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Sounds of the City at Castlefield Bowl – line-up and everything you need to know about Manchester’s open-air gig series

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 5th July 2022

Sounds of the City is set to return this month, bringing some of the world’s biggest bands to Manchester.

Over the course of nine very special evenings, bands including James, Pixies and Foals will all take to the outdoor stage.

This year’s headliners also include Sam Fender, Lewis Capaldi, and the return of the ever-popular Hacienda Classical.

Since launching in 2013, Sounds of the City has hosted the likes of Kylie, Arcade Fire, Elbow, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Catfish And The Bottlemen and Courteeners.

Read more: Alanis Morissette pulls out of massive Manchester gig due to illness

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As with most music events, Sounds of the City had its 2020 and 2021 summer seasons disrupted, but returned with a handful of gigs last September.

Now it’s back in full force and ready to kick off in a matter of days.

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Here’s what you need to know.

Who’s headlining Sounds of the City on which date?

Foals will be among the headliners for Sounds of the City.
  • Tuesday 28 June – Lewis Capaldi plus special guest Jp Saxe & Emie Nathan
  • Wednesday 29 June – Foals plus special guests Wet Leg & The Regrettes – Sold Out
  • Thursday 30 June – Crowded House plus special guest
  • Friday 1 July – The Libertines – Up The Bracket performed in full plus other classics plus special guests Sports Team
  • Saturday 2 July – James plus special guest – Sold Out
  • Tuesday 5 July – Pixies plus special guests The Slow Readers Club & Klangstof
  • Wednesday 6 July – Sam Fender plus special guest – Sold Out
  • Friday 8 July – Hacienda Classical with special guests Soul II Soul, Peter Hook, DJ Paulette & Tom Wainwright
  • Saturday 9 July – Primal Scream Presents Screamadelica plus special guests The Mysterines, Lonelady & Walt Disco – Sold Out

How do I buy tickets?

Sam Fender.

There are still tickets left for a few of the Sounds of the City gigs, as well as tickets cropping up on resale sites (as always, make sure you’re using a verified fan-to-fan service so you don’t get ripped off).

You can expect to pay between £40 and £50 for most of the events – Lewis Capaldi tickets are £44.25, The Libertines tickets are going for £47.40, and The Pixies for £50.50, for example.

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You can browse the events and see the latest ticket availability through Ticketmaster.

What are the stage and venue times?

Doors to the venue are expected to open at 5.30pm for most of the concerts.

There’ll be a strict 10.30pm curfew.

Each artist is likely to announce their individual stage times on social media in the coming days, but you can probably expect headliners to take to the stage between 8.30pm and 9pm most nights.

What’s the seating chart for the venue?

Castlefield Bowl is an amphitheatre-style outdoor venue in the city centre.

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Although all tickets are billed as unreserved standing, if you’re quick you can take a seat on the large concrete steps that curve around the stage.

Many people also take a perch up on the grassy banks at the back of the venue too.

How do I get to Castlefield Bowl?

Castlefield Bowl is located at 101 Liverpool Road in the city centre.

The closest tram stop is Deansgate-Castlefield, which is only a six-minute walk away.

You can also walk it from the major train stations, or use the 101, 197, 255, 256, 41, 50 or X50 buses.

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Manchester nightclub clamps down on no-phones policy after ‘disappointing’ rule breakers

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Manchester nightclub Amber's clamps down on no-phones policy after 'disappointing' rule breakers

Amber’s, a nightclub in Manchester with a strict no-filming policy inside, has shared a strict new set of rules to prevent people using their phones.

The venue says it’s seen an ‘increased amount of phones on the dance floor’ despite its very clear policy against such a thing.

That’s included a recent set from Fred Again, where videos of his show were all over social media the next day.

Amber’s has said it’s ‘disappointing’ to see people flouting the rules of the space, leading to the venue introducing a zero tolerance policy.

Fans who are caught filming on their phones will be asked to leave Amber’s on the spot – no second chances.

There’ll even be extra members of staff patrolling the venue, to protect the ‘vibe of the space’.

“If you are spotted at any point across the night using your phone to record, you will no longer be permitted inside Amber’s,” they shared.

Amber’s wrote in a statement today: “Since our launch back in December, we have made it very clear that we are a No Phones venue. We want to create an experience for everyone where they are present in the moment and not distracted by phones.

“While the majority of people that attend Amber’s keep their phones away, there are a select few that don’t.

“This is of course disappointing.

“Over the recent weeks and months, we have seen an increased amount of phones filming on the dancefloor and we are aware of numerous videos shot on phone appearing online.

“To those that come to Amber’s and respect our house rules, thank you, you are contributing to an incredible vibe in the room.

“For those that don’t, we ask that you think about the space and the people around you before removing your stickers.

“The rules previously have been that if you are seen filming on your phone, you are politely asked to stop, if you are seen again, you are asked to leave the venue.

“From now on, as a renewed pledge to our No Phones policy, if you are seen recording in the venue, you will be asked to leave, there will be no second chances.

“There will now be extra members of staff patrolling the venue, ensuring that the vibe of the space is protected and if you are spotted at any point across the night using your phone to record, you will no longer be permitted inside Amber’s.

“Open your mind. Honour the concept. Respect the space.”

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Katy Perry at AO Arena, Manchester – stage times, setlist, tickets and more

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

Katy Perry will be playing a huge arena show here in Manchester this week, with a sold-out night at the AO Arena imminent.

The popstar is bringing her The Lifetimes Tour, which features an extravaganza of props and pyrotechnics, to town on Wednesday 8 October.

The Roar singer will be heading to the AO Arena this week, alongside shows in Sheffield, Glasgow, Birmingham and London.

Whether you’re going to watch hits like ‘California Gurls’, ‘Hot ‘N’ Cold’ or excited for the newer tracks like ‘I’m His, He’s Mine’, it’s sure to be one of the biggest gigs to hit the legendary arena all year.

Perry has the second most Diamond-certified singles in for a female artist in the U.S, four guiness world records and five UK number one hits.

Her latest album ‘143’, which is a numeric synonym of ‘I love you’ and the singer’s angel number, came out last year and stormed straight into the top 10 on the UK album charts.

If you’re heading to Katy Perry at the AO Arena tonight, we’ve rounded up all your essential information.

Stage times for Katy Perry at the AO Arena

The AO Arena hasn’t yet confirmed exact stage times for tonight’s show, but we do have enough information to give you a good estimate.

Doors will open at 6pm, with a show start of 7.45pm.

That will mean the support act should wrap up around 8.15pm and Katy Perry is likely to take to the stage between 8.30pm and 8.45pm.

Who’s supporting Katy Perry at the AO Arena?

For her Manchester show, Katy Perry will be supported by singer-songwriter Goldie Boutilier.

Goldie, who has also performed under monikers Kay, My Name Is Kay, and Goldilox during her career, will be joining Katy on most of her UK dates, before handing over the reins to Au/Ra and then Becky Hill.

Tickets for Katy Perry at the AO Arena

Katy Perry has completely sold out the AO Arena with The Lifetimes Tour, with no general tickets left at all.

However, there are a few tickets remaining on Ticketmaster’s resale platform, which are priced between £78.73 and £131.18 each.

Expected setlist

Katy has split her show into sections she’s calling ‘Levels’, as a nod to the video game inspiration behind the tour.

Each one is absolutely packed with pop bangers, as you’d expect.

Here’s the latest setlist from her most recent show in Glasgow.

  • Level 1: Artificial
  • ARTIFICIAL
  • Chained to the Rhythm
  • Teary Eyes
  • Dark Horse
  • Level 2: Woman’s World
  • WOMAN’S WORLD
  • California Gurls
  • Teenage Dream
  • Hot n Cold
  • Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)
  • Peacock
  • I Kissed a Girl
  • Level 3: Nirvana
  • NIRVANA
  • CRUSH
  • I’M HIS, HE’S MINE
  • Wide Awake
  • Level 3.5: Choose Your Own Adventure (fan requests)
  • Witness
  • The One That Got Away
  • Double Rainbow
  • ALL THE LOVE
  • Level 4: Mainframe
  • E.T.
  • Part of Me
  • Rise
  • Encore:
  • Roar
  • Daisies
  • LIFETIMES
  • Firework

How to get to AO Arena

@the.manc When are you next heading to the @AO Arena? 😱 #themanc #manchester #aoarena #preshow #entertainment #gigs #music #liveshow ♬ Love You So – The King Khan & BBQ Show

Tram

For those of you heading to AO Arena, luckily, it’s connected to Manchester Victoria Station, and it has an integrated Metrolink stop to make your life even easier.

Head along the pink, light blue or yellow lines directly to the Victoria stop, and you can get off the tram literally spitting distance from the arena. You can find the full map HERE.

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Train

Considering this live entertainment venue is situated right in the middle of one of Manchester’s most frequented stations, concertgoers should find no problem getting to the arena, wherever they are.

Bus

A variety of buses cover AO Arena and Victoria Station on their route, such as the 2 bus, which stops just a one-minute walk away from the venue.

A full list of buses and their routes can be found HERE.

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Getting there by car and parking

The Arena has its own official CitiPark, with 958 car parking spaces, including 40 Blue Badge parking bays, which can be booked in advance.

Alternatively, anyone attending a gig can park at their nearest train station and jump on a train service or the various Metrolink park and ride facilities.

Walk/cycle

Greater Manchester now also offers the option to hire bikes through the Beryl app, with riders able to locate, unlock, get to their destination and then safely lock up the bike all through an easy-to-use app.

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