. 

Read more:

The legendary band Coldplay are playing two nights in Hull on 18 and 19 August next summer.

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Their tour then stops at Wembley Stadium for ten non-consecutive nights between 22 August and 8 September next year.

With a new album out, hopefully, they’ll be back touring around 0161 again sometime soon.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — ColdplayRoseBowl061017-70 (via Flickr)/Audio North

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A huge Oasis-themed bar and music venue has opened in Manchester

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Inside Definitely Maybe, a new Oasis themed bar in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group

A new bar and gig venue that’s a shrine to all things Oasis is opening in Manchester city centre this week.

From memorabilia from the band’s history to artwork inspired by their work, Definitely Maybe is packed out with nods to the Gallagher brothers.

The bar has taken over the old Black Dog Ballroom site in the Northern Quarter, in the basement unit of Afflecks.

This huge Oasis bar splits into a few sections, from a live music stage to a mini gallery displaying memorabilia and posters.

There’s even a pair of Liam Gallagher’s Tommy Hilfiger pants suspended in one display unit.

Other items on display include one of Noel’s guitars (and a few more signed replicas), a pair of Liam’s maracas, early photography and sketches, and live gig photography.

Inside Definitely Maybe, a new Oasis themed bar in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
Inside Definitely Maybe, a new Oasis themed bar in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
Inside Definitely Maybe, a new Oasis themed bar in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
Inside Definitely Maybe, a new Oasis themed bar in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
Inside Definitely Maybe, a new Oasis themed bar in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
Inside Definitely Maybe, a new Oasis themed bar in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group

There are even Oasis lyrics scrawled along the wall of the bar, and globe-shaped light fixtures.

You can play pool, make use of the free photobooth, and sip on themed cocktails while feeling like a Rock n Roll Star.

Oasis-inspired cocktails include the Pina Columbia, the Strawberry Lemonade, and the She’s Electric.

Entry to the bar costs £5, but you’ll get a drinks token in return – or you can buy a membership for the rest of the year for just £6.

Definitely Maybe is already a well-loved name in Bolton and now it’s here in the city centre ready to help you live our your Rock n Roll Star dreams.

Oasis mania is alive and well down here.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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Paul McCartney at Co-op Live, Manchester – tickets, times, setlist, and more for tour

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia Paul McCartney will play in Manchester this weekend. Credit: credit MPL Communications - photographer MJ Kim

Paul McCartney is making Christmas come early for Manchester this weekend, bringing his two night tour to Co-op Live this weekend.

The 82-year-old The Beatles hitmaker and overall music icon is gracing the 23,500 capacity live music venue and hoping to impress the crowds of Manchester for what is set to be two of the most remarkable nights of the year.

This incredible Got Back tour will be one to remember, especially when the rocker hasn’t visited our booming city since 2011 – those 14 years without the musical legend are finally coming to an end.

Paul McCartney, The Beatles legend, Wings frontman and songwriting veteran is one of the most important musicians in history with a wealth of solo material to his name.

His most recent release was a collaborative album with Wings titled ‘One Hand Clapping’ which dropped in June this year, but the songs on it all date back to 1974.

The living legend is performing at the biggest indoor entertainment venue right here in Manchester this weekend – here’s everything you need to know.

Paul McCartney UK tour dates

  • Sat 15 December – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live
  • Sat 16 December – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live
  • Wed 18 December – London, UK – The O2
  • Thu 19 December – London, UK – The O2

Paul McCartney tickets for Co-op Live gig

Paul McCartney will play in Manchester this weekend. Credit: MPL Communications - photographer MJ Kim
Paul McCartney will play in Manchester this weekend. Credit: MPL Communications – photographer MJ Kim

Tickets for both shows are still available on Ticketmaster, who are the official ticket seller for the Saturday and Sunday Manchester shows.

Prices are varied due to most tickets now being resell or VIP packages, seats at the Sunday concert start at £182.95.

There’s also the opportunity to find some quick-fix tickets on fan reselling sites like Twickets but if you’re after for some last minute tickets you can try on Ticketmaster HERE.

Paul McCartney setlist

Paul McCartney is known for packing lots of songs from throughout his discography into his tours around the world, so it’s no surprise that Manchester will be hearing all the bangers.

The UK music pioneer has shaken up his playlist a few times but the below is from his most recent show.

A Hard Day’s Night
Junior’s Farm
Letting Go
Drive My Car
Got to Get You Into My Life
Come On to Me
Let Me Roll It
Getting Better
Let ‘Em In
My Valentine
Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five
Maybe I’m Amazed
I’ve Just Seen a Face
In Spite of All the Danger
Love Me Do
Dance Tonight
Blackbird
Here Today
Now and Then
Lady Madonna
Jet
Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!
Something
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da
Band on the Run
Get Back
Let It Be
Live and Let Die
Hey Jude
Encore:
I’ve Got a Feeling
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)
Helter Skelter
Golden Slumbers
Carry That Weight
The End

What are the stage times for Paul McCartney in Manchester?

Paul McCartney will play in Manchester this weekend. Credit: MPL Communications - photographer MJ Kim
Paul McCartney will play in Manchester this weekend. Credit: MPL Communications – photographer MJ Kim

Co-op Live has a strict curfew of 11pm meaning concertgoers can be safe knowing they won’t be pulling an all nighter to hear all the legend’s biggest tunes.

Doors will open at 6.30pm, and although the venue hasn’t yet confirmed stage times it’s expected that Paul McCartney will take to the stage in Manchester around 8.30pm.

The Manchester Derby

On the same night at Paul McCartney’s second gig, there’s also a Manchester derby – United and City will face off just across the road from Co-op Live at the Etihad Stadium.

There’ll be a lot of footfall to the campus and increased demand on local roads and public transport.

Man City vs Man United will kick off at 4.30pm, doors to the Co-op Live will open at 6.30pm, and the football will end around 6.35pm.

The venue has advised: “For the best experience, we advise to use public transport and arrive between 17:30 and 18:30.

“Co-op Live is located on the Etihad Campus in East Manchester and you can take multiple different modes of transport to the arena. Check out our dedicated page for all your travel questions.”

How to get to Co-op Live

Tram

For those of you heading to Co-op Live, luckily it’s right next door to a rather famous big blue stadium and its integrated Metrolink stop.

Head along the light blue or orange lines directly to the Etihad Campus or Ashton-under-Lyne and you can get off the tram literally spitting distance from the arena. You can find the full map HERE.

Trams run frequently on the Ashton-Eccles line to the Etihad stop, with services leaving every six minutes from the city centre and until 01:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

Bus

If you want to take another new and improved arm of Manchester’s public transport system, not only is there a whole host of routes that drop you off close to the venue but there’ll also be a free shuttle bus from the city centre to and from events between 20 April-30 June 2024.

You can find the full list of bus routes HERE, with the one in closest proximity to the venue being the 53 bus which runs from Cheetham Hill through to Higher Crumpsall, Old Trafford and Pendleton, leaving just a two-minute walk to Co-op Live. You also get free Bee Network travel with any valid event ticket.

Getting there by car and parking

If you’re driving, there is limited parking available at the venue but this must be pre-booked ahead of time and there are designated drop-off areas.

The postcode is M11 3DU and you can follow the signs towards the wider Etihad Campus as you get closer; directions to the adjacent drop-off points will also be signposted.

Keep in mind that congestion on the roads close to the stadium is expected to gather around two hours prior to any event, so if you are travelling on the road, these are the suggested times they provide come event day – though estimates will obviously vary:

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  • Alan Turing Way (both directions): plan an additional 20 minutes into any journey by road.
  • Hyde Road (eastbound): expect an additional 15 minutes to be added to your journey.
  • Mancunian Way (westbound): plan for an extra 10 minutes of travel time.

There are also three park-and-ride facilities near Co-op Live but be advised that the Velopark and Holt Town stops will be closed post-event to help safely manage crowds:

  • Ashton Moss (Ashton line) – 183 spaces and 12 disabled spaces
  • Ashton West (Ashton line) – 184 spaces and 11 disabled spaces
  • Ladywell (Ashton-Eccles line) – 332 spaces and 22 disabled spaces

Walk/cycle

Lastly, Co-op Live is only a half-hour stroll from Manchester Piccadilly and you could even walk along the canal all the way to the front door if you fancy taking the scenic route.

Greater Manchester now also offers the option to hire bikes through the Beryl, with riders able to locate, unlock, get to their destination and then safely lock up the boke all through an easy-to-use app. There are hire points just near the south-west corner of the Etihad Stadium on Ashton New Road.

For more information on all travel options, you can check out the enhanced journey planner.

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Featured image: MPL Communications – photographer MJ Kim

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