BBC Radio 1Xtra is broadcasting a special show dedicated entirely to Manchester’s renowned music scene and celebrates all our local talent tonight.
From 7pm-9pm tonight, BBC Radio 1Xtra’s DJ Target will cast aside his usual schedule and dedicate his entire show to the music of our brilliant city, celebrating the achievements of our local talent and artists, and getting to know a little bit more about the city’s unique and growing musical scene.
BBC Radio 1Xtra will be connecting with artists and DJs in our area, and during the show, will speak to special guests about the rising prominence and influence of the city on the UK’s music scene.
It’ll also shine a spotlight on the success that’s already been achieved by local artists such as Aitch and Bugzy Malone.
This show will feature an interview with rising star, Nemzzz, and include some worthy contributions from 1Xtra’s Hot For 2022 artist, Meekz, as well as by local youth-run radio station, Pie Radio.
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The special show is part of BBC Radio 1Xtra’s UK Touchdown Tour, which will see the station touchdown in a total of 22 different cities across April, including Birmingham, Newcastle, Cardiff, Bristol, Brighton, Edinburgh, and Liverpool, as well as here in Manchester.
For each show, including tonight’s Manchester special, BBC Radio 1Xtra will be sourcing tracks using BBC Music Introducing’s extensive network of local Introducing shows and feature the music of undiscovered and emerging artists from the city.
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Artists set to be included in Manchester’s show tonight include KSR, Frenzy, July 7, Children of Zeus, Piri x Tommy Villiers, and more.
BBC Radio 1Xtra’s DJ Target is shining a light on Manchester tonight on the Touchdown Tour / Credit: BBC Radio 1
“I’m so excited to take the Touchdown Tour to Manchester,” DJ Target says ahead of the show.
“At 1Xtra, we’re all about finding and supporting the best new talent wherever they are in the UK and there are some incredible artists coming up in Manchester’s scene right now [so] this tour is an amazing way for us to connect with the region and shine a spotlight on Manchester.”
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Tune in to DJ Target’s UK Touchdown Tour show tonight on BBC Radio 1Xtra 7-9pm, or listen back afterwards on BBC sounds.
Robbie Williams announces intimate gig in Manchester for BRITs Week 26 for War Child
Daisy Jackson
Iconic popstar Robbie Williams has announced a surprise gig in Manchester – and it’s soon.
The British star will be performing as part of the upcoming BRITs Week 26 for War Child, a gig series which is seeing huge artists playing intimate venues all over the UK.
Robbie Williams will be taking to the stage at Aviva Studios in Manchester in just a few weeks’ time, ahead of the BRIT Awards’ northern debut at the Co-op Live.
The 18-times BRIT Award-winner be performing tracks from his debut album Life Thru A Lens and his recent number one album BRITPOP, with support from indie chart-toppers Lottery Winners.
The newly-announced gig for Robbie Williams is part of BRITs Week, which takes place around The BRIT Awards 2026, with other artists performing in Manchester including Olivia Dean, Josh Baker, and The K’s.
All proceeds from the shows will go to help War Child’s essential work providing aid, education, specialist mental health support to children whose lives are affected by war.
Robbie Williams will perform at Aviva Studios in Manchester on 27 February.
BRITs Week 26 for War Child full lineup
12 February – Fatboy Slim – Boiler Shop, Newcastle, supported by Max Jones
16 February – Lambrini Girls – The Garage, London, supported by Bimini
18 February – Spiritualized – EartH Theatre, London
20 February – The K’s – Gorilla, Manchester
24 February – Myles Smith – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham, supported by Saint Raymond
25 February – Jack Savoretti and Katherine Jenkins OBE – Emerald Theatre, London, supported by Gabriella Cilmi
25 February – kwn – Patterns, Brighton, supported by CARI
25 February – Josh Baker – YES, Manchester, supported by Deliah and Alexandria
26 February – Rossi. – YES, Manchester, supported by Olive F
26 February – Olivia Dean – Albert Hall, Manchester
27 February – Jacob Alon – Music Hall at Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, supported by Lizzie Reid
27 February – Robbie Williams – Aviva Studios, Manchester, supported by Lottery Winners
Fans can enter the prize draw and win a pair of tickets to see the artist of their choice, for just a £10 per entry donation to War Child. Available HERE.
A limited number of tickets are also available on general sale HERE.
A ‘Primary School Bangers’ gig is coming to Manchester
Daisy Jackson
A night of non-stop, nostalgic primary school bangers is heading up to Manchester this year.
The event comes from viral sensation and Glastonbury festival favourite James B Partridge, who’ll be taking his incredibly silly event on the road in 2026.
Expect to hear all those hits that shaped your childhood, whether you were sat cross-legged on a carpet or one of the lucky ones who got to sit on a PE bench in assembly.
His usual setlist includes classics like Sing Hosanna, One More Step Along The World I Go, and When I Needed A Neighbour.
Primary School Bangers will be heading to the beautiful Albert Hall in Manchester in March, along with a run of dates across the UK.
He’s promising ‘classic school-day singalongs, heart-on-sleeve nostalgia, and the infectious joy that has made James a national favourite’.
Most recently, the teacher-turned-performer has been delighting audiences with his Big Christmas Assembly tour, playing to tens of thousands across the country.
James continues to teach primary school children during the week, then goes so far as to shut down the fields of Glastonbury with the crowds he pulls in.
He’s also had appearances on the likes of Chris Evans’ Virgin Radio Breakfast Show, BBC Radio 2, The One Show, and Songs of Praise: The Big School Assembly Singalong.
Emily Sergeant -
11th April 2022 
