Katy Perry is here and you’re going to know about it. Like a punch in the face she’s blasted through Manchester on her The Lifetimes Tour and has three more dates to go including at the Utilita in Sheffield.
The wonderful team at the AO Arena kindly invited us down to experience (and it was an experience…) Katy Perry, whilst enjoying their premium offering at The Mezz, which is worth a visit in itself. More on that later.
Ahead of the show beginning there’s a mega buzz in the bowl, with Perry fans dressed up in an array of outfits matching an album ‘era’. I’m surprised there are so many young fans of Katy as she’s someone I grew up with, but perhaps that’s just me showing my age.
The stage takes the shape of a huge infinity sign, with a vast number of television screens adorning the back. The ‘theme’ of the show is meant to be video games, the purpose of which goes over my head and apparently many of the gig-goers too.
We are blasted with a visual cacophony of random animations, lights, acrobatics and structures that leave half the audience bewildered. It almost felt like Katy had asked ChatGPT to design her a show and she just said yes to everything it suggested. The storyline was bizarre and so many people around me were asking each other what was going on. In Katy’s defence though, she did describe herself as crazy and odd, so perhaps the whole show is reflective of this.
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Madness aside, Perry still stuns with brilliant vocals and gets the whole crowd absolutely bopping to her classics like ‘Teenage Dream’, ‘Hot And Cold’ and ‘I Kissed A Girl’ – the audience went wild, and so did I.
There’s quite a lot of chat during the show too, which if you’re a die hard KatyCat you’d probably enjoy more than I did, who just wanted to sing and dance. Perry picked random fans from the audience to come on stage with her, and we shared some sweet moments with people who were absolutely besotted with her. One fan had even flown from Shanghai and had a custom coat with a huge train and message on for Katy.
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As the show starts to come to a conclusion, Katy rides around the bowl on a giant (ugly) butterfly which also didn’t make much sense but it was exciting when she flew so close – she might be chaotic, but she is still a superstar.
The show closes on ‘Firework’, an absolutely sensational crowd pleaser that had every single person out of their seats singing and dancing which was a real sight to see. Her fans really really love her.
If you want to hear some nostalgic tunes, have a great song and dance whilst also feeling completely confused and bewildered, then this is the show for you.
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About The Mezz at the AO Arena
The Mezz is the AO Arena’s new VIP bar and restaurant, unveiled last year as part of the arena’s £50m redevelopment.
The luxurious new space elevates the gig-going experience with five-star hospitality before, during and after every show at the huge venue.
For our Katy Perry visit, we had a fantastic host who took great care of my guest and I. We tucked into a delicious five course tasting menu, with the vegetarian options having been carefully considered rather than feeling like an afterthought.
If you’ve not been to the AO Arena recently, the whole concourse has had a facelift, giving an expensive and upmarket feel with an expanded food and drink offering and a smart layout. There’s a reason it is the home of great music and shows and acts love to come back here.
You can line dance to Lily Allen’s West End Girl in full right here in Manchester
Thomas Melia
After a fun way to kickstart the New Year? Some people might suggest hobbies like ‘Tennis’, but how about a line dancing class playing Lily Allen’s new album in its entirety – we know which we’d rather do.
Grab your nearest ‘Nonmonogamummy’ or take ‘Madeline’, if you know one, because there’s a line dance class where you get to line dance to Lily Allen’s West End Girl in full right here in Manchester.
Hosted by Red Rodeo Club, a queer line dancing group based in Manchester, who have hosted monthly artist-inspired events city wide including Chappell Roan, Beyoncé, Charli XCX and more.
This troupe even managed to line dance all the way to one of Manchester’s most reputable LGBTQIA+ nights of the year, performing on the Archive stage at Homobloc just last month.
Now, Red Rodeo is returning with another special night that is sure to interest all the West Endand North West girls across Manchester, as it prepares a Lily Allen line dance spectacular later this month.
If you’re ‘Ruminating’ about attending this event, there’s absolutely no pressure or dance experience needed as the group prides itself on providing ‘classic boot-scootin tutorials with a party vibe’.
You’ll definitely be in good company regardless of your dance partners, as hosting the event is Violet Blonde, known for their extraordinary outfits and love of Country icon Dolly Parton.
We’re already onto a winner…
Your dance instructor for the night is the remarkable Shanika Sunrise, a rapper and producer, who boasts a seriously impressive roster of acts they’ve opened for, including Chappell Roan, Cupcakke and Moonchild Sanelly.
Opportunities like this aren’t always feasible for everyone, which is something this line dance group is aware of as they’re offering a ‘Red Rodeo Club Low Income Ticket’, suited for students, unwaged and disabled attendees.
Red Rodeo Club is bringing the ‘Lily Allen edition’ line dance class to Fairfield Social Club in Manchester on Thursday, 29 January 2026, from 7-10:30pm.
If you’re interested in grapevine stepping or electric shuffling your way to the Lily Allen West End Girl line dance event in Manchester, you can find tickets HERE.
The smash-hit daytime rave where you can still be in bed early is returning to Manchester
Clementine Hall
That’s right: Day Fever, the daytime rave designed to still get you tucked in at a reasonable hour, is coming back to Manchester city centre this year.
Following their biggest raft of shows across the UK and Ireland in 2025, the smash-hit night out that is very much aimed at those of us 30 and over – but fellow sleepy heads are obviously more than welcome – Day Fever are targeting big things in 2026.
Launched in early 2024 by actress Vicky McClure and Reverend & The Makers frontman, Jon McClure, Day Fever has become a cultural sensation.
From its debut in Sheffield to a tour that sees thousands of ravers hitting the dance floor each month, the message is clear: people want to dance and let loose, but still be in bed before 9pm – and let’s be honest, who can blame them?
The founders (L-R): Jon McClure, James O’Hara, Jonny Owen, Vicky and Chris McClure. (supplied)
Running from 3-8pm, Day Fever provides a proper night out that doesn’t completely write you off for the entire weekend.
“It started as a WhatsApp idea”, says Jon McClure. “Jonny just said, ‘A daytime disco, how good would that be?’ We’re all a bit nuts, so we just said, ‘Come on then!’”
“It feels like a massive house party at your nan’s,” laughs Vicky. “No drama, no egos, just people acting daft, getting dressed up, and having the best time.”
From here in 0161 and our mates over in Leeds, to Newcastle, Glasgow and many more, each Day Fever event has its own unique flavour.
There’ll be local DJs who know their crowds keep the energy high with a nostalgic mix of Northern Soul, disco, indie, and 90s classics. “Manchester goes mad for Oasis,” says Jon, “and if Vicky’s there, we have to play Whitney, it’s non-negotiable!”
For starters, just look at the turnout they got over Christmas:
Kristen MacGregor-Houlston -
12th October 2025 
