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Queen + Adam Lambert play the AO Arena next month – here’s how you can watch the gig in style

Daisy Jackson - 14th April 2022

Rock legends Queen + Adam Lambert are set to perform a massive gig at the AO Arena in Manchester next month.

The much-anticipated Rhapsody World Tour will touch down in the city on 30 and 31 May – and there are a limited number of VIP tickets up for grabs.

It means that you still have the chance to watch the world-famous rockers from the best seats in the house at the AO Arena.

Prime View Tickets include fast track entry, access to the VIP lounge before the show with a welcome glass of champagne, and prime seats in the lower tier of the auditorium (block 103 or 114).

Queen + Adam Lambert will perform at the AO Arena Manchester. Credit: AO Arena

Priced at £230 per person, the Prime View package is a first class experience with incredible views for hits such as We Will Rock You, Don’t Stop Me Now, and We Are the Champions.

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The tour was first announced following the runaway success of the film Bohemian Rhapsody, a biographical musical that charted Queen’s rise to success.

Read more: The beautiful Peak District cave that’s being turned into a cinema this spring

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American vocalist Adam Lambert first joined members of Queen in 2011 and they have toured the world ever since.

The band first rocketed to fame in the 1970s and 1980s with the late Freddie Mercury at the helm.

To book Prime View Tickets for Queen and Adam Lambert at the AO Arena, email [email protected] or call 0161 950 1069.

Featured image: Publicity picture

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Manchester institution ‘a little emotional’ after receiving a visit from rock icon Hayley Williams

Hayley Williams spotted in Afflecks in Manchester

Rock icon Hayley Williams has been spotted shopping at Manchester institution Afflecks.

The legendary independent retail emporium said it was ‘feeling a little emotional’ after its halls were graced with rock royalty.

And not only did the Paramore frontwoman and acclaimed solo singer-songwriter come for a browse, she even gave Afflecks a shout-out on stage later that night.

Hayley Williams headlined two solo shows at Manchester Academy on Monday and Tuesday this week.

The shows are in support of her third studio album, Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party.

And despite being known globally as one of music’s best lead vocalists, this is actually Hayley Williams’ first solo tour (her previous dates were cancelled because of Covid).

While on stage in front of fans last night, she said: “I’ve learnt some Mancunian, and I’ve been to Afflecks!”

It sounds like she’s as lovely as she is legendary, with Afflecks saying that the star hung around to chat and take photos.

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A post shared by AFFLECKS (@afflecks_manchester)

Sharing photos of the star inside the building, Afflecks wrote: “So a very special visitor stopped by Afflecks yesterday…

“A huge thank you to Hayley Williams for taking the time to visit us, say hello, and pose for a photo. She was so super lovely, kind, and welcoming, and to top it all off she even gave Afflecks a shout-out during last night’s show.

“Safe to say we’re feeling a little emotional about it. Thank you again Hayley for supporting Manchester’s small businesses.”

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Featured image: Instagram, @afflecks_Manchester

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Secret stages, surprise sets and non-stop sunshine – here’s what went down at Parklife 2026

Clementine Hall

Parklife 2026 has officially wrapped up, and dare we say it might have been the best one yet?

Well, that’s it folks. One of the biggest weekends on Manchester’s musical calendar has been ticked off, and what a time we had.

The rolling hills of Heaton Park welcomed thousands of ravers who two-stepped from the moment the gates opened until the final vibrations echoed from the speakers.

So, while we nurse our sore feet and slap on the aftersun, let’s reflect on Parklife 2026 and catch you up on what you might have missed.

Images: The Manc Group

Images: The Manc Group

For once, the weather actually delivered.

Blue skies and glorious sunshine stuck around all weekend, giving festival-goers the perfect excuse to stay out from open to close and making Heaton Park look more like Ibiza than north Manchester. We’re exaggerating, of course, but you get the picture.

While headline sets from pop princess Zara Larsson and grime MC Skepta drew huge crowds, some of the biggest moments happened away from the main stages.

Images: The Manc Group

Images: The Manc Group

After all, when else can you watch Manc icon Bez DJing on a rooftop at a secret garden party? It truly was a sight to behold.

The festival introduced three brand-new secret stages this year, which we think were a fantastic addition. Our favourite was the Bossmans Tent – an exclusive stage hidden behind the facade of a corner shop, where festival-goers had to enter through a fridge to discover the music inside.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a festival without a few cheeky surprise sets thrown into the mix. Enter Aitch.

At this point, the Manchester rapper is basically a Parklife resident, popping up each year to surprise crowds with a song or two. This year, our hometown hero joined Bou on stage, sending fans into a complete and utter meltdown.

Images: The Manc Group

Images: The Manc Group

The city was also well represented through a number of stage takeovers across the weekend. Ghosts of Garage, the Manchester-born brand that has built a loyal following across the region, brought together a host of local DJs on Sunday for a takeover that felt like a celebration of the city’s thriving dance music scene.

One of the most anticipated additions for 2026, the new Panorama stage was a real standout. Featuring a belting 100m LED screen, huge dance platforms and behind-the-booth access, there wasn’t a quiet moment there all weekend – and it’s not hard to see why.

Sheffield DJ Silva Bumpa drew one of the busiest crowds of the weekend at Panorama, creating relentless energy from start to finish. Fans were packed shoulder-to-shoulder as one of the UK’s fastest-rising names delivered a set worthy of all the hype.

Parklife 2026, you’ve set the bar very high.

We’ll see you next year.

Read more: What people are wearing at Parklife 2026 – ruffles, cowboy boots, football shirts and bandanas

Featured image – The Manc