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Legendary funk and soul act Kool and the Gang are finally coming back to Manchester

They bring the Kool, you bring your gang. (this article contains affiliate links)

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 18th June 2025

In case you hadn’t heard already, iconic funk, soul, and R’n’B artist Kool and the Gang are finally coming back to Manchester after far too long away from our musical city for a massive arena gig later this year.

Coming back to 0161 ‘For One Night Only’, the award-winning US supergroup and industry giants are set to make their first appearance here in over 15 years.

With a rich back catalogue and a career spanning six decades, not to mention multiple genres including funk, soul, disco, jazz (how they first began as an ensemble) and more, it’s only fitting they be given the top billing at the one and only AO Arena.

After Manc fans have had to wait for long, this is sure to be a night of ‘Summertime Madness’.

Though they need no real introduction if you know your music history, specifically African-American and Black music culture, Kool and the Gang are arguably one of the most influential acts to ever make it.

Having performed together longer than other R’n’B outfit on the planet, stood as one of the most sampled artists of all time and released a staggering 34 studio albums to date, they’re nothing short of foundational.

While, sadly, there is only founding member Robert ‘Kool’ Bell left from the original lineup formed back in 1964, the various iterations of the surviving live band have captured that same effortless cool, charisma, and effortless control of a crowd on the road that made the OG Gang such a toue de force.

As well as touring with everyone from Elton John and the Dave Matthews Band to The Roots and even a 50-city tour alongside equally legendary rock group, Van Halen, they have no shortage of accolades to their name.

How does two Grammys, seven American Music Awards (AMAs), a BET Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award; a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a place in the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame; 25 Top Ten R&B hits, nine top ten hits in the pop charts, as well as 31 gold and platinum albums, strike you?

Best known for beloved tracks like ‘Celebration’, ‘Get Down On It’, ‘Cherish’ and ‘Jungle Boogie’, just to name a very small few (again, their discography is huge), you’ve most likely heard their songs or at least one of their serially sampled beats more times than its possible to count.

Yep, if there’s anyone that deserves the ‘icon’ moniker, it’s these lot.

Kool and the Gang come to the AO Arena in Manchester next month on Friday, 11 July and will have fellow British soul counterparts, The Real Thing, who looked to mirror their success throughout the ’70s, along for the ride.

General admission tickets are already on sale as we speak – you can grab yours HERE.

Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics is returning to Manchester later this year
There are plenty more dance veterans coming to the AO Arena this year.

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Featured Images — Andreas Lawen/Fotandi (via Wikimedia Commons)

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A huge house and disco music festival is taking place just on the border of Greater Manchester

Danny Jones Danny Jones House and Vocal Disco Brunch music festival Wilmslow 2025 lineup

Not ready for Oasis fever or festival season to be over? Well, lucky for you, there’s still plenty more live music happening this summer – and if you’re into your house, electronic, disco and dance music, there’s an event happening just outside of 0161 next weekend.

Fancy a little trip out to Cheshire?

Yes, over in the lovely suburb of Wilmslow, the increasingly popular House and Vocal Disco Fest returns for 2025, promising plenty of energy, loads of local food and drink vendors, as well as non-stop tunage all day long.

Speaking ahead of their comeback this year, the organisers say: “Whether you’re reliving the glory days of clubland or discovering disco classics for the first time, House & Vocal Disco Fest 2025 is set to
deliver the ultimate summer soundtrack.”

Hosted at the Phoenix Sports Club (no, as funny as it would be, there’s no connection to Peter Kay or Paddy McGuinness) near Styal, only a short drive from the town centre,

Booked for this year’s festival is chart-topping headliner DJ and Kiss FM presenter, Majestic, best known for his huge remixes and viral house hits.

Speaking of which, local artist, producer and co-creator Jon Fitz, who has recently opened his own bar, Fizpatrick’s in the heart of Stockport, will also be performing 20 years on from the release of his timeless classic, ‘I Just Can’t Get Enough’.

Legendary DJ Allister Whitehead and fellow veteran, Lifford – the velvety voice behind many
soulful house music favourites – will also be alongside Fitz and co. as they turn those old market village vibes into one big dancefloor.

Like so…

Excited to get back behind the decks, Fitz told The Manc: “Now in our third year — and our biggest yet — we’re bringing something truly spectacular to Cheshire. People can expect boutique vibes, intimate energy. This isn’t just a festival, it’s an experience. House & Vocal do things differently”

Once again, festival-goers can expect a day packed with uplifting tunes, a feel-good North West crowd living it large not too far from Greater Manchester, as well as all the perks of a local boutique festival setup too.

Taking place on Saturday, 26 July at Wilmslow Phoenix Sports Club from 12 noon until late, all early bird and VIP passes have sold out, but general admission is still available for £38.75 – and that’s including your booking fees.

You can find out more on House and Vocal Disco Fest 2025, as well as grab your tickets, right HERE.

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

Featured Images — House & Vocal Brunch (supplied)

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Oasis fans prepare for biblical rain as Met Office issues thunderstorm warning

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Oasis weather - Oasis fans prepare for biblical rain as Met Office issues thunderstorm warning

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms – just in time for the next Oasis gigs.

The weather service is forecasting ‘heavy rain, with some thunderstorms’ on Saturday, the day of the fourth Oasis homecoming show in Heaton Park.

The opening two Oasis Live ’25 shows at Heaton Park took place under cloudless blue skies with temperatures upwards of 30°C – but that doesn’t feel very authentically Manc, does it?

It’s looking like it’s all about to take a turn back towards normal Manchester weather for the final two shows.

The yellow weather warning is currently in place across Greater Manchester and much of the UK until 9pm on Saturday 19 July.

According to the Met Office, heavy rain is likely in Prestwich from midday until 5pm on Saturday, easing off to light rain until 7pm and then (hopefully) dry by the time Oasis take the stage at Heaton Park.

It’s still fairly warm though, with highs of 22°C.

As for Sunday, the final of the Oasis shows, it’s forecast to be wet weather again until the early evening, with heavy rain showers in the afternoon.

It should brighten up by 7pm, with temperatures reaching up to 23°C.

The Met Office said: “Heavy rain, with some thunderstorms, may lead to disruption in places on Friday night and through much of Saturday.”

Thank god bucket hats and parkas are practically the required uniform for Oasis gig-goers.

If the thunderstorm does hit, remember to allow extra time for travel as some public transport may be affected.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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