The AO Arena has announced it’s giving away free tickets for a year to celebrate its 30th anniversary in Manchester.
The iconic music venue has welcomed the biggest names in the world in its three decades, with millions of us making memories for life inside its huge space.
And now you could win VIP tickets for an entire year, simply for sharing those memories with the AO Arena.
Fans who submit their old photos, videos and tickets will be in with a chance to win tickets to all the shows coming up in 2025 – which already includes massive gigs like Kylie Minogue, Katy Perry and Busted vs McFly.
AO Arena wants to dig deep into ‘first gig’ nostalgia territory, using fan-submitted snaps to build a collection of Manchester memories.
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Were you in the same room as Taylor Swift, did you party like it was 1999 (because it was) with Spice Girls, did you cry over the sight of Gary Barlow or cry laughing with Peter Kay?
Britney Spears and Beyonce are among the names who have performed at AO Arena in its 30 year history. Credit: Supplied
Whatever your AO Arena memories are, you can share them before the end of the month to be entered into the competition to win VIP tickets for the year.
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One overall winner picked at random will get the ultimate VIP experience, including access to a premium suite and The Beautiful North, as well as access to The Mezz with panoramic views of the main stage.
The 30th birthday campaign has been inspired by Adele’s monumental When We Were Young performance at Glastonbury, and all these memories will be projected around the arena before every performance.
You can submit your footage and enter the competition via the AO Arena website HERE.
BBC Introducing LIVE is back with events across the North for grassroots music artists
Emily Sergeant
BBC Introducing’s flagship live event will return with a huge lineup of activities for aspiring musicians and music creators this autumn.
To celebrate and champion undiscovered talent across the country, BBC Introducing LIVE will include an array of live performances, immersive workshops, educational panels, and networking opportunities for grassroots artists, DJs, and music creators, all at the start of their careers.
Introducing LIVE will head across the UK, including hosting four special gigs in Leeds and a songwriting camp in Manchester.
The BBC Introducing Songwriting Camp is an invite-only event offering an ‘unparalleled’ experience for artists and creatives to develop skills and collaborate with industry professionals in a real music studio.
Then, on Saturday 28 November, BBC Introducing will host four showcases across Leeds, celebrating some of the best new music from across the UK – with independent music venues The Wardrobe, Belgrave Music Hall, and Oporto all taking part.
While up in Sunderland, following the success of BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend there earlier this year, a special takeover event will take place at The Fire Station – with a day of panels, workshops, open mics, and an industry feedback centre planned, all designed to support and inspire the next generation of musicians and music industry professionals.
Other northern cities hosting events during this year’s programme are Gateshead, and major music city Liverpool.
Many successful artists, including the North’s very-own Sam Fender, as well as big names like Ed Sheeran, Raye, Olivia Dean, and Loyle Carner, all began their careers with support from BBC Introducing.
“Championing and nurturing artists and creatives is at heart of everything BBC Introducing does, and so I’m excited that Introducing LIVE will be returning in November for our biggest year yet,” commented Kelly Betts, who is the Editor of BBC Introducing.
“BBC Introducing will be at events, panels, and gigs across the UK giving emerging talent the opportunity to learn from industry experts, make music and connect with fellow artists.
“Music has the power to unite, inspire, and shape our culture and BBC Introducing’s flagship event will help some of the UK’s rising stars on their journey to achieve this.”
Featured Image – Rahul Kukreja (via Unsplash)
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Live from Wythenshawe Park – lineup, travel, tickets, times, and everything you need to know
Lydia Mastrolonardo
What a month August has shaped up to be – and it’s far from over yet, with the Live from Wythenshawe Park gig series on the way.
Five massive headline gigs will take place in the south Manchester suburb in the coming weeks, pulling together yet another star-studded lineup to round off summer on a high.
This year, performances will come from the likes of Courteeners, Lewis Capaldi, The Cure, Pulp, and The Prodigy, all with huge support acts.
Be sure to mind the weather, drink plenty of water, look after each other and, above all else, enjoy yourselves.
If you’re heading down to the Live at Wythenshawe Park gig series, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know.
Travel guide: How to get to Wythenshawe Park
Relax, we’ve done the hard work for you so that you can focus on the important stuff. You know, like planning your outfits and where to pre-drink.
We’d always advocate for travelling as green as possible and using public transport where you can and so without further ado…
Our number one recommendation would be Live From Wythenshawe Park’s fantastic shuttle bus service, to get you safely back into the city centre.
Shuttles will depart from Aytoun Street/Minshull Street (near Kampus) every six minutes and head straight to Wythenshawe Park, or you can grab one from Parrs Wood in East Didsbury, which run every 15 mintes. Check out the timings and locations HERE.
Alternatively, Big Green Coaches will also be travelling to the gigs and are available from various locations.
There are also three tram stops to choose from: Wythenshawe Park, Moor Road and Baguley. However, it’s worth noting that both Wythenshawe Park and Baguley will be closed from 9pm, so you won’t be able to get back home this way.
Simplest of all, your best bet is downloading the Bee Network app, where you’ll find all the key details in one convenient place. Be warned – get there with plenty of time to avoid queuing and congestion on public transport in and around Greater Manchester.
If all else fails, there are still some car park tickets that you can buy online from the Live From Wythenshawe website.
For more information, you can find all the up-to-date travel stuff HERE or check out (TfGM) Transport for Greater Manchester’s guidance and even use their interactive map.
Who’s playing Live from Wythenshawe Park 2026?
The Cure – Friday 21 August – 4.30pm-11pm – SOLD OUT
Lewis Capaldi – Saturday 22 August – 4pm-11pm – extra tickets released
Pulp – Friday 28 August – 4.30pm-11pm – SOLD OUT
Courteeners – Saturday 29 August – 3pm-11pm – final tickets
The Prodigy – Sunday 30 August – 3pm-11pm
Are there any tickets left for Live from Wythenshawe Park?
I’ll give you the bad news first – both The Cure and Pulp are sold out, though you may still be able to find some on resale websites nearer the time.
However, if you’re a Lewis Capaldi, Courteeners or The Prodigy fan, then you’re still in luck.
Click HERE for a mix of regular and VIP tickets for Lewis Capaldi from £80.85 and HERE for The Prodigy from £73.35.
For Courteeners, there are tickets from £74.55 each left that you can access HERE.
Hurry, these aren’t ones to miss out on.
Live from Wythenshawe Park festival site map
The Cure
The Cure have announced a Manchester gig at Wythenshawe Park
Starting things off is The Cure – we’re set to be graced by a performance from one of the most influential rock bands of all time, and with five decades of experience under their belt, this isn’t a gig to miss.
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If you’ve managed to bag tickets your ears are about to be blessed with iconic tracks such as Just Like Heaven, Boys Don’t Cry and Friday I’m in Love – just know I’m seething with jealousy.
Joining them as special guests is Slowdive, the influential rock band central to the UK shoegaze scene, alongside Manchester’s very own The Slow Readers Club supplying some absolute anthems.
Set times for The Cure at Live from Wythenshawe Park:
The Cure – 20:15
Slowdive – 18:35
The Slow Readers Club – 17:25
Doors – 16:30
Lewis Capaldi
After previously having to cancel his performance at Wythenshawe Park in 2023, we are finally getting a chance to hear Lewis Capaldi at the same venue, and our guess is the wait will have been well worth it.
With many fans eager to hear some of Capaldi’s more recent releases from his 2023 album, ‘Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent,’ in addition to some crowd favourites like ‘Someone You Loved’ and ‘Bruises’ – be sure to pack the tissues.
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Bringing further emotive lyrics and captivating stage presence in support of Lewis will be the talented writer, actor and UK hip-hop legend Loyle Carner, as well as the beloved Glasgow-raised, indie-folk artist, Charlie Phillips AKA Quiet Man, maintaining the correct Scot-Englishman ratio for the night.
Lewis Capaldi set times (subject to change):
Lewis Capaldi – 21:00
Loyle Carner – 19:30
Quiet Man – 18:30
Doors – 16:00
Pulp
Pulp have announced an epic Live at Wythenshawe Park gig, with support from Self Esteem
Following the release of their first album in 24 years, Pulp are set to headline Live From Wythenshawe Park and as one of the rare opportunities to see them live, this isn’t one to miss.
You can expect a combination of classics like ‘Common People,’ ‘Babies’ and new hits from their album ‘More.’
Pulp will be performing alongside Self Esteem AKA musician and actress Rebecca Lucy Taylor. Self Esteem is known for her brilliant songwriting, as well as being a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and even a theatre composer – what can’t she do?
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Courteeners
Courteeners will play Live from Wythenshawe Park this year
Courteeners have also kindly agreed to a huge one-off performance for us and you’ll kick yourself if you miss out on this one.
Not only are you getting Courteeners but they will be joined by a sensational lineup including The Vaccines, The Coral, Get Down Services, and Girl In The Year Below – what more could you ask for?
Just imagine the sun setting on one of the last nights of summer, plastic pint glass in-hand, surrounded by friends having listened to some of your favourite nostalgic indie music and then Courteeners walk out onto the stage to end the night.
Just do yourself a favour and buy a ticket – You’re ‘Not Nineteen Forever.’
The Prodigy
The Prodigy have announced a gig at Wythenshawe Park. Credit: Rahul Singh
Off the back of their fastest ever selling tour earlier this year, The Prodigy are down to headline at Wythenshawe Park too with their Warriors Dance experience, as one extra show for us Mancunians – aren’t they good to us?
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Just imagine hearing ‘Firestarter’ in the flesh.
Not only that, but the legendary band is set to make history, uniting four of the most influential musicians of our time for one night only.
Joining The Prodigy will be Carl Cox, Andy C and Mr David “Ram Jam” Rodigan, as well as sets from DJ and producer ¥ØUUK€ ¥UK1MATU and Trap Metal pioneer SCARLXRD.
Everyone ‘Breathe’ – we can’t quite believe it either.
Daisy Jackson -
9th January 2025 
