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Take That at AO Arena, Manchester – seating plan, stage times and more after gigs shift from Co-op Live arena

THOUSANDS of people will head to the AO Arena for these three this week.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 6th May 2024

There aren’t many bands who can sell out SEVEN arena shows in Manchester – but Take That is clearly one of them.

Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald were set to perform a staggering run of shows across May and June at the Co-op Live – but we all know what happened there.

Their first five gigs have now been moved to the AO Arena instead, and will officially kick off on Tuesday 7 May.

It’s a huge homecoming gig for the trio, who’ll be performing hits from their whopping nine studio albums.

Ever since their comeback in 2006 they’ve become one of the biggest and best-selling pop groups on the planet, with almost every album topping the charts and reaching Platinum status.

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But change of venue for Take That has meant thousands of tickets have been reallocated, and there is a date change in the mix too.

If you’re one of the lucky ones to bag tickets for Take That’s This Life On Tour tour in Manchester, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know.

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What dates are Take That performing in Manchester?

The AO Arena in Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
Co-op Live WILL open this week, it has assured fans. Credit: The Manc Group
Take That’s first batch of Manchester gigs have moved from the Co-op Live (right) to the AO Arena. Credit: The Manc Group

At AO Arena

  • Tuesday 7 May
  • Thursday 9 May (rescheduled from Wednesday 8 May)
  • Friday 10 May
  • Saturday 11 May
  • Sunday 12 May

At Co-op Live

  • Tuesday 11 June
  • Wednesday 12 June

How to get your new tickets after venue change from Co-op Live

If you had tickets for the group’s original planned shows at the new Co-op Live arena, you’re probably wondering how the venue change will work.

Any tickets that were purchased through Ticketmaster will automatically change in your account in the next few days (if they haven’t already).

If you have any queries about your ticket, contact your point of purchase.

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What if your new seats for Take That are worse than your original booking?

Take That will bring their huge 2024 tour to Manchester this week. Credit: Publicity picture
Take That will bring their huge 2024 tour to Manchester this week. Credit: Publicity picture

Ooh yeah, this has been a bit of a sore subject for Take That fans, some of whom have found themselves in much worse seats than they initially paid for.

That’s down to the different layouts of the two arenas, and the fact that the AO Arena is slightly smaller than Co-op Live.

The AO Arena has asked ticketing providers to reallocate seats as fairly as possible, keeping seats as close to the original booking as they can.

The arena said in a statement to one disgruntled fan: “We appreciate your frustration and advise you contact your provider to discuss further.”

On their FAQ page, it states: “The transfer process takes into account the position of previous tickets, and the number of tickets in the individual booking.

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:However, each venue is different in their block row and seat configuration, which will undoubtedly mean that some fans won’t get exactly what they had for the original show.”

If you’re one of the affected people who’s not happy with your new seat, you need to contact your ticket provider directly for help and advice.

What to do if you can’t make the rescheduled date

Most of the Take That shows have remained on their original dates, simply switching from Co-op Live arena to the AO Arena.

But the show originally scheduled for Wednesday 8 May has unfortunately had to be rearranged to Thursday 9 May.

If the new date doesn’t work for you, refunds are available from your point of purchase.

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Seating plan at the AO Arena for Take That’s Manchester gigs

The exact venue layout for Take That at the AO Arena hasn’t actually been released by Ticketmaster at the time of writing.

But after decades hosting some of the biggest acts in the world, the venue is pretty familiar to most of us at this point.

The below chart is the one for Girls Aloud, which is also being staged as a fully seated concert.

Take That have been making use of a B Stage in the heart of the floor audience too, which will likely be added to their Manchester gig.

Who is supporting Take That at their Manchester shows?

In an effort to create the most chart-friendly, crowd-pleasing, middle-of-the-road pop night of all time, Take That have recruited Olly Murs as their support act.

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The former X Factor alumni headlined arenas across the UK in 2023 with his Marry Me tour, and now he’s back to warm up the crowds for Take That.

You can expect to hear some of the 39-year-old’s biggest hits, including Please Don’t Let Me Go, Heart Skips a Beat, and Dear Darlin.

What is Take That’s expected setlist?

Take That have already performed multiple dates on this tour, so we’ve got a good idea of what their setlist in Manchester will look like.

  • Keep Your Head Up
  • Windows
  • Giants
  • Days I Hate Myself
  • Everything Changes
  • Sure
  • Shine
  • A Million Love Songs
  • I Found Heaven
  • Pray
  • Forever Love (Gary Barlow song)
  • Clementine (Mark Owen song)
  • Speak Without Words (unreleased Howard Donald song)
  • Patience
  • The Flood
  • Get Ready for It
  • March of the Hopeful
  • The Champion
  • This Life
  • Greatest Day
  • These Days
  • Time and Time Again
  • Relight My Fire
  • One More Word
  • Hold Up a Light
  • Back for Good
  • Never Forget
  • Rule the World

What will the stage times be for Take That at the AO Arena Manchester?

  • Doors – 6pm
  • Olly Murs – 7.20pm
  • Take That – 8.35pm
  • Curfew – 11pm

*Stage times are often subject to change so allow plenty of time to get into the arena.

Are there still tickets for Take That?

At the minute, tickets have been taken off sale for Take That, presumably while the AO Arena and Ticketmaster deal with transferring tickets from one arena to the other.

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But given that Co-op Live was completely sold out, and the AO Arena is smaller, there are unlikely to be any tickets remaining.

Your one remaining chance may be some re-released tickets from those who can no longer make the rearranged date, or reliable re-sale sites.

Is tram travel included with your gig ticket?

As part of Co-op Live’s huge opening season, they announced free tram travel for gig-goers in a partnership with TfGM.

Thankfully, this is being honoured for the shows that have switched to the AO Arena.

Tram travel around Greater Manchester is included with event tickets for four hours before and after Take That on Tuesday 7, Thursday 9, Friday 10, Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 May.

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Featured image: Publicity picture

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Oldham mansion that starred in an iconic pop music video is up for sale

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

A Greater Manchester mansion that’s featured in one of the most famous music videos of the past decade is now up for sale.

Situated in the picturesque village of Uppermill, Oldham, Ashcroft House is currently listed at £2,350,000 accepting offers in the region of this figure.

The property has six bedrooms, six baths and five reception rooms – this mansion is a party host’s dream.

Ashcroft House has four storeys with the lower ground floor currently set up as a gym space and the ground floor boasting an eye-catching grand entrance hall.

This isn’t everything the lower ground floor has to offer. There are a number of breakout rooms such as a wine store, cinema room and your own personal steam room.

When going up another flight of stairs, the first floor’s main selling point besides the very large balcony is the matched walk in wardrobes paired with each of the six sleeping quarters, yes please!

The girls styling themselves in one of the many walk in wardrobes at Ashcroft House.
The bold statement front door in the Oldham mansion.
Credit: Youtube (@littlemix)

Finally, if that wasn’t enough to draw you in, there is another flight of stairs leading to the second floor which is currently acting as the house’s ever-impressive storage area.

With the rolling hills of Saddleworth nearby and a local pub a ten minute walk away, how could life possibly get any better?

Oh wait it does! In 2016 one of the UK’s best selling girl groups of all time shot a music video for their worldwide hit right here in these very four walls.

X Factor prodigies and three time BRIT award winning girl group Little Mix perched up with their film crew to spend 21 hours recording the video for their groundbreaking single ‘Hair’.

The video itself has amassed nearly 500 million views on social media platform Youtube since being released eight years ago.

The grand staircase that greets you as you enter this Greater Manchester property.
The Little Mix girls having a bite to eat in Ashcroft House.
Credit: Youtube (@littlemix)

This isn’t the first time Manchester and its surrounding areas have been seen on the big screen as it seems lots of famous faces are keen to film the visual accompaniment to their songs here.

The previous owner of the house even revealed that once the music video shoot wrapped up, the girls stayed with the family to share a slice of pizza or two.

If you’re interested in owning a piece of pop culture history or just as nosey as we are you can take a virtual tour of this mansion in Oldham here.

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Featured Image: Ryder & Dutton via Rightmove

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Where to go before and after a gig in the musical city of Manchester

Danny Jones Danny Jones

Manchester is a music city through and through, especially when it comes to the live scene, but one question we hear time and time again is ‘Where should I go before and/or after a gig?’

In fairness, if you’re from the area or have lived here long enough then you’ll have your answer or certainly a few tried and tested go-to places but, for anyone still new to Manchester, there’s some serious concerted effort that goes into planning these things. Get it?

Seriously though, you’ll be pleased to know that not only do we boast some of the best acts to have ever come out of the UK and some of the best venues to watch live music in the country, but we also have some of the best spots to enjoy yourself before and after seeing your favourite artists.

You’ll never need to wonder where to go before or after a gig in Manchester again.

10 of the best pre and post-gig bars and venues in Manchester

big hands bar manchester
rizzos manchester
big hands oxford rd
rooftop terraces in manchester
A top-tier choice either before or after any Manchester gig. (Credit: The Manc Group)

1. Big Hands

First up on our list is a long-standing favourite among students and gig-goers alike: Big Hands, a.k.a. one of the coolest little boozers you’ll find anywhere in the city centre. It also happens to be right near all the Manchester Academy venues, which is handy.

With decent prices catering to those gigging on a budget along the busy university strip of Oxford Road, a lovely dimly-lit aesthetic complete with gig posters galore; a rooftop garden terrace adorned with twinkly lights and plenty of plants, it’s a pure vibe in here.

They also hold live music and DJ set nights of their own, as well as currently serving up great Italian street food from Rizzo’s – formerly T’arricrii) – like pizza by the slice and their famous arancini, it’s quite simply one of our happy places.

2. Bunny/Junior Jackson’s

In a number two is a twofer of sorts because we love them both as much as each other really, but if you’re looking for some solid scran and pre-gig fuel on the cheap, then Bunny Jackson’s is the answer.

Comfortably the best dive bar on the planet, the playlist in here is literally undefeated if you like rock, pop-punk, emo and some good old-fashioned Americana. They also regularly host afterparties following live shows and even the likes of Olivia Rodrigo, The 1975 and more have sampled the goods.

The only thing it has over its sister site Junior Jackson’s or the new country-style karaoke bar (both in Northern Quarter) is the 25p wings. In fact, we’ve got the perfect plan: Bunny’s before the gig, karaoke after and Junior’s well into the small hours.

3. Night and Day Cafe

night and day northern quarter
night and day cafe events manchester
Credit: mcrjh.pix (via Instagram)/The Manc Group

In at number three is another Manc music institution and arguably one of the most important venues of the past two decades or so that has given so many big names their start. It also happens to be a great place for before and after a gig in Manchester.

Should you be starting your pre-concert ritual super early, you can grab breakfast, brunch or pizza all the way up until 2pm, as well as some pretty darn good coffee too, but the reason to head here is to soak up the history and culture literally dripping from the walls – oh, and boogie until 2am, of course.

With artwork and Stanley Chow prints to be studied, as well as that warm red, orange and yellow paint scheme, we always feel welcome walking in here. It may have had a tough time keeping the doors open over the past couple of years, but live music lovers have kept it alive and will continue to do so.

4. New Century

What’s better than a bar right near the venue you’re going to? How about one big bar within an even bigger food hall that’s already inside the same building as the concert?

New Century Hall only opened back in 2022 but it’s fast become not only one of our favourite live music spaces in the entire city – with that spring floor, top-notch sound system and stunning psychedelic illuminated disco ceiling – but it’s also the perfect place to go beforehand too.

With so many independent vendors inside serving up everything from pizza, parmos; Japanese, Vietnamese and plenty of other cuisines on offer, not to mention a great beer, wine and cocktail selection, this stylish 60s-inspired room is right below the venue itself and we love it from top to bottom.

5. Stage and Radio

Similar to fellow Northern Quarter fave Night and Day, Stage and Radio on the other side of the district feels like the equivalent for fans of electronic, dance music and DJ in general.

It acts as a bar in the afternoon and early evening, perfect for pre-drinks especially come happy hour, but by nighttime it hosts a wide range of its own shows, welcoming up-and-coming artists.

The star of the show, however, is the club room in the basement which serves up some seriously good late-night shows, so whether you’re just heading downstairs after a chiller on the ground floor or looking to rave into well into the next day, you won’t go far wrong with this gaff.

6. The Salisbury

From EDM and clubbing to the old-school rock and roll haunt that is The Salisbury, which is arguably one of the very places that comes to mind when we think of where we like to go before and/or after the game, a gig and pretty much any other event to be honest. We’re big fans.

Full of rockers of all ages all either queuing up for the bar or the jukebox, Little Ireland’s little gem of a boozer is much more than just a pub, it’s one of the most well-trodden haunts on Oxford Rd to be found nearby and for very good reason: it’s mint.

Whether you like heavier stuff or just want a good boozer to get ready for a night of tunes, it’s well worth a go. They also have a somewhat secret outdoor area out back that not everyone stumbles across and their in-house New York pizza, Dough161 (fantastic name), isn’t just decent – it’s genuinely up there.

7. Grand Central

In a very similar vein to The Salisbury, next door or rather right in front of one rock pub is another recently renovated bar popular among students, those who enjoy the alternative scene and loved by a fair few of us here at The Manc.

No, we’re not asking you to imagine NYC or turn back to before Manchester Central was even called the GMEX, Grand Central is the name of the longstanding bar that promises a few things: cheap drinks, great music and now plenty of live performances too.

The name is fitting too given the central location for anyone travelling in the city, hence why it’s often heaving. We’ve also got a soft spot for another neighbour known for its Northern Soul nights, so if either or both of the last two suggestions are too busy you can always try Thirsty Scholar.

8. YES

If you cross the road and make your way to Charles Street, just a few short minutes away you’ll find a multi-purpose venue that YES, with food, drink, music and more sprawling across four storeys.

You can do it all here. There are gigs in the Pink Room on the first floor, official artist afterparties and club nights down in the basement; bloody good butties from Micky’s and booze as well as dancing, pizza and tonnes more on the ground floor, plus a beautiful rooftop terrace. Something for everyone.

Students regularly pack this place out too but don’t worry, the various deals are available to everyone and you’ll find it busy with people pretty much all day and night – including our very own Will.

9. Rebellion

This is another one that we’d probably put in the post-gig column but Rebellion just opposite Deansgate Locks is arguably one of the most underrated music-related venues in Manchester.

It’s another city centre venue that (not so) quietly hosts some of the rowdiest nights you’ll come across; you’ll sometimes hear the noise booming from the walls on a walk home from a night out and we’ll admit it’s drawn us in on more than one occasion.

We always remember bumping into local alt-rock and indie icons Everything Everything in here and losing our minds, so it gets bonus points for that interaction alone.

Credit: Rebellion (via Facebook)

10. Satan’s Hollow

And finally, it’s possibly the very first shout we make on where to go most certainly AFTER a proper rock show, Satan’s Hollow is a haven for metalheads emos, goths – whatever arbitrary label you want to throw our way.

All we know is that if you like heavy music, we’re not telling you to go here, we’re considering it a Manc rockers rite of passage if you’ve still got the energy to headbang post-gig.

Tucked away behind Gay Village and strictly cash-only entry, what goes on behind these tall, demonic-looking gates stays behind them and we promise it’s better to leave it to your imagination and just enjoy the carnage once you’re in there.

rock bars and clubs in manchester
what is satans hollow manchester
If you know, you know… (Credit: The Manc Group)

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Featured Images – The Manc Group

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