The emotional moment The Lottery Winners found out they’d landed number one on the UK albums chart has been captured on video.
The Leigh indie pop band released their fifth studio album, Anxiety Replacement Therapy, to critical acclaim at the end of April, and found themselves up against heavyweights like Jessie Ware, US band The National, and British rapper Nines, as well as several other anticipated new releases, as they battled for the top spot on the UK album charts.
As the days went on last week, the four-piece were comfortably leading the charge to the top and it looked sure that they clinch number one, but nothing was set in stone, and all would be revealed when Friday rolled around.
After eagerly awaiting confirmation, the Official Charts Company revealed last Friday that the group’s album had, in fact, debuted at number one.
It’s the band’s first number one album of their career.
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♥ JACKPOT! ♥
The Lottery Winners' (@LotteryWinners) Anxiety Replacement Therapy is your brand-new Number 1 album 🏆
According to the Official Charts Company, Anxiety Replacement Therapy was the biggest release of the week on both physical formats and digital downloads, and not only that, but it also topped the Official Record Store Chart as the best-selling album of the past seven days in independent UK record shops too.
“Anxiety Replacement Therapy is the official UK number 1 album,” the band said in a statement on social media last Friday.
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“This feels like a dream.
“We want to wholeheartedly thank every single one of you for your love and support. Together we have achieved something truly monumental and we are now in the musical history books indefinitely. Thank you from the bottom of our ART.”
The band has also shared a video of the exact moment they were told they had secured the number one spot on the album charts.
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The emotional video shared to Instagram yesterday shows the band receive confirmation of their monumental achievement, and then proceed to burst into happy tears – with cheers, heartfelt group hugs, and general celebrations all following.
There’s also heartwarming footage of leader singer Thom Rylance and bass player Katie Lloyd calling their mums to tell the news.
Right at the end of the video, Thom is seen knocking on the door of his home and hugging his mum.
The Lottery Winners hail from the Greater Manchester town of Leigh, and formed back in 2008.
Comprising of members Thom Rylance, Robert Lally, Katie Lloyd, and Joe Singleton, the band released their debut album in 2011, before signing to Manchester-based record label, Modern Sky, and making a name for themselves with a series of singles throughout the 2010s.
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They then put out three other studio albums, the self-titled The Lottery Winners, Sounds of Isolation, and Something to Leave the House For, in quick succession during lockdown in 2020 and 2021.
The Lottery Winners land first UK number one album with Anxiety Replacement Therapy / Credit: The Lottery Winners (via Instagram)
Prior to the release of Anxiety Replacement Therapy on 28 April 2023, the group’s highest placement on the UK album chart was number 11 with their fourth offering.
Courteeners’ frontman Liam Fray, Bolton-born TV and radio presenter Vernon Kay, and fellow bands and musicians The Reytons, You Me at Six, Frank Turner, Jamie Cullum, and Lucy Spraggan also sent messages of congratulations to the band on social media.
Featured Image – The Lottery Winners
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Barry Can’t Swim books huge headline show at The Warehouse Project with unbelievable supports
It’s another big win for dance and electronic fans in Manchester as the beloved Barry Can’t Swim has been announced as part of the WHP25 programme, revealing a massive headline show.
The Edinburgh-born beat-maker, producer and solo artist has played Manchester before, he’s even played The Warehouse Project before, but nothing quite like this.
Confirming not just his own twin performance, with a full live show and an accompanying DJ set, but nothing short of an incredible lineup of support acts, this event could very well be the best night of the 2025 WHP calendar already.
Not only is ‘Everything Is Going To Be Alright’, it’s going to be bloody brilliant.
21.11 /// BARRY CAN’T SWIM – LINE UP REVEALED TOMORROW 10AM
The full line up for Barry Can't Swim's return to The Warehouse Project will be revealed tomorrow 10AM. Registration for presale access is available – https://t.co/z6yGfAvXSN
Undoubtedly one of Scotland’s biggest music exports in recent years, Barry Can’t Swim – real name, Joshua Spence Mainnie – was one of several acts who absolutely smashed Warehouse Project last year.
Having been shortlisted for the recent Mercury Prize, earned a nomination for Best Dance Act at the 2024 BRITs, being named DJ Mag’s ‘Breakthrough Producer’ award and winning ‘Best Dance Album’ for his most recent record, When Will We Land?, it’s been a great 18 months or so for him.
As it happens, his debut LP was one of our most played on Spotify and favourite albums of the year, full stop, so we were delighted when we got to see his curated show at Depot Mayfield back in November.
Now he’s set to come back to one of Manchester city centre’s leading nightlife venues for one of his biggest and most ambitious sets.
To be honest, with the other names already confirmed as joining him, this is essentially shaping up to be an ultimate club event for us.
That’s right, as well as Barry Can’t Swim‘s own impressive credentials, there is plenty more pedigree on show as part of the second curated evening, with the likes of Chloé Caillet, Prospa, firm favourites Jayda G and DJ Seinfeld, as well as Ross From Friends presents Bubble Love.
Better still, there’ll also be a special ‘b3b’ set (how many times have you seen that?) featuring Etiénne de Crécy, Cassius and DJ Falcon.
Set to land at WHP Manchester on 21 November, Barry Can’t Swim general admission goes live at 10am this Friday, however, pre-sale is available via the venue and for anyone who pre-orders his sophomore studio album, Loner, set to release on 11 July.
Manchester Day is making a grand return for 2025 this summer, and you can expect a day filled with loads of music-themed fun.
Oh, and it’s free fun at that… doesn’t get much better.
With a whopping 1.3 million music tourists expected in Manchester this summer – apparently a little band called Oasis is performing or something? First we’ve heard of it – and a massive lineup of live music legends set to take over venues and parks across the city these next couple of months, this year’s Manchester Day is aiming to get everyone ‘in the groove’.
Manchester City Council is working with outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank on a programme that promises something for music fans of all ages and all musical abilities.
From the English National Opera teaming up with Manchester’s football fans, to community choirs, West End show tunes, juggling drummers, hip-hop wrestling, and loads more, this year’s Manchester Day has got all musical tastes covered.
Manchester Day is back on Saturday 26 July. 🎉
Inspired by music, expect pop-up performances, spontaneous sing-a-longs and have-a-go activities. 🎶
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) June 2, 2025
As always, activities will be taking place right across the city centre – from St Ann’s Square to Cathedral Gardens, and everywhere in between.
Organisers say there will be plenty of chances throughout the day for visitors, both young and old, to get stuck in, try their hand at making music and maybe even uncover a hidden musical talent they didn’t know they had.
You can expect strum-along ukulele sessions, spontaneous sing-alongs, dancing to a steel pan band or some surprising Ska, and the stand-out music parade event travelling from St Peter’s Square to the Cathedral, with families invited to take a ‘musical meander’ through the city streets.
Manchester Day is back with a ‘mammoth day’ of music-themed free fun next month / Credit: Manchester City Council
“We’ve got a mammoth summer of live music coming up in the city this year, which means it’s only right that we max out on the music for Manchester Day,” commented Councillor Pat Karney, who is the Chair of Manchester Day, as this year’s theme was announced.
“Everyone in Manchester loves music, Mancs have music in their bones, there’s so much talent here – we’re either making it or playing it, and that’s why everyone’s on the guest list for this year’s Manchester Day to help us celebrate the music that Mancunians make best.
“We’ve got a fantastic day lined up, so loosen up those vocal chords, grab a guitar, grab your granny, all the family, and don’t miss it.”
Emily Sergeant -
9th May 2023 
