Without music, there is no Manchester as we know it.
The buzzing atmosphere in our great city was built by roaring guitars, scratching vinyls, shimmering strobe lights and booming microphones.
But the pandemic has halted the satisfying, rhythmic hum that used to echo through the city air on a daily basis.
And it’s been sorely missed.
The enormous support that came flooding in for United We Stream – a Manchester-based broadcasting platform that showcased quarantined performances from dozens of musicians and raised the best part of £400,000 for the night-time economy – showed that millions care about live music.
ADVERTISEMENT
But now more action is needed.
Without it, 30-50% of the live music workforce will become unemployed, 90% of grassroots venues will close, and the industry will lose at least £900 million.
ADVERTISEMENT
That’s we’re asking you, our readers, to join us in supporting Let The Music Play – an initiative set up to save live music across the UK.
United We Stream
The campaign asks the government for three things:
1. A clear conditional timeline for reopening venues without social distancing
ADVERTISEMENT
2. An immediate comprehensive business and employment support package and access to finance.
3. Full VAT exemption on ticket sales.
If these aims can be achieved, the music industry just might have a fighting chance.
Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa and Paul McCartney have all signed a letter addressed to Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden calling for help.
Radiohead, The Cure, Nick Cave, PJ Harvey, Johnny Marr, Dizzee Rascal, Primal Scream, The Rolling Stones and Coldplay have also joined the cause.
ADVERTISEMENT
Albert Hall Manchester
In the meantime, we need to do our bit.
Contact your local MP. Share the initiative online. Spread the hashtag #LetTheMusicPlay. Donate to causes wherever you can.
Music has shaped our region. It’s given us so much.
Now it’s time for Manchester to give back.
Head over to the Let The Music Play website to learn more about how you can support this essential initiative.
Audio
Charli XCX announces massive Manchester arena gig as part of long-awaited UK and European tour
Emily Sergeant
Charli XCX has finally given UK fans the news they’ve been waiting for.
After the genre-bending popstar announced back in June a series of US gigs this autumn to support and celebrate the release of her eighth studio albumMusic, Fashion, Film – which was met with critical acclaim following its release in late July – fans in her home country were wondering when she would announce UK dates to accompany these.
The 34-year-old been had hinting at a UK and European leg of the Music, Fashion, Film Tour on social media over the past couple of months, but nothing was set in stone as of yet.
Then last night, Charli took to Twitter to announce that she ‘finally’ had some information coming today (11 September), and then followed it up with a teaser video – sending fans into a frenzy.
And now, it has been announced this morning that Charli XCX will be taking to the Co-op Live stage early next year.
Support on the UK and European leg of the Music, Fashion, Film Tour will come from US popstar Audrey Hobert.
Hobert has been having somewhat of a star-making year herself in 2026 following the release of her own critically acclaimed debut album, Who’s The Clown?, last year – with her streams racking up daily and drawing in massive crowds on the festival circuit this summer.
Charli XCX – Music, Fashion, Film Tour UK & EU Dates 2027
13 February – 3Arena, Dublin
15 February – OVO Hydro, Glasgow
17 February – Co-op Live, Manchester
19 February – The O2, London
22 February – Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam
24 February – Accor Arena, Paris
Upon release back in July, Music, Fashion, Film the album received acclaim from music critics, who praised its lyrical honesty and experimental production, as Charli took a sonic journey away from the undeniable mega hit that was her 2024 album BRAT, and into ‘Rock Music’ territory.
Music, Fashion, Film topped the charts in the UK and Australia, as well as in Belgium, Hungary, and New Zealand, while reaching the top 10 in countless other countries – including the US.
Charli XCX will be bringing the Music, Fashion, Film Tour to Manchester‘s Co-op Live on Wednesday 17 February 2027, and tickets will go on sale next week.
Featured Image – Henry Redcliffe (Publicity Picture)
Audio
Oasis 2027 tour announcement is imminent, as drone show lights up Manchester
Daisy Jackson
An Oasis tour announcement appears to be officially on the way, with a huge drone display lighting up the skies above Manchester.
The Manchester band sent up drones above their beloved Manchester City’s home ground, the Etihad Stadium, which just so happens to be the venue that rumours are tipping for their 2027 tour dates.
And after weeks of teasing and cryptic videos, hints on X, and leaked dates, we finally know when Oasis will be announcing their 2027 tour for real.
The drones above Manchester late last night spelled out ‘Oasis. 4pm BST. 14.09.26’.
The display took place around 11pm, just as thousands of music fans were leaving an Evanescence gig as the nearby Co-op Live.
Liam and Noel Gallagher finally put aside their differences back in 2024, announcing an Oasis reunion tour for the summer of 2025.
Oasis Live ’25 set the world alight, and included five massive nights at Heaton Park in their native Manchester.
And it’s looking like their 2027 tour will be even bigger, with rumours suggesting a whopping 12 night residency at the Etihad Stadium next summer.
The Manc -
2nd July 2020 
