Audio

Take That at Etihad Stadium, Manchester – setlist, stage times, merch, support, and more

The Circus Live tour is back. This article contains affiliate links.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 9th June 2026

Take That will be arriving in Manchester very soon for FOUR huge shows at the Etihad Stadium.

The much-loved pop trio are bringing The Circus Live back to stadiums across the UK, recreating their record-breaking 2009 tour.

Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, and Howard Donald are bringing back all the over-the-top, circus-themed madness of the hit tour, more than 17 years later.

And now that the tour has kicked off, we’ve got a good idea of what Take That will be bringing to Manchester – non-stop entertainment.

Expect a hot air balloon, a huge mechanical elephant, clown face paint, acrobats, unicycles, fireworks, sparkly costumes, and loads more.

ADVERTISEMENT

Take That said upon announcing their Etihad Stadium shows: “The Circus tour was one of our favourite experiences as a band and, in the years since, we’ve talked many times about how much we’d love to do it again one day. Well, that time has come!

“We’re so excited to welcome audiences old and new across the UK and Ireland to the spectacle of The Circus Live next summer. See you out there!”

ADVERTISEMENT

What dates are Take That performing in Manchester?

  • Friday 19 June
  • Saturday 20 June
  • Sunday 21 June
  • Wednesday 1 July

Tickets for Take That at Etihad Stadium

Take That are back in Manchester for four stadium shows
Take That are back in Manchester for four stadium shows. Credit: Jason Hetherington

None of Take That’s Manchester gigs have totally sold out yet, but some nights have better availability than others.

Availability for opening night is still decent, with plenty of space in both seating and standing, and it’s similar scenes for Sunday 21 June. 

For Saturday 20 June, the Etihad Stadium is down to only single seats (unless you grab an official resale ticket). 

ADVERTISEMENT

And if you can wait til Wednesday 1 July, there’s a really good mix of tickets still available, including seats from just £49.25. 

VIP packages are available too.

  • Tickets for Friday 19 June HERE
  • Tickets for Saturday 20 June HERE
  • Tickets for Sunday 21 June HERE
  • Tickets for Wednesday 1 July HERE
  • Pitch standing – £87.75
  • Front standing – £137.25
  • Seated – £49.25, £71.25, £98.75 £114.15, £153.75

Take That setlist for The Circus Live 2026

Take That
Take That
  • Greatest Day
  • Hello
  • Could It Be Magic (Barry Manilow cover)
  • Pray
  • A Million Love Songs
  • Back for Good
  • The Garden
  • Shine
  • Up All Night
  • Babe
  • You’re a Superstar
  • The Circus
  • What Is Love
  • Do What U Like / Promises / It Only Takes a Minute / Take That and Party
  • Said It All
  • Never Forget
  • Patience
  • Relight My Fire (Dan Hartman cover)
    • Encore
  • Hold Up a Light
  • Rule the World

Take That merch prices

Take That have got a massive range of merch available on The Circus Live Tour, including t-shirts, football tops, totes, jumpers, and even elephant stuffed toys.

The big hitters seem to be their bomber jackets, and the football-inspired shirts and scarves – but your wallet will take a hit too…

  • Take That t-shirts – £45
  • The Circus Live football top – £85
  • Take That bomber jacket – £170
  • Take That striped t-shirt – £55
  • Oversized tote bag – £35
  • Take That striped jumper – £90
  • Take That hoody – £90
  • Official tour book – £25
  • Elephant plushie – £50
  • City-specific posters – £20
  • Football scarf – £35
  • Headband – £20
  • Key ring – £15
  • Car air fresheners – £10

Stage times

The Etihad Stadium hasn’t announced the exact stage times for Take That just yet, but based on previous shows on the tour, it should be something like this:

ADVERTISEMENT
  • 5pm – Doors open
  • 6.25pm – 7pm – Belinda Carlisle
  • 7.20pm – 8.05pm – The Script
  • 8.30pm – 10.30pm: Take That

Support acts

Take That have gathered some incredible support acts for the entire The Circus Live Tour, including their four nights in Manchester.

They’ll be supported by American singing legend Belinda Carlisle, whose solo hits include Heaven Is A Place On Earth, I Get Weak, and Leave a Light On.

Then warming up the crowd even more will be The Script, the beloved Irish pop rock band who are responsible for huge songs like Hall Of Fame, The Man Who Can’t Be Moved, and Breakeven.

Read more

Featured image: Publicity picture

Audio

The legendary Hulme community pub The Old Abbey Taphouse has been reborn

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson The Old Abbey Taphouse will reopen as The Abbey next week

The closure of The Old Abbey Taphouse was a real blow for Hulme and the surrounding university district area; the community pub was a bit of a local institution thanks to its grassroots music and inclusive atmosphere.

But now it appears that the spirit of the venue lives on, under the new name of The Abbey.

Some of the city’s most experienced independent operators – who have been behind venues like YES and The Deaf Institute, and music promoters Now Wave – will be the new custodians of this beloved local landmark.

The pub, which closed early last year, has now been carefully and lovingly restored ahead of its big relaunch, which will start in true Manc vision with an exclusive opening night gig.

Glimpses of The Abbey's refurb
old abbey taphouse reopened
The Abbey is reborn. (Credit: The Manc Group)

The vision for its new chapter will be ‘Old Pub, New Music’, creating a new home for grassroots live music and emerging artists.

There’s also affordable, hearty pub grub, including Pieminister pies, and a huge range of beers from local breweries and beyond.

Bringing The Abbey back to life are a core team of four: Ruth Hemmingfield, Wesley Jones, Jonathan Wickstead and Gareth Butterworth.

Ruth, Jon and Wesley are co-owners of YES; Ruth previously launched and programmed landmark Manc venues including The Deaf Institute, Gorilla and Albert Hall; while Wesley and Jonathan, through Now Wave, promote hundreds of independent gigs and live events each year.

As for Gareth, he’s the founder of the multi-venue festival Manchester Psych Fest, meaning that all of them have plenty of hospitality, late-night, live music and events experience between them.

The team behind The Abbey pub. Credit: Piran Aston
The team behind The Abbey pub. Credit: Piran Aston

The rear of the site of The Old Abbey Taphouse will be extended to create a new dedicated live music and events venue, while the cherished beer garden is given a facelift with new decking and its own bar.

The Abbey has stood in Hulme since the 1890s, playing an important role in the area’s heritage – this is where activist Len Johnson managed to overturn the shameful ‘colour bar’ policies of the 1940s.

Its restoration and relaunch are part of the flourishing Manchester Science Park development.

Matthew Pazos, Senior Retail Commercial Manager at Bruntwood SciTech, said: “Ruth, Wesley and Jonathan are the perfect custodians to breathe new life into The Abbey.

“Their reputation for running independent spaces in Manchester, alongside their live music expertise, will ensure this much-valued pub once again becomes a beating heart for Hulme and the wider neighbourhood.

“The reopening of The Abbey will create an inclusive new hub that welcomes everyone – from the Hulme locals who have looked after the pub over the years, to the Manchester Science Park community, university students, and the many residents and workers across the Oxford Road Corridor.

“We are delighted that such a culturally significant and important pub is set to open its doors once again.”

Ruth from the new Abbey team commented: “We love a good pub. With The Abbey, we’re excited about bringing a brilliant old pub back to life, protecting what people loved about it, and creating something special: a great local, alongside a vital grassroots music venue for the area.

“We’re honouring the pub’s history while building its future.”

the abbey beer garden manchester science park
the abbey pub university of manchester
pieminister menu manchester
Credit: The Manc

Read more

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE

Featured Images — The Manc Group

Audio

Gig review | Lola Young’s Manchester comeback – A joyous return to stage at the O2 Apollo Manchester

Kristen MacGregor-Houlston Kristen MacGregor-Houlston Lola Young Manchester comeback headline gig review 2026

The excitement in the air is palpable in the O2 Apollo Manchester, the crowd is itching for her to make her way onto stage and is chanting her name – Manchester has missed you, Lola Young.

After an extended hiatus since she collapsed at the All Things Go festival in New York last September, Lola is back on a short tour to find her feet again. Whilst Manchester isn’t officially the first show, it is the headline performance for her comeback.

Lola’s break had come at a pivotal moment, with her third studio album, I’m Only F***ing Myself (2025), earning huge acclaim, performances across the globe, and endorsements from the likes of Elton John for her talent.

After cancelling all of her shows ‘for the foreseeable future’, Lola asked fans for their forgiveness, writing in an emotional statement: “I really hope you’ll give me a second chance once I’ve had some time to work on myself and come back stronger.”

Lola Young shares first public statement since cancellations and stepping away from the spotlight
Tough to handle for anyone, let alone a young rising artist.

It was clear to everyone that her hard work on herself had paid off, as this was a different Lola Young from the one I saw at Glastonbury last year: there was a calmness to her – she seemed more centred and more confident.

That calmness, however, did not mean a lacklustre performance: she is still a powerhouse; her stage presence is just magnetic, and it is clear to see how loved she is by her fans. The energy in the room didn’t falter the entire time she was on stage.

She kicked things off with ‘Sad Sob Story’, a song about moving on from a toxic relationship, which seemed fitting as she steps away from the drama and difficulties of last year into a fresh start. A wall-shaking opening number that set the scene for what was to follow with the rest of the show.

As part of her healing journey, Young stated that she has decided to write something special and specific for each show to tell herself if she’s worried or doubting her ability.

She shared her Manchester mantra with us: “When you are connected, when you express what you feel is true to you, when you open yourself up and share your very unique experience, remember you are electric… Those who want to listen will lean in, no matter your volume.”

Although she was clearly introspecting, she was also speaking to her audience, her fans, and expressing gratitude for them still being there. Shouts of support echoed out through the venue, her fans truly loving and supporting her as they have since day one, perhaps more so than ever.

lola young manchester apollo review
lola young health update
lola young o2 apollo gig review
Credit: Audio North

Her performances of songs like ‘Big Brown Eyes’, ‘Not Like That Anymore’ and ‘Conceited’, showed just how much fun Lola was having on stage, being back and being surrounded by people who truly loved her.

At times, the crowd were singing along so loudly and passionately that she laughed and told the audience, “I can’t even hear myself in my own ears.” She had to occasionally take moments to step back and take it all in, seemingly overwhelmed with joy at the outpouring of love being reflected back to her.

Her band were also a stand-out, sharing in her energy and passion. It is clear that Young and her band could easily fill huge arenas with their talent and fervour, but this more intimate venue just seemed correct.

Lola continued to prove throughout the night why she was so deserving of her BRIT Award for ‘Breakthrough Artist of the Year’, and her Grammy nominations for ‘Best New Artist’ and ‘Best Pop Solo Performance’.

Her vocal talent, emotional depth and electric stage presence were showcased in songs like ‘why do i feel better when i hurt you?’, ‘Post Sex Clarity’ and the incredible ‘You Noticed’, showing an extremely vulnerable side to her that had many audience members tearing up.

We saw all sides of Young during this show, with her iconic songs ‘One Thing’, ‘d£aler’ and ‘Messy’ practically blasting the roof off of the O2 Apollo Manchester.

The fans could hardly contain themselves, screaming the lyrics back at her – it was truly a night to remember for everyone.

With another night in Manchester due to popular demand, Lola promised to be back soon. Could it be a bigger tour, bigger venues, new music?

Who knows, but for now we’re just glad to see her healthy and have her back in our lives again.

lola young back on tour
lola young apollo mcr
Cedit: The Manc

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE

Featured Images — The Manc Group

More Audio

Anime film and gaming orchestral concert Manchester

Art & Culture

A dedicated anime, movie and gaming concert with a live orchestra is coming to Manchester

Disney World Collide live concert tour Manchester date tickets

Affiliate

Disney are bringing a live music crossover tour featuring three cult favourite films to Manchester

Affiliate

Phoebe Bridgers announces long-awaited return with HUGE phones-free arena gig in Manchester

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches