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.
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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’.
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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.
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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.
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What a phenomenal show and as he said himself, he’s ‘done it all independent’.
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.
Thomas Melia -
6th August 2024 
