Legendary poet and spoken word artist John Cooper Clarke is set to host a special evening at Salford Lads and Girls Club this summer.
The one-off evening with the brilliant ‘Bard of Salford’ and Doctor of Arts marks one of the first and most significant public events at the local institution since it was saved from collapse late last year.
Returning next month, the iconic poet, author, and cultural icon will take centre stage for an intimate in-conversation event with respected BBC broadcaster, Nihal Arthanayake – now based in Greater Manchester – sharing stories from his extraordinary career.
With more than five decades of tales to tell, it’s one you don’t want to miss.
As per an official press release, “This special fundraising event will support Salford Lads Club, helping to maintain its historic building and fund vital projects for young members.”
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Cooper Clarke last visited the influential community centre and club, which has helped give stars to so many important figures from around the area, back in 2023 as part of a ceremony to name him an Honorary Freeman by Salford City Council.
The latest homecoming also comes not too long after his record-breaking performance at the Co-op Live arena this past March, performing to the largest-ever audience for a poet in the UK.
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Rather fittingly, he will be interviewed by Nihal once again, having already spoken to the 76-year-old for part of his award-winning BBC Headliners podcast series.
He’s also known for his insightful and incisive cross-examinations, meaning he’ll be more than up to the challenge of sitting across theJCC.
In the latter half of the night, Nihal will also speak with Clarke’s long-time friend and manager, Phil Jones, a renowned music promoter for nearly half a century and a long-time JCC collaborator.
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As is the case with most of these kinds of intimate conversations evenings, there will be Q&A portion where John will be answering selected questions submitted by the audience. There will also be plenty of opportunities to grab a souvenir, be it John’s latest book or SLCAGC merch.
Laura Slingsby, CEO of Salford Lads Club, said of the event: “We are incredibly excited to welcome John back to his hometown for this unique evening. His connection to Salford is legendary, and this event promises to be a truly special occasion for fans old and new.
“Nihal is the perfect choice to interview John, and we look forward to showing him around our wonderful venue” – us too.
Taking place on Wednesday, 11 June, tickets go live today (Friday, 16 May) at 10am. You can get ready to grab yours HERE.
Featured Images — The Manc Group/Press Shots (supplied)/Bryan Ledgard (via Flickr)
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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.
Popular grassroots music festival to return to hidden Manchester street with new fringe events
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s much-loved grassroots music festival is back next month, and this year, there’s some new fringe events too.
Set across a handful of popular venues up on Deansgate Mews – including The Lion’s Den, Low Four Studios and The Mews Bar – Deansgate Mews Festival is returning for its sixth year this late May bank holiday weekend.
More than 40 music artists will be performing on a mix of outdoor and intimate indoor stages.
But that’s not all, as in what’s set to be an exciting new chapter for 2026, the festival is expanding beyond its core programme with the launch of the first-ever Mews Fest Fringe too.
Popular grassroots music festival Mews Fest returns this late May bank holiday / Credit: Supplied
The inaugural Mews Fest Fringe will be hosted in a large unit within Great Northern Warehouse, which will be transformed into a ‘vibrant’ hub celebrating music, art and independent culture.
Designed as a platform for Manchester’s creative community, the festival space will welcome artists, designers, collectors, and creative entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their work while connecting with festival-goers.
At the Fringe event, you can expect everything from record sellers and vinyl collectors, to vintage clothes, arts and crafts makers, independent creatives, and even bands selling merchandise.
This year there’s also the addition of the Mews Fest Fringe / Credit: Supplied
Already known for its strong grassroots ethos and growing reputation, Mews Fest continues to champion local talent and independent culture – but now with the addition of the Fringe event, the stage is set for its most ‘ambitious and inclusive’ edition to date.
Oh and the best bit? Both festivals will be free to attend, with no need to book tickets beforehand.
Danny Jones -
16th May 2025 
