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Chart-toppers The Lottery Winners are joining pop legend Rick Astley on his UK tour
And, of course, the last show in England is right here in Manchester.
Local band The Lottery Winners are riding an absolute high this year and only look to be getting bigger and better — that being said, it doesn’t get much bigger than jumping on the road for a massive arena tour with an absolute pop music legend in Rick Astley.
Not unlike the Leigh-based pop rockers, Rick Astley‘s popularity is also through the roof these days and is enjoying a real renaissance; he has been for a couple of years now, becoming best mates with the likes of The Blossoms and Foo Fighters, smashing Glastonbury and pumping out plenty of new music.
In fact, after once again joining the Stockport lads on stage for a series of The Smiths covers and smashing his own Glasto 2023 set, many music fans want him to headline the festival next year.
However, unlike Astley who admitted it was his first trip to Worthy Farm not just as an artist but as a punter, The Lottery Winners managed to smash out a frankly ridiculous six sets in four days and are now they’re set to jump on tour with Rick as his special guests next year. Massive.
Set to appear as supports at every show except for the two sold-out gigs at the Royal Albert Hall in London and his two Irish dates, The Lottery Winners will be opening up for Rick Astley all over the country alongside fellow 80s pop icon, Belinda Carlisle.
The 57-year-old is playing a total of 12 shows across the UK and Ireland between 1 November and 5 March 2024, with the English leg ending at Manchester’s AO Arena, naturally — you can’t find a better closer than that.
On top of that, both Astley and The Lottery Winners still have various other festival gigs and tour dates to get through, respectively, with the ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ singer also set to headline Kendal Calling later this month and, lucky for you, you can still get tickets.
These lot are absolutely killing it at the minute.
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Last but not least, with a new album on the way this October entitled, Are We There Yet?, these shows are set to be stellar and you know that Manc gig is going to be the best of the lot.
You can grab your tickets to see Rick Astley and The Lottery Winners in Manchester HERE.
In the meantime, you can always hear the man himself sharing his thoughts on what it’s like to be well and truly back on the scene and delighting fans both old and new.
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Image — Rick Astley/BBC Radio 2/The Lottery Winners (via Instagram)
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Salford Pride’s popular Pink Picnic returns this summer with ‘iconic’ headliners
Emily Sergeant
Boney M, The Cheeky Girls, and Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK stars are all on the lineup at Salford Pride’s popular Pink Picnic this summer.
As this summer marks 15 years of Pride in Salford, Salford Pride has announced a whole host of exciting events to celebrate – including the return of The Pink Picnic, its biggest family-friendly celebration yet, with headliners like 90s and 00s music icons, community talent, and even a ‘bigger and bolder’ Youth Zone for 2026.
Returning to Peel Park once again, The Pink Picnic brings together LGBTQ+ community, allies, families and friends for a day built around community, joy, and belonging.
For 2026, Salford Pride is expanding the experience further with even more to do across the park than ever before.
The Pink Picnic has been part of Salford’s Pride story since 2011, but this year’s 15th anniversary addition is set to be one for the history books, as alongside a headline lineup featuring Boney M, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’s Kyran Thrax and Paige Three, The Cheeky Girls, Big Brovaz, Booty Luv, and Baby D, a strong programme of community acts will also be spotlighted.
Some of the exceptional community acts already named on the lineup so far include Tallulah Guard, Fear of Marko, and John Tucker.
Across the day, visitors can also shop from dozens of community stalls and market traders, take part in or watch the much-loved annual dog show, and visit the ‘bigger and bolder’ Youth Zone that’s designed to help young people feel seen and celebrated.
“Celebrating 15 years of Pride in Salford feels really special, and we wanted 2026 to feel like a proper thank you to the community that’s built this with us” said Scott Turzański, who is the Head of Marketing and Brand at Salford Pride.
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“The Pink Picnic is a family event – it’s welcoming, it’s joyful, and it’s about making space for everyone.”
The Pink Picnic returns to Peel Park in Salford next month on Saturday 13 June, and you can find out more and book tickets online here.
Featured Image – Salford Pride (via Facebook)
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Donny Osmond books biggest-ever Manchester gig
Danny Jones
Iconic American singer and actor Donny Osmond has announced his biggest-ever Manchester concert as part of his upcoming ‘VIVA UK’ tour dates.
Bringing his famous Las Vegas residency show to Great Britain, where he has always had a fervent following, the younger Osmond brother will be making a venue debut over six decades into his career.
Famously part of the musical family who not only sang together but also saw multiple TV shows created in their name – including his very own spin-off, Donny and Marie – he’s been around longer than most in showbiz, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.
Confirming a whole new run of live dates across the country, Donny Osmond will be returning to Manchester early next year.
Writing on social media, the veteran entertainer said: “I’m so pleased to finally share the official 2027 UK tour dates with you.
“It always means so much to return to the UK – the audiences there have given me some of the most unforgettable moments of my career.”
As for here in our city, he last played Manchester back just a few short years ago at the AO Arena, selling out the 20,000-seater space on 29 November 2023.
Now, though, he’s upgrading to approximately 23k this time, with die-hard fans being encouraged to download his very own ‘Donny App’ to secure the earliest possible access.
Set to play Co-op Live for the very first time, we’d expect this one to sell equally well; you can see the rest of the shows listed so far down below.
Donny Osmond VIVA UK live tour dates 2027
We’ve highlighted all the Northern dates for you:
- Wed, 20 Jan – Glasgow, OVO Hydro
- Thurs, 21 Jan – Newcastle, Utilita Arena
- Sat, 23 Jan – Liverpool, M&S Bank Arena
- Sun, 24 Jan 24 – Manchester, Co-op Live
- Tue, 26 Jan 26 – Hull, Connexin Live
- Wed, 27 Jan 27 – Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena
- Fri, 29 Jan 29 – Leeds, first direct arena
- Sat, 30 Jan 30 – Birmingham, BP Pulse Live
- Mon, 1 Feb – Cardiff, Utilita Arena
- Wed, 3 Feb – Bournemouth BIC
- Friday and Saturday, 5-6 February – London, Eventim Apollo
Early access tickets for Donny Osmond’s VIVA UK tour will be available both via the app and the venue’s official Co-op membership, with the presale window opening at 10am on Wednesday, 20 May.
Meanwhile, general admission tickets will go live at the same time the following Friday (22 May), with VIP and hospitaity packages also on offer.
You can get ready to grab yours right HERE.
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For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Images — Heinrich Klaffs (via Flickr)/Publicity pictures (supplied via Co-op Live)
Danny Jones -
11th July 2023 
