It takes a lot to cheer up a cloudy Manchester day – but Ziggy Alberts and his sunny Aussie folk proved to be just the ticket last weekend.
Ziggy Alberts is an Australian singer/songwriter whose music follows a very narrative structure. He’s an acoustic artist whose songs include elements of folk and Americana, with most tracks using stripped back instrumentals underneath the his prominent vocals.
For newcomers to this performer and even those who want to learn a little bit more about the star, he has a playlist on his Apple Music profile dedicated to his influences, where you’ll find artists including American band The Lumineers and Irish talent Hozier. The 90’s R&B group En-Vogue even make an appearance in the list with their song ‘Whatta Man’.
But this world tour is not a solo mission. Ziggy Alberts is accompanied by Steph Strings, a fellow Australian, who is supporting him on this 2024 concert run including at his Manchester show.
The 23-year-old even switched her setlist up for the ‘rowdy crowd’ as Mancs proved to be simply too energetic. On behalf of all Mancunians, we’ll accept the compliment.
The Melbourne-based singer had all grounds covered, with guitar in hand, kick pedal on the right foot and tambourine on the left.
Keeping spirits high, Ziggy opened with ‘Days in the Sun’, with a steady drum kick which built adrenaline amongst the already bubbly crowd. Using the two elements he knows best – his voice and his guitar – Alberts brought the crowd to life, and replaced buses and bustling streets for sun, sand and sea much like the title of his 2014 debut ‘Land & Sea’.
With 1.35 million Spotify listeners, the 30-year-old singer is no stranger to performing to packed out crowds, performing in this lovely city just over 12 months ago. Manchester’s Albert Hall is one of the city’s many iconic live music venues and Alberts definitely didn’t feel out of place, especially with his own iconic look… that impressive moustache.
Alberts has three rules for anyone visiting his shows “Don’t diss the moustache”, “Take care of each other” and “Sing loud”.
He may live a 24 hour-flight away from the UK, but he made sure to make it his home, rocking the stage with a snazzy rug and no footwear in sight.
Steph Strings, who supported Ziggy Alberts at the Albert Hall in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupZiggy Alberts played at Albert Hall in Manchester last weekend. Credit: The Manc Group
Halfway through the show during an interlude, the Australian star ran off the stage and into the crowd. There’s a real sense of fan-love and this moment proved it. Ziggy created a call and response with an unreleased song titled ‘Where Does The Love Go?’, and fans were all for it.
The show concluded with an encore of three songs, the banjo-laced ‘New Love’ was a real highlight. The song itself opens with Ziggy Albert confessing: “Feels like I’ve been running for most my life,” and when you’re currently embarking on a world tour it’s safe to say this is more than reasonable.
His newest release and also the title of his current world tour, if Ziggy is ‘Making space for new love’ then you could say we’re making space for a permanent residency in Manchester – we don’t want him to leave.
Finishing with the Australian’s 2018 single ‘Laps Around The Sun’, Alberts found himself repeating the lyrics “Oh how much there is left to learn” with echoes from the crowd (Primary School taught us well).
The crowd have been so captivated by this man and his guitar that we didn’t realise almost two hours had passed by, and the singer’s performance had to come to an end.
What a phenomenal show and as he said himself, he’s ‘done it all independent’.
A huge house and disco music festival is taking place just on the border of Greater Manchester
Danny Jones
Not ready for Oasis fever or festival season to be over? Well, lucky for you, there’s still plenty more live music happening this summer – and if you’re into your house, electronic, disco and dance music, there’s an event happening just outside of 0161 next weekend.
Fancy a little trip out to Cheshire?
Yes, over in the lovely suburb of Wilmslow, the increasingly popular House and Vocal Disco Fest returns for 2025, promising plenty of energy, loads of local food and drink vendors, as well as non-stop tunage all day long.
Speaking ahead of their comeback this year, the organisers say: “Whether you’re reliving the glory days of clubland or discovering disco classics for the first time, House & Vocal Disco Fest 2025 is set to deliver the ultimate summer soundtrack.”
Hosted at the Phoenix Sports Club (no, as funny as it would be, there’s no connection to Peter Kay or Paddy McGuinness) near Styal, only a short drive from the town centre,
Booked for this year’s festival is chart-topping headliner DJ and Kiss FM presenter, Majestic, best known for his huge remixes and viral house hits.
Speaking of which, local artist, producer and co-creator Jon Fitz, who has recently opened his own bar, Fizpatrick’s in the heart of Stockport, will also be performing 20 years on from the release of his timeless classic, ‘I Just Can’t Get Enough’.
Legendary DJ Allister Whitehead and fellow veteran, Lifford – the velvety voice behind many soulful house music favourites – will also be alongside Fitz and co. as they turn those old market village vibes into one big dancefloor.
Excited to get back behind the decks, Fitz told The Manc: “Now in our third year — and our biggest yet — we’re bringing something truly spectacular to Cheshire. People can expect boutique vibes, intimate energy. This isn’t just a festival, it’s an experience. House & Vocal do things differently”
Once again, festival-goers can expect a day packed with uplifting tunes, a feel-good North West crowd living it large not too far from Greater Manchester, as well as all the perks of a local boutique festival setup too.
Taking place on Saturday, 26 July at Wilmslow Phoenix Sports Club from 12 noon until late, all early bird and VIP passes have sold out, but general admission is still available for £38.75 – and that’s including your booking fees.
You can find out more on House and Vocal Disco Fest 2025, as well as grab your tickets, right HERE.
Oasis fans prepare for biblical rain as Met Office issues thunderstorm warning
Daisy Jackson
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms – just in time for the next Oasis gigs.
The weather service is forecasting ‘heavy rain, with some thunderstorms’ on Saturday, the day of the fourth Oasis homecoming show in Heaton Park.
The opening two Oasis Live ’25 shows at Heaton Park took place under cloudless blue skies with temperatures upwards of 30°C – but that doesn’t feel very authentically Manc, does it?
It’s looking like it’s all about to take a turn back towards normal Manchester weather for the final two shows.
The yellow weather warning is currently in place across Greater Manchester and much of the UK until 9pm on Saturday 19 July.
According to the Met Office, heavy rain is likely in Prestwich from midday until 5pm on Saturday, easing off to light rain until 7pm and then (hopefully) dry by the time Oasis take the stage at Heaton Park.
Thomas Melia -
6th August 2024 
