Wigan’s very own Lottery Winners have just announced their first solo headline stadium show right here in Greater Manchester, in yet another huge milestone for the Manc favourites.
Doing big arena gigs is one thing, but booking a full-on stadium date on your own patch is something else entirely.
Announced on Monday, 22 September, the ever-rising indie-pop four-piece are now set to play their biggest ever live concert at none other than Leigh Sports Village Stadium, where they’ll be welcomed back as hometown heroes helping put Wigan‘s music scene back on the map.
Better still, they even got a close personal friend to help them with the reveal…
Imagine a shock appearance from Robbie – that would go OFF.
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To be honest, we’re not ruling it out; as you can see in yet another amusing teaser video by the local band, they’re promising a number of special guests.
Already confirmed for the milestone live date are friends and long-standing collaborators Jon McClure with Reverend and the Makers, Frank Turner, plus fellow pop indie cult favourite Scouting For Girls, as well as another rising Wigan band in the shape of The Lilacs and a DJ set from Katie Owen.
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Frontman Thom Rylance goes on to joke that he’ll “even ask Boy George”, and while they might have duped us last time, we’re not entirely betting against him pulling it off this time.
Judging by the reaction ‘the Rev’ got here in Manchester back in January, you can bet on the atmosphere being nothing short of incredible.
You had to be there.
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Such a tune.
Speaking on the momentous occassion, lead singer and songwriter Thom said: “Leigh Sports Village (LSV) isn’t just another show for us, it’s a marker of everything we’ve worked for. From loading gear into pubs to travelling the world, every step has led here.
“To headline a stadium at home is rare, and we don’t take that lightly. This night will stand as proof of what’s possible when you keep on keeping on.
“Headlining LSV is special in itself, but doing it here in our hometown—surrounded by the people who’ve supported us from the very start—makes it truly unforgettable.
“The fact that we get to welcome legends and friends like Frank Turner, Reverend and the Makers and Scouting for Girls to our town feels incredible. It’s Leigh opening its doors to the world, and we’re proud to be the ones hosting.”
As for the former Take That star, he showed no hesitation in getting invovled with this little skit as the whole bunch of them are curently on the road as part of Robbie’s world tour, which visited Manchester just this past June.
Commenting on the announcement, the 51-year-old said: “I’ve completely fallen in love with The Lottery Winners, and even when the tour was just two weeks in, I had a pang of sadness that their tenure with me can’t last forever.”
We can’t wait to see what other surprises they have up their sleeves come next summer, with the gig scheduled for Saturday, 30 May 2026.
Presale tickets for the show go live this Wednesday, 24 September from 10am, and general admission will be available on Friday (26 Sep) at the same time, also from 10am.
Featured Images — Tom Oxley(press shot)/The Lottery Winners (supplied)
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Unknown Mortal Orchestra at the Albert Hall Manchester – groovy, hazy and effortlessly cool
Clementine Hall
Unknown Mortal Orchestra at the Albert Hall proved exactly why they’ve built such a cult following over the past decade.
Formed in 2010 by frontman Ruban Nielson, the band first broke through with their scrappy, lo-fi self-titled debut and since then, they’ve become known for their signature blend of psychedelic rock, funk, and warped pop.
I first saw the band back in 2023 at Glastonbury, and yes sorry I am one of those annoying people that bring it up all the time.
They’re the perfect band to close your eyes, sway your head and tap your foot to – and that’s exactly what the crowd were doing in unison last night at the Albert Hall.
Image: The Manc Group
From the second they stepped on stage, there was no rush – just that signature hazy groove met with enough stage lights to sink a ship.
You could barely see them on stage, but that made it even cooler. And you can only imagine how gorgeous the Albert Hall looked with hundreds of spotlights in different colours whizzing all over it.
Early tracks simmered and pulled us in before the band stretched out into crowd pleasers like ‘Multi-Love’ and ‘Hunnybee’. What an absolute tune by the way.
Image: The Manc Group
There wasn’t much crowd interaction but, again, there didn’t need to be. They let the music do the talking and by treating us to some of the most epic guitar solos we’ve ever heard (no, seriously), we’ll forgive them for not talking to us.
Each song melted into each other as the band oozed effortless charm and talent throughout the almost two hour set, which is no mean feat.
Of course, a sea of phones shot up for ‘So Good at Being in Trouble‘, their most popular track which prompted a harmonious audience singalong. Not very harmonious by me, admittedly.
It was a fantastic ending that left the audience feeling united by the laidback brilliance of Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and I hope they don’t leave it too long to come back this time.
Review | Leon Thomas at Manchester Academy – ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’ but this gig healed me
Thomas Melia
American singer-songwriter Leon Thomas visited Manchester Academy last night, performing hits from his deluxe album to a sold-out crowd of more than 2,600.
One year after an exclusive London MUTT Live date, Mr Thomas returns to the UK with the ‘MUTTS DON’T HEEL’ Tour, venturing to five cities, including the music capital of the North: Manchester.
The night started off just how it should’ve done with ‘HEEL’, as the audience were welcomed by the drum-loop and a chill atmosphere from the start.
Now, it wouldn’t be a Leon Thomas gig without at least one Ty Dolla $ign collaboration making the setlist, and there’s plenty to choose from with a new one dropping just over a month ago, ‘miss u 2’.
Leon Thomas performing hits at Manchester Academy (Credit: Audio North)
The funk-influenced musician opted for ‘FAR FETCHED’, and the audience was in the palm of his hand. No matter which of the four link-ups he chose, it was always going to go down well – Manchester never disappoints.
Leon didn’t even have to ask the crowd to bring more energy; they already matched him. When he sings, “For someone who don’t ask for favours, I’ve done way too many favours”, on ‘PARTY FAVORS’, he really meant it.
Last year, Leon Thomas dropped PHOLKS, a project which saw him exploring old-school funk and soul sounds even further and ‘Just How You Are’ had even the shyest dancer pulling out a little two step.
This isn’t the only hit that sent the crowd into a frenzy; ‘Baccarat’ and its impressive psychedelic guitar solo had jaws literally falling to the floor at Manchester Academy.
His songs might not be dramatic or extravagant, but they don’t need to be. Leon’s artistry prevails when he’s softly singing, and you’re still able to detect each instrument.
Leon Thomas brought the MUTTS DON’T HEEL Tour to Manchester Academy (Credit: The Manc)
‘Breaking Point’ is an easy-listening soul track that had all 2,600 Leon Thomas fans in our feelings as we realised we were coming to the end of a phenomenal concert.
And of course, ‘Mutt’ – his biggest single to date: a bouncy and swag-filled number that sticks in your head for weeks on end – sounded even better when backed by a live band as I discovered last night.
There was some insane musicality, distinct bangers and impeccable live arrangements that elevated the original studio recordings. Maybe ‘Mutts Don’t Heel’, but Leon Thomas definitely healed me.
He wasn’t the only cool cat playing last night either:
Danny Jones -
22nd September 2025 
