Ocean Colour Scene announce big Manchester show on special anniversary tour
Veteran UK rock band Ocean Colour Scene (OCS) are hopping on the booming anniversary tour bandwagon and coming to Manchester for a big arena gig next year.
The key Britpop figures who also dipped their toes in everything from indie to shoegaze and the so-called ‘baggy pop’ era, are soon to celebrate 30 years since their seminal sophomore studio LP, Moseley Shoals, which dropped all the way back in April 1996.
As a key part of the 90s rock movement in this country, the record was not only an impressive follow-up that avoided the pitfalls of second-album syndrome, but features some of the group’s most beloved tracks, such as ‘The Riverboat Song’, ‘The Circle’, and most iconic of all: ‘The Day We Caught the Train’
For those of you who remember its release, it may seem hard to believe that it’s been that long, but if the Oasis Live ’25 reunion tour has taught us anything, it’s that those formative tracks NEVER get old.
Coming to the legendary AO Arena (not for the first time), Ocean Colour Scene will no doubt be tapping into that same old ‘Madchester‘ scene that helped fill their crowds in these parts back in the day.
Speaking on the upcoming tour, frontman Simon Fowler said, “It’s hard to believe that Moseley Shoals turns 30 in 2026. We owe so much to that album, so it’s exciting to be able to look forward to this very special anniversary and celebrate with our amazing fans at some of the UK’s most prestigious venues.”
There are a few Northern dates for us to make the most of here in England, too, including not just Manchester but Bradford and Newcastle as well.
You can see the full list of domestic dates for the Ocean Colour Scene Moseley Shoals 30th Anniversary Tour down below:
Ocean Colour Scene UK tour dates 2026
- 21 November – Glasgow OVO Hydro
- 27 November – Bradford Live
- 28 November – Manchester AO Arena
- 30 November – Newcastle O2 City Hall
- 01 December – Derby Vaillant Live
- 03 December – Swansea Building Society Arena
- 04 December – Cardiff Utilita Arena
- 05 December – Bournemouth International Centre
- 07 December – Plymouth Pavilions
- 08 December – Brighton Centre
- 09 December – London, The O2
- 11 December – Bristol Prospect Building
As you can see, perhaps one of the things we’re most excited about with this one is the support act, as fellow cult favourites The Enemy will also be joining as special guests on the road.
Playing a run of comeback shows this autumn/winter themselves, they’ll be more than gig fit by the time the Ocean Colour Scene anniversary tour rolls around this time next year.
General admission tickets for OCS’s tour go live at 9am on 17 October, but those keen on presale can secure early access through the venue the day prior, and Three+ members can do so from as early as next Wednesday (15 Oct); get ready to grab yours HERE.
They’re not the only long-standing favourites of the decade who are toasting a big milestone with even bigger venues next year, either.
Read more:
- The Streets have just announced a massive outdoor gig in Manchester
- Local artist Michael J. Browne’s latest exhibition is complete and free to view in town
- Electronic icons Kraftwerk announce first Manchester gig since 2017
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Featured Images — Drew de F Fawkes (via Flickr)/Brian Sweeney/Press shots (supplied)