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13 massive must-see gigs you need tickets for in Manchester in 2025

My bank account is already crying, oops.

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia - 30th December 2024

Some of the world’s biggest artists will be touching down in Manchester in 2025 with massive gigs announced that will fill up your concert calendar FAST.

We’ve been trawling through all the listings to bring you some of the best live shows coming to town next year.

Manchester is a hub of music and culture and is now home to TWO massive arenas, so it’s no surprise that some serious superstars are flocking to our lovely city to hear our lovely Manc voices sing their biggest hits back to them.

So keep reading for all the live music and gigs inspiration you need for 2025 in Manchester.

(If any of my friends or family are reading this and are struggling for gift ideas, I’ll happily go watch a 5 foot tall sun-kissed blonde sing about a certain coffee drink any day of the week, wink, wink, nudge, nudge…)

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Must-see Manchester 2025 gigs

Katy Perry, AO Arena

Credit: Publicity Picture

The ultimate definition of 2010’s pop, this California girl is swapping the heat of the West Coast for the crowds of the North West.

Visiting Manchester in October next year, anyone thinking of taking a trip to the AO Arena next autumn will get to witness this popstar’s mighty roar and stellar staging.

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Getting my daisy dukes ready as we speak and I’m DIY-ing my own cupcake bikini right now in preparation for the pop legend.

Katy Perry is bringing ‘The Lifetimes Tour’ to Manchester on 8 October 2025 with tickets onsale HERE.

Robbie Williams, Co-op Live

Robbie Williams Manchester gig tickets Live 2025
Credit: Publicity Picture

Featuring in chart-topping boyband Take That and also having a remarkable solo career, Robbie Williams is no stranger to performing in the music capital of the North.

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Williams and bandmates sold out eight nights at Etihad Stadium in 2011 and it seems the magic touch hasn’t been lost as the ‘Rock DJ’ performer has added an extra date to this new tour due to ‘high demand’.

The Stoke born singer will be hoping this batch of 2025 shows will be just as sweet as his 2012 single ‘Candy’.

Robbie Williams is bringing ‘Robbie Williams Live 2025’ to Co-op Live on 10 and 11 June 2025 with tickets on sale HERE.

Lionel Richie, Co-op Live

Lionel Richie is coming to Manchester on his 2025 tour. Credit: Publicity picture
Credit: Publicity Picture

Richie and almost 24,000 people are gearing up to dance ‘All Night Long’ with the American hitmaker when he pays a visit to Manchester’s newest live entertainment venue next year.

Last visiting Manchester city centre in 2016, Lionel Richie’s star power hasn’t slowed down he’s always reaching new heights, and that’s because no one can get him down he’s always ‘Dancing On The Ceiling’.

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There’s plenty of chances to say ‘Hello’ to the R&B mastermind as he’s playing not one but two shows in Manchester.

Lionel Richie is bringing ‘Say Hello To The Hits’ to Co-op Live on 12 & 13 June 2025 with tickets onsale HERE.

Sean Paul and Ashanti, AO Arena

Sean Paul Ashanti Manchester AO Arena tickets

It’s ‘No Lie’, two of the 2000’s biggest names in music are linking up to put on a tour jam-packed with nothing but hits.

The Jamaican born dancehall act has seen chart success with ‘Temperature’, ‘Got 2 Luv U’ and ‘Get Busy’, Paul has been steadily soundtracking people’s lives since his debut.

Ashanti has her own roster such as ‘Rock Wit U’, ‘Foolish’ and ‘Baby’, the latter single by the New York R&B artist even got an Aitch remix in 2022.

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Sean Paul & Ashanti are bringing the ‘Bring It Tour’ to AO Arena on 20 April 2025 with tickets onsale HERE.

Pierce The Veil, Co-op Live

Pierce the Veil Manchester Co-op Live tickets
Credit: Wikicommons

This wouldn’t be a proper gig list if we didn’t have some serious headbanging going on and it’s Californian rock band, Pierce The Veil, who we turn to for some big guitar and drum numbers.

The band are hoping to be the ‘King For The Day’ as they command a spectacular 23,500 audience in autumn of next year.

There’s not one headliner but three and we couldn’t be happier with Cavetown, Hot Mulligan and Crawlers making the bill.

Pierce The Veil are bringing ‘I Can’t Hear You World Tour’ to Co-op Live on 25 September 2025 with tickets onsale HERE.

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Tyler The Creator, Co-op Live

Tyler, The Creator announces Manchester gig on massive world tour
Credit: Publicity Picture

Influential within the Hip-Hop genre, his latest album Chromakopia has a collection of 2020’s defining rap voices like Doechii, Sexyy Red and GloRilla.

The American rapper has been on the music critics’ cards since entering the music scene and the general public have been following him for quite some time too, especially since his monumental album ‘Flower Boy’ in 2017.

Two support acts in the form of Georgia talent Lil Yatchy and Californian duo Paris Texas who are ready to drop some of the best bars Co-op Live has ever seen.

Tyler The Creator is bringing ‘Chromakopia: The World Tour’ to Co-op Live on 27 and 28 May 2025 with tickets on sale HERE.

Kesha, Albert Hall

Kesha has announced a landmark gig in Manchester. Credit: Brendan Walter
Credit: Brendan Walter

The early 2010s wouldn’t have been the same without Kesha spinning our heads right round, right round and we’re not complaining, every single song is a banger.

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There’s a number of hits fans can expect and with a discography as popular as this American vocalist’s, the crowd will be wild.

Her sixth album which is expected the same year as her tour is set to be her first official release under her independent music label Kesha Records with two singles ‘JOYRIDE’ and ‘DELUSIONAL’ out already.

Kesha is bringing ‘Kesha Live In The UK’ to Albert Hall on 30 May 2025 with tickets on sale HERE.

Sugababes, Co-op Live

Credit: Publicity Picture

Mutya, Keisha and Siobhán better known as UK girl group Sugababes have not long left Manchester performing at Parklife just this summer.

They have accumulated a total six number one singles in the span of five years including ‘Push The Button’ and its infamous line which “I’ve been dropping so many hints and you’re just not getting it”.

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These leading ladies have been a UK music staple with ‘Freak Like Me’ and ‘Round Round’ , if you’re going to this you’ll soon be up on your feet busting your best moves.

Sugababes are bringing ‘Sugababes ’25’ to Co-op Live on 11 April 2025 with tickets onsale HERE.

Gary Barlow, O2 Apollo

Credit: Publicity Picture

2025 is set to be an epic year for this boyband heartthrob with the renewal of his TV show ‘Gary Barlow’s Wine Tour’ and a host of UK gigs, what can’t this man do?

Barlow is embarking on a huge tour of the country with 41 UK tour dates including O2 Apollo in Manchester and dates in Blackpool, Halifax, and Liverpool, if you’re after a nice, local afternoon out.

He’s seen much acclaim in Take That but with his solo records too, most notably ‘Sing’, ‘Forever Love’ and ‘Love Won’t Wait’, written by Madonna (We’re not joking).

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Gary Barlow is bringing ‘The Songbook Tour 2025’ to O2 Apollo on 9 May 2025 with tickets on sale HERE.

Teddy Swims, Co-op Live

Credit: Publicity Picture

One of the most recent rising stars, Teddy Swims has built a rapid fanbase who admire him for his strong vocal capabilities heard on his smash hit ‘Lose Control’.

Swims has collaborated with the likes of the incredible hitmaker Meghan Trainor and even country songstress Maren Morris.

The American male vocalist is seeing similar success with newest release ‘The Door’ which is just as soulful as his 2023 groundbreaking single.

Teddy Swims is bringing ‘I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy Tour’ to Co-op Live on 10 March 2025 with tickets on sale HERE.

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Rizzle Kicks, Castlefield Bowl

Rizzle Kicks Castlefield Bowl tickets
Credit: Publicity Picture

As the two lads sing themselves in 2011’s ‘Mama Do The Hump’, “Yeah, yeah I love that sound” and we really do love the sound of this duo coming back to Manchester.

They’ve grafted hard with their memorable tracks like ‘Down With The Trumpets’, ‘Skip To The Good Bit’ and even featured on the Olly Murs record ‘Heart Skips A Beat’.

Jordan and Harley have sold over one million singles and 600,000 albums in the UK under the stage name ‘Rizzle Kicks’ and they’re taking over Manchester next summer.

Rizzle Kicks are visiting ‘Sounds Of The City 2025’ at Castlefield Bowl on 11 July 2025 with tickets onsale HERE.

Sabrina Carpenter, Co-op Live

Sabrina Carpenter has announced a UK tour including a Manchester gig. Credit: Publicity picture
Credit: Publicity Picture

‘Espresso’, ‘Taste’ and ‘Please Please Please’ – Sabrina Carpenter’s grip on the charts this year has literally been phenomenal.

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The ex-Disney actress has spent a whopping 21 weeks at the top spot this year so it will come as no surprise that everyone and their nan is trying for tickets to see the blonde bombshell.

Carpenter is known for keeping her shows fresh from varying her ‘Nonsense’ outros, covering songs via ‘Spin the wheel’ or the big one on everyone’s lips, “What ‘Juno’ position is she going to do in Manchester?”.

Sabrina Carpenter is bringing ‘The Short ‘N’ Sweet Tour’ to Co-op Live on 13 March 2025 with tickets sold out, but you can try resell sites like Twickets. (Good luck).

Oasis, Heaton Park

Oasis reunion rehearsals have begun says Liam Gallagher
Credit: Publicity Picture

We’ve saved our favourite Mancs til last and as many of you are probably aware, this tour is more than certainly sold out however it would be a dishonour not to mention it.

Burnage boys, Noel and Liam, have well and truly got the band back together ahead of their 2025 Oasis reunion tour and are set to play five shows at huge outdoor Manchester venue, Heaton Park.

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Much like many of you at home, our very own Daisy tried getting her hands on some of these prestigious tickets with not much luck.

Oasis are bringing ‘Oasis Live ’25’ to Heaton Park on 11, 12, 16, 19 and 20 July 2025 with tickets sold out, however much like the pop princess above, you can also try resell sites like Twickets.

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

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Featured Image: Publicity Picture

Audio

The smash-hit daytime rave where you can still be in bed early is returning to Manchester

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall Day Fever Manchester dates tickets 2026

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?

who started day fever uk?
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:

They last popped up their second home of New Century Hall over the festive period, so it’s no surprise they’re coming back from.

Day Fever will be turning up the speakers at New Century once again on Saturday, 31 January, and we will absolutely see you there.

Find the rest of UK tour dates for 2025 down below:

  • 24-Jan-26 Glasgow BAaD
  • 24-Jan-26 Nottingham Palais
  • 24-Jan-26 Sheffield City Hall
  • 31-Jan-26 Leeds Project House
  • 31-Jan-26 Leicester Athena 
  • 31-Jan-26 Manchester New Century Hall
  • 31-Jan-26 Newcastle Boiler Shop
  • 31-Jan-26 Nottingham Rock City
  • 7-Feb-26 Dublin The Academy
  • 7-Feb-26 Liverpool Camp And Furnace
  • 7-Feb-26 London HERE @ Outernet
  • 7-Feb-26 Oxford O2 Academy
  • 14-Feb-26 Brighton Concorde 2
  • 14-Feb-26 Cardiff Tramshed
  • 14-Feb-26 Norwich Adrian Flux Waterfront
  • 14-Feb-26 Nottingham The Palais
  • 14-Feb-26 York The Barbican
  • 21-Feb-26 Bristol O2 Academy
  • 28-Feb-26 Aberdeen P&J Live
  • 28-Feb-26 Belfast Ulster Hall
  • 28-Feb-26 Glasgow BAaD
  • 28-Feb-26 Leeds Project House
  • 28-Feb-26 Newcastle Boiler Shop

You can sign up for 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 — Publicity pictures (supplied)

Audio

Five Greater Manchester-based artists we’ve been listening to this month | December 2025

Danny Jones Danny Jones Best new Manchester bands and artists December 2025

This is it: the last Greater Manchester music round-up of the year, only a couple of days late due to a mix of the post-NYE 48-hour hangover and quite possibly still being in a largely mince pie-induced food coma.

In all seriousness, 2025 has been an absolute belter not just for music but the North, in particular, and especially here in Manchester.

We know we say it all the time, but we really are blessed and well beyond lucky to live in one of the creative and audio capitals on planet Earth.

So, for one last time (an Audio North encore, if you will), please give it up for the amazing musicians based in and around Greater Manchester that we were listening to in December.

Five local artists we’ve been listening to this past month

1. Concrete Club

First off is some deeply satisfying British indie in the shape of Concrete Club – a fitting name for a band based in an ever-growing metropolis, swept up in a sea of cranes and never-ending construction. Intentional? Unsure, but given they formed in 2022, it makes sense and sounds as good as they do.

Vocally, it can take a minute to get used to frontman and bassist Jonny Brewster’s approach, as it swings between everything from Fran from Red Rum Club, Brandon Flowers and White Lies’ Harry McVeigh. There’s some serious range on show, and it makes seeing where each track goes next exciting in itself.

Not only is it extremely impressive, but once you get used to the minor whiplash, it can often feel like you’re getting an ever-so-slightly different singing style each time. In terms of tracks to start with, we’d recommend ‘Relentless’, ‘Jackie Don’t Mind’ and ‘Electric Sunrise’, but there’s plenty of breadth to enjoy in their easily-digestible discography. They even got the nod from the late, great Mani. RIP to a legend.

2. Lissy Taylor

Next up is some unapologetic girl rock, which may have been born in the West Midlands, but solo artist Lissy Taylor is fast taking her music all over, with the ride so far taking her across the UK, Europe and even the United States, before posting up here in Manchester.

We’ll admit that seeing any musician donning a Stoke City shirt whilst performing live on BBC coverage was always going to catch our eye, but after we learned she had also become the first woman from the area to ever be signed by Universal, she held our attention. She might not be the finished article just yet, but you can tell she’s a woman on a mission.

More than a decade into her career, and now based in our fair city, you can tell that Taylor has more confidence and conviction than ever: you can hear it in her music. It started in 2023 with our fave, ‘Feel For Me’, and has spread into tunes like ‘Life Changing’ and her latest single ‘Jealous’. Give them a go.

3. Plastic Heart

They say three is the magic number, and judging by what we’ve heard so far from Manc alternative rock outfit Plastic Heart, they just might be on to something. Even with just a few properly studio-produced and finished tunes on the internet, they already have a very well-defined sound, and it’s got us hyped.

A five-piece from in and around Greater Manchester, these lot look like they’re off on the right foot, as they’re not just getting themselves about on social media but, most importantly, they’re clearly busy at work writing, rehearsing and recording a solid first batch of material.

In terms of what is out there so far, you’ll get hints of Vukovi/PVRIS in ‘Hear My Call’ and ‘Tension’; plus, based on their little teaser on Instagram, we’re looking forward to the fully-fledged version of another as-yet-unreleased song, ‘Ashes’. Get on board from the start and thank us later when that first EP drops.

@plasticheartbandofficial lil clip of us playing an unreleased tune- spite❤️‍🔥 #fyp #uk #supportsmallartists #band #rock ♬ original sound – Plastic Heart ❤️‍🔥

4. Bbird With Two B’s

From yet another female-led group to another fun, albeit very kind of vocalist, but one that we have been left very intrigued by, to say the least. We’ll begin by assuring that, yes, this is their name, and no, there are no typos in the spelling; this Manchester-based project isn’t like much you’ll have heard before.

We came across them via their show alongside equally unique poet and musician Edward Barton, as they joined up with the veteran artist and all-round eccentric at The Yard, as well as having written with each other earlier in the year. At first glance, they seem just as idiosyncrantic, charmingly unserious and entirely singular as he is, but we suspect there’s more to come.

The lyrics are arguably even more anecdotal and amusing, and rather conveniently, we can only find two tracks on Spotify, so you can similarly get up to speed on this very intriguing concept before falling into what we can only imagine will go on to be a pretty wild Bandcamp wormhole.

5. Chloe Slater

One more fantastic artist doing wonders for women in music, for good measure, shall we? Plenty of you will have no doubt heard of Bournemouth-born singer-songwriter and 0161 adoptee, Chloe Slater, but we’ll confess it’s taken us far too long to dive deep into her full catalogue.

It was probably one of the biggest musical mistakes we made this past 12 months, but we will be rectifying it as one of our first New Year’s Resolutions. Going from a somewhat disaffected uni dropout to an opinionated, outspoken and politically charged lyricist – she’s been a Northerner in spirit, alright.

Touching everything from regional and generational challenges, we struggle to play favourites, but sod it: ‘Price On Fun’, ‘Harriet’, ‘Nothing Shines On This Island’, ‘Death Trap’, ‘Tiny Screens’. Just trust us and listen to every second of this up-and-comer who’s already supported fellow rising alt-pop star Role Model and, coincidentally, is a dead ringer for actor Daisy Edgar-Jones…

So that’s it for another year, only the best part is we’ll be keeping this show on the road all throughout 2026 as we hunt for more local music legends in the making.

With that in mind, if you’ve got suggestions for Manchester-based bands we should listen to next or know a native who you believe is the next best thing, please do drop them in the comments.

Oh, and if you want even more of our favourite artists over the past year, why not check out the list of what The Manc, Hoot and The Sheff team named as the top albums of 2025?

Audio North’s favourite albums of 2025

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Featured Images — Liam Maxwell (via Plastic Heart Facebook/Instagram IG)Concrete Club (via FB)

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