Audio
Watch the moment the Kings of Leon fans learned of the England score mid-gig at Co-op Live
Alternative but still absolutely wonderful scenes.
When we tell you our stress levels were through the roof when we realised Kings of Leon’s gig at Co-op Live was happening on the same day as England’s Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands, we’re not exaggerating.
Then came the dilemma of actually having to get through the show knowing the game was playing somewhere else just out of sight but very much not out of mind.
We’re sure many people faced the same conundrum at the start of this week and that some probably even reluctantly sold their tickets, but since this was a bit of a bucket list gig for us, we clung on in the faith that they’d make it through and just kept every possible digit crossed.
So, when a sudden wave of cheers began coursing through the crowd and we realised not only were England still in it but they had scored a last-minute winner, the sheer joy and relief was something else — and to the Kings of Leon lads, they have no idea how grateful we were for this moment:
And yes, that is us screaming.
We’re pretty sure KoL were fully aware that a rather big game was going on in the background but there was no mention of it from English indie veterans, The Vaccines, who did a great job opening up as the solo support act, nor at any point during the gig itself.
That being said, the Tennesse rockers’ set was pretty non-stop, so there was very little room for any banter with the crowd and most people like us were just trying to shut off that part of their brain that knew Gareth Southgate’s side were just one step away from a second Euros final.
Safe to say that when we heard the full-time whistle had blown and there was nothing left to fret about (you know, other than an even more stressful game on Sunday…), it made the rest of the set.
Cue what we’re now dubbing as yet another unofficial England anthem:
Read more:
It wasn’t exactly how we expected or intended to experience the Three Lions marking yet another historic moment for the nation but we’re just glad we all got through it and it’s certainly a night we’ll never forget.
Oh yeah, and we can promise you we won’t be making room for any other plans whatsoever other than watching the final this weekend.
Come on, England – let’s bring it home and we’ll all have a big sing-song in the streets to ‘Use Somebody’, ‘Sweet Caroline’, ‘Sex On Fire’ and all the hits.
We’ll get them out on Stevenson Square with us – it’ll be great.
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Images — The Manc Audio
Audio
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.
Read more
Featured image: Publicity picture
Audio
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.
Tickets are on sale now HERE.
The Primary School Bangers UK 2026 tour
- 14 Mar – Gateshead Glasshouse
- 15 Mar – Scunthorpe Baths Hall
- 16 Mar – Manchester Albert Hall
- 3 Apr – Colchester Charter Hall
- 4 Apr – York Barbican
- 6 Apr – London Barbican
- 7 Apr – King’s Lynn Corn Exchange
- 8 Apr – Bury St Edmunds Apex Theatre
- 10 Apr – Watford Colosseum
- 12 Apr – Southampton O2 Guildhall
- 14 Apr – Northampton Derngate Theatre
- 15 Apr – Woking New Victoria
- 16 Apr – Swansea Grand Theatre
- 18 Apr – Bristol Beacon
- 19 Apr – Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
- 20 Apr – Blackpool Winter Gardens (Arena)
- 21 Apr – Edinburgh Assembly Rooms
- 23 Apr – Peterborough New Theatre
- 24 Apr – Birmingham Symphony Hall
- 26 Apr – Reading Hexagon
Read more
Featured image: Rebecca Johnson
Danny Jones -
11th July 2024 
