It’s that time once again, Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram are going head-to-head in another DJ battle for charity.
Following what was the headline-grabbing showdown between the two Northern mayors last year here in Manchester, where both ended up claiming a victory, Burnham and Rotheram have announced they’re going for round two next month.
And it’s all in the name of charity, of course.
This time round, the Mayor of Liverpool City Region has invited the Greater Manchester Mayor over to his neck of the woods, as the pair will be taking to the decks at Camp and Furnace in Liverpool city centre on Friday 2 February.
Liverpool and Greater Manchester will face off in what is being described as a “good-natured music battle for a worthy cause”, with all the proceeds from the event going to local homeless charities.
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Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram are going head-to-head in another charity DJ battle / Credit: Supplied
It’s not just Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram that you’ll get to see in action on the night though either, as there’s also some local and international stars set to make an appearance too.
Ticketholders will be treated to the musical stylings of singers Rebecca Ferguson and Peter Hooton, alongside LFC and England footballer (and rapper) John Barnes for the so-called ‘home side’, while former Coronation Street actress Sally Lindsay, M-People’s Heather Small, and BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Nihal Arthanayake will join the Greater Manchester team.
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“We’re coming back, but this time, we’re heading over to Liverpool,” Andy Burnham said ahead of the DJ battle next month.
“I was so proud of what we achieved with our DJ battle last year, using the power of music and friendly rivalry to unite behind one powerful message, that homelessness has no place in Greater Manchester. It’s going to be bigger and better this time round, as we spread the fundraising and ramp up the noise over in Liverpool.”
The two Northern mayors will face off in Liverpool at the start of next month / Credit: Shaun Peckham
The first in-person DJ battle between the two mayors in Manchester back in December 2022 ended up raising over £25,000, and even won ‘Leading Live Event of the Year’ at the 2023 This is Manchester Awards.
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“I’m really looking forward to welcoming Andy and the rest of the Greater Manchester contingent to Liverpool,” added Steve Rotheram, “We’ve shown time and again that nowhere can throw a party quite like our area, and we’ve got a fantastic lineup of famous faces joining us on stage for what promises to be an evening full of fun and great music.
“Most importantly though, it’s all in aid of a cause that’s very close to all our hearts, and together, we’re showing that the North West will always stand united in support of those who need it most.”
Proceeds from the night will be distributed between the Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester charities, and all funds will support initiatives to tackle homelessness and end rough sleeping.
Early-bird tickets for the DJ Battle 2024 are now on sale here.
Featured Image – Shaun Peckham
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Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics is returning to Manchester next year
Clementine Hall
IconicDJ and radio presenter Pete Tong MBE is making his way back to Manchester with a whole host of guests ready to help you dance the night away.
Known for his live radio shows such as the ‘Essential Mix’ on BBC Radio 1, Tong is bringing back his widely successful Ibiza Classics club night to Manchester with an equally impressive roster of guests.
The ‘Ibiza Classics’ concept originated and debuted back in 2015 with Tong and co. taking on Royal Albert Hall as part of BBC Radio 1’s Proms schedule, paying homage to the island’s infectious anthems.
Since then, the English DJ has built a music event bigger than he could have ever imagined, and after a milestone year marking the 10th anniversary of the acclaimed Ibiza Classics show, Pete Tong has announced a brand-new run of UK arena dates for 2026.
Some of Tong’s notable releases include ‘Where’s The Music Gone’ and ‘Apocolypse’, alongside some very respectable dance music artists.
Other tracks to his name include ‘You Got The Love’ and ‘Time’, both collaborations with Jules Buckley, one of the famous faces you’ll get to see on this special Ibiza Classics tour.
The seven-date arena tour kicks off in Glasgow’s before heading to Manchester’s AO Arena on Friday 4 December 2026.
He will also be playing in Leeds, Birmingham, and Nottingham, culminating the tour with two huge nights at The O2 London.
Ibiza Classics Live 2026
Thursday 3 December – Glasgow, OVO Hydro
Friday 4 December – Manchester, AO Arena
Saturday 5 December – Leeds, First Direct Bank Arena
Wednesday 9 December – Birmingham, Utilita Arena
Thursday 10 December – Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena
Friday 11 and Saturday 12 December – London, The O2
He will be joined by long-standing collaborators Jules Buckley and The Essential Orchestra.
This night is expected to be filled with pure dance hits, and based on recent shows, there might even be appearances from even more musical talents and special guests.
Pete Tong, Jules Buckley, and The Essential Orchestra are bringing Ibiza Classics to AO Arena on Friday 4 December 2026.
Tickets go on sale next Monday 15 December, and you can get them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
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Indiana Jones, live in concert, is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
An all-time Hollywood favourite is being brought to Manchester audiences like never before, as a special showing of the first Indiana Jones film is coming to the city centrein concert.
Steven Spielberg and George Lucas’ action-adventure series is one we all know and love – and if you haven’t seen it before, what are you playing at?
Having said that, the original beloved blockbuster still stands up as the most fondly remembered of the series to this day; put simply, the ‘best’ film in the ‘Indy’ franchise is Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Whether you agree with us or not, you can’t deny that the idea of hearing a live concert version of that iconic Indiana Jones score being played in the flesh by a proper orchestra sounds mega. Case in point:
The legendary John Williams score has been played in some of the most prestigious rooms in the world.
Now, how about hearing those incredible trumpets and French horns over the audio of the film itself, soundtracking each scene as it plays on the big screen in front of you?
Yes, we are nerding out, and so should you be.
After a globe-trotting trek that Indy himself would be proud of, the Disney Concerts production is now gearing up for its UK tour, with just a handful of lucky cities selected for the privilege.
You can see the full list of tour dates down below (we’ve highlighted other Northern shows for you, too):
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark: Live In Concert – UK tour dates | 2026
Sunday 31 May – Manchester Bridgewater Hall Monday 1 June – Glasgow Royal Concert Hall Tuesday 2 June – Edinburgh Usher Hall Wednesday 3 June – Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Thursday 4 June – Birmingham Symphony Hall Friday 5 June – Sheffield City Hall Sunday 7 June – London Eventim Apollo
As you can see, not only will the run of live shows be kicking off on home turf, but they have selected the one and only Bridgewater Hall for the movie concert experience – a more than fitting venue.
Released back in 1981, it’s unbelievable how timeless and instantly recognisable the iconic Indy theme and film score still is to this day.
Disney’s early access window and the presale via the venue both open from 10am this Thursday, 11 December, with general admission going live at the same time the following Friday (12 Dec).
You can get ready to grab your tickets to the Manchester screening and live orchestral performance next May right HERE.
Be it movies, TV or even games, we’re loving how many of these kinds of shows are coming to our city now, from all-time classics like Indiana Jones to cult favourite bits of British kids’ telly…
Emily Sergeant -
12th January 2024 
