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?
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
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.
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.
Manchester nightclub clamps down on no-phones policy after ‘disappointing’ rule breakers
Daisy Jackson
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.”
Katy Perry at AO Arena, Manchester – stage times, setlist, tickets and more
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.
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)
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.
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 andVictoria 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.
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.