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What’s on at the AO Arena Manchester this May – and how you can still get tickets
Daisy Jackson -
29th April 2022 
There’s a busy month of live music, comedy and entertainment ahead at the AO Arena Manchester.
The city’s leading venue will be welcoming some big names this May, with a packed schedule of events.
Expect pop perfection from Little Mix, who will perform three shows at the AO Arena this month, as well as comedy appearances from the likes of Alan Partridge and Chris Rock.
Music royalty like Blondie, Pet Shop Boys and Alice Cooper will take to the stage over the next month too.
Read more: Manchester’s AO Arena reveals big £50 transformation plans
The AO Arena has a range of hospitality packages on hand if you want to watch the show in style, from booking the best seats in the house to having a champagne reception and a waiter service.
Full details on Prime View and Prime Suites are below.
Here’s what’s coming up at the AO Arena Manchester in May, and all you need to know about booking your hospitality packages.
Blondie – Sunday 1 May
Fronted by the iconic Debbie Harry, Blondie will be joined on this rescheduled tour date by Manchester legend Johnny Marr.
Tool – Monday 2 May
This strictly no-phones-allowed gig from art metallers Tool will be part of their arena tour of the UK, which is also taking them to London and Birmingham.
Little Mix – Friday 6 and Saturday 7 May
Pop sensations Little Mix – aka Perrie Edwards, Jade Thirwell and Leigh-Anne Pinnock – will be doing three gigs in two days at the AO Arena on their Confetti tour, with a matinee performance on Saturday afternoon.
Gregory Porter – Sunday 8 May
Grammy Award-winning jazz soul singing sensation Gregory Porter will be in Manchester in just a few weeks, performing hits from his six studio albums.
Alan Partridge – Friday 13 and Saturday 14 May
Stratagem, a brand new live show from Alan Partridge (aka Steve Coogan) will touch down for two nights that promises to ‘inform, educate and entertain in approximately equal measure’.
Chris Rock – Sunday 15 May
Fresh from his hosting gig at the Oscars, comedic heavyweight and multi-award-winner Chris Rock is bringing his Ego Death World Tour to Manchester.
Bryan Adams – Tuesday 17 May
One of the world’s most iconic rock musicians is heading to the AO Arena – Bryan Adams’ So Happy It Hurts tour is in support of his 15th studio album – that’s quite the discography.
Whitesnake – Wednesday 18 May
Hard rock stalwarts Whitesnake will be stopping off in Manchester on their eagerly-awaited Farewell tour, alongside Foreigner and Europe.
RuPaul’s Drag Race – Thursday 19 May
RuPaul’s massive Werq the World tour is sashaying its way to the AO Arena – the all-new production will see Michelle Visage, Asia O’Hara, Plastique Tiara and more travel back in time through several iconic eras.
Pet Shop Boys – Friday 20 May
Electronic pioneers Pet Shop Boys are back together in front of crowds on the Greatest Hits tour, working through a back catalogue that includes massive hits like West End Girls, Always On My Mind, and Go West.
The Script – Saturday 21 May
With five number one albums, six billion streams and two million ticket sales, The Script will be joined by Ella Henderson on their Greatest Hits Tour.
Alice Cooper and The Cult – Friday 27 May
Larger-than-life rock legend Alice Cooper and The Cult will come together for a very special co-headline show at the end of May.
Years & Years – Saturday 28 May
Olly Alexander, recent star of hit series It’s A Sin and collaborator with Kylie Minogue, will be back at Years & Years in May with The Night Call tour.
AO Arena Hospitality package information
Prime View packages, designed for couples and smaller groups of friends and family, include fast-track pre-show entry to the Lounge, with a glass of champagne on arrival.
You also get a seat in the lower tier of the main auditorium (Block 103 or 114) to see the action on stage up close.
There are Prime View tickets available for all of the below shows.
There’s still some Prime Suites availability too, for Blondie, Tool and RuPaul’s Drag Race. The Prime Suites package is a full experience for up to 16 guests that includes a private suite, dedicated fast track entry, a buffet, champagne reception, private bar and waiter service, en suite toilets and cloakroom facilities.
To book either Prime View packages or Prime Suites at the AO Arena, you can email [email protected] or call 0161 9501069.
