The MTV EMAs will touch down in Manchester tomorrow, bringing a mass of famous faces and celebrities to our city for a night celebrating the music industry.
The star-studded event will be taking place at the Co-op Live on Sunday 10 November, and also streamed and broadcast live.
Ahead of the event we had a chat with the host of the evening, Rita Ora, who filled us in on what we could expect for the big night.
Image: The Manc Group
Tomorrow is the big day, the MTV EMAs live right here in Manchester, how are you feeling about it?
I’m very excited, a bit nervous but that’s normal you know. It’s really nice as this is my third time now, with the same crew so you know, I trust everyone now. It’s always just a bit mental, because you don’t really know what’s going to happen, but it’s just the best part of it for me.
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This is your third time hosting the EMAs so you’re clearly a favourite among the MTV crowd – what is it about this event that makes it so special?
I think for me, what I love is that it’s so global, you know, internationally, the artists are coming from Korea, Mexico. It’s just kind of one of the only award shows that really do make a point of the international global musician aspect of things.
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I love seeing everybody flying in, and, you know, it’s in Manchester so it’s kind of like coming back home so it feels just like a reunion as I love seeing all the artists and especially the ones I know.
There are some big names nominated tomorrow and a fair few I’m sure you know very well, is there anyone you’re particularly rooting for tonight?
There’s so many, I think it’s it’s great to see Shawn Mendes again I love what he’s doing. Teddy Swims is also one of my favourite vocalists in the world.
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I think for me, though, it’ll be great to have a reunion with Raye, all the females have been killing it this year.
We know you love a night out in Manchester – where are some of your favourite spots?
When I was last here I performed at Pride so I would just walk up and down Canal Street and it was great. It was just me and the queens and that’s all I need.
Canal Street is always a class night out – what is it about the Manchester party scene that sets it apart do you think?
Well, first, the history is just incredible, musically and everything like that. You know, you’ve got the amazing attitude of Manchester which is very rock and roll, you know, the Gallaghers and everything. I think it really sets the tone of the, I would say how to be a rock star.
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And I feel like that kind of trickled into the culture of Manchester into the bars. And, you know, you walk in and you just get a feeling of like, you’re welcome.
And could you give us one artist that’s really excited you this year and that everyone needs to look out for?
You know I never want to singular them out because I do feel like everyone deserves to be here but I did see the rehearsals of the new Korean girl group, Le Sserafim, and they’re really, really cool.
Let’s finish off with a few quick fire questions. Who is your favourite Manc in the world?
You know, I think I’ve got to say the lads from The Happy Mondays. I love them, they’re icons.
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Who’s your favourite artist from the north?
It’s got to be The Beatles.
And finally, can you sum up Manchester in three words?
Oh, gosh, that’s a big one. Vibrant, brave and talented.
You can see the full list of nominees for the MTV EMAs – and thus the potential celebrities you could spot – HERE.
The Charlatans’ Tim Burgess to host ‘Merch Market’ in aid of bands
Thomas Melia
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Tim Burgess, frontman of legendary band The Charlatans, is set to launch a one-off ‘Merch Market’ event, and its core purpose is to support bands.
He might have a ‘Jesus Hairdo’ but he’s currently serving as a good Samaritan as The Charlatans‘ Tim Burgess is putting on an event solely focusing on funding bands via gig merch and other apparel.
Running across a variety of live music locations within Manchester city centre, the day-long event is called ‘Merch Market’, and it’s encouraging music lovers and bands alike to tag along.
Although ticket sales, album sales and streams are critical in funding the careers of all the artists we know and love, one key drive in securing actual revenue in the music industry is merchandise.
Expect to pick up some rare finds and own some limited edition collections.Band merch will be front and centre at this event which is hosted by The Charlatans’ Tim Burgess.Credit: The Hoot/Audio North
‘Merch Market’ is taking place at O2 Ritz as well as adjacent venues Gorilla and Dog Bowl across the road with a special appearance from ‘Tim Peak’s Diner’, the caffeinated brainchild of Tim Burgess.
The whole point of this event is to make sure that bands can receive the full 100% of merch sales without any cuts from any third party.
Fronted by The Charlatans lead singer Tim Burgess, ‘Merch Market’ is building off his 2021 gathering, which had a similar initiative with ‘Vinyl Adventure’ encouraging the sale of physical music and media.
Alongside stocking up your wardrobe with all the latest band t-shirts, hoodies and everything in between, there will be an array of interesting performances and talks happening throughout the day.
Entry to this incredible celebration of bands is completely free of charge and, better still, there are chances to win some seriously cool prizes – including some tasty festival tickets.
Gorilla is one of the live music venues that ‘Merch Market’ is taking place at.The Manc and Antony Szmierek outside O2 RItz, another venue which will be taking part in ‘Merch Market’.Credit: The Manc Group
Expect stalls, live DJ sets, interviews, panels and even a chance to bag yourself VIP tickets for UK festival, Kendal Calling, which Burgess will be returning for 2025.
Burgess is a man of many talents as he will not only be hosting this fantastic initiative, but he will also be hosting a stall of his own and singing a couple of his biggest hits.
Bands don’t have to worry about forking out a fortune for renting a stall either as tables at ‘Merch Market’ are free, the only thing musicians have to bring is their merch and charming personalities.
So whether you’re an artist with leftover stock from your last tour or a music lover who just missed out on snagging a snap back, head down to these three venues on 25 May.
Wigan band The Lilacs postpone tour after ‘ironic’ cancer diagnosis
Daisy Jackson
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A rapidly rising band from Wigan have postponed their upcoming UK tour after a shock cancer diagnosis.
The Lilacs, who were set to begin a tour right across the country today, shared the sad news that their lead guitarist Sam Birchall has been diagnosed with cancer.
Sam himself said the testicular cancer bombshell was ‘ironic’, as he’s named the band after The Lilac Centre cancer treatment centre where his mum sadly passed away.
The Lilacs, who are signed to Manchester label Scruff of the Neck, have just released their debut EP The 395 (To Forever) and are now encouraging fans to help them get into the charts during ‘a testing week of negativity’.
In a note addressed to their ‘extended family’, aka their fans, lead guitarist Sam Birchall wrote that he’d experienced a ‘recent downturn in health’ leading to various tests.
He then said that he’ll be starting treatment for testicular cancer immediately, but stressed ‘I will beat this’.
The Lilacs’ statement from Sam reads: “It is with sadness that I have to announce some news to you all… after a recent downturn in health and undergoing various tests I have been diagnosed with Testicular Cancer.
“After starting this band with Ollie all those years ago, and in fact naming the band after “The Lilac Centre” after my mum sadly passed away with cancer before we formed, this all seems ironic and as you can all imagine a huge shock to myself and us all!
The Lilacs just released their debut EP The 395 (To Forever)
“With this in mind, my personal health and wellbeing must come first and I will be starting my ongoing treatment immediately.
“Unfortunately, it is absolutely gutting to say we will have to reschedule the tour to a later date and more information on this will follow
“Everyone who knows me knows if I could be up on that stage with my 3 best mates doing what we all love these next few weeks I definitely would, but it just won’t be possible x
“In a testing week of negativity, it would be great to see “The 395 (To Forever)” into those charts so grab an extra copy and believe me when I say.
“I will beat this and be back where I belong on that stage very soon x.”
The band added: “We’re absolutely gutted to announce that our UK tour that starts tomorrow will have to be postponed. Sam’s health is far more important and we are behind him every step of the way.”
You can support The Lilacs by buying their EP HERE.
Clementine Hall -
9th November 2024 
