Manchester’s buzzing music and events scene has burst back to life, and the AO Arena is at the heart of it all.
The huge city centre venue has got some big shows still to come in February, and even more exciting events coming up later in the year.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, why not ‘Say It With Tickets‘ and buy your loved ones the gift of live entertainment.
The AO Arena also has a range of hospitality packages on hand if you want to push the boat out with the best seats and added extras.
You can enjoy a glass of fizz or three in one of its private suites, or watch the show from the best seats in the house with pre-show drinks in the View Bar.
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L.O.L. Surprise! Live
Credit: Publicity picture
For the first time ever, one of the world’s most popular toys will be putting on a live arena show.
The L.O.L. Surprise Live! tour will see characters and holograms dancing and singing on stage.
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The shows have been rescheduled from the original dates in December and January, and will now take place on Friday 11 February at 5.30pm, and Saturday 12 February at 12pm and 3.30pm.
Amir Khan vs Kell Brook
If your loved one is more of a sporting fan than a music fan, you can still snap up tickets for this massive boxing match.
Bolton’s very own boxing legend Amir Khan will face off with Kell Brook as their decade-long rivalry comes to a conclusion.
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Thousands of fans will pack the AO Arena and watch from around the world on February 19.
Dave
Multi award-winning rapper Dave will be hitting the stage at the AO Arena in February.
Since bursting onto the scene in 2016, he has collaborated with the likes of Drake, Stormzy, and Burna Boy.
Hot off the back of the release of his chart-topping album We’re All Alone In This Together, Dave will perform on 24 February.
John Bishop is doing two nights at the AO Arena in February.
One of the world’s most successful comedians – and owner of the whitest teeth – will be performing material at the end of the month.
John Bishop will spend two nights entertaining the crowds at the AO Arena with his Right Here Right Now World Tour.
You can catch him on 25 and 26 February.
Further ahead
Appetite for events is well and truly back, so it pays to get tickets booked in advance.
If you’re after comedy, you can see Alan Partridge at the AO Arena on 14 May, Joe Lycett on 20 September or Jason Manford on 15 October.
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Superleague Netball will also return with Manchester Thunder vs Leeds Rhinos on 12 March, and then the Darts will follow on 14 May.
Music-wise, there are shows from Stormzy, Stereophonics, The Wanted, and Royal Blood still to come this spring too.
Head over to ao-arena.com to pick your perfect date, book online or get in touch with the hospitality team for more information on exclusive experiences, call: 07741 194 110 or email: [email protected].
Gigs & Nightlife
New CGIs released of Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel in Wigan town centre
Emily Sergeant
Some new CGIs have given us a sneak peak inside Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel soon to open in Wigan town centre.
In case this is the first you’re hearing of the development, Wigan Council announced back in March 2024 in collaboration with its development partner Cityheart that it had signed a franchise agreement with world-renowned hotel brand, Hilton, for a stunning six-storey Hampton by Hilton hotel pop up right in the heart of Wigan town centre, just off Market Street.
The new venture forms part of the Greater Manchester town’s £135 million redevelopment of the former Galleries Shopping Centre – which was approved in July 2023.
The hotel will be located directly-opposite the bus station entrance of New Market Street, and is within 500 yards of both town centre train stations.
It’s being called ‘one of the most important elements’ of the Galleries masterplan.
New CGIs have been released of Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel in Wigan town centre / Credit: Supplied
As well as the 144 bedrooms – with ‘accessible’ rooms to be built on each accommodation level – the new hotel will also house a gym overlooking the new square, a main reception area and dining space on the ground floor, meeting and conference rooms, and secure parking will be available for guests.
Dozens of staff are expected to be employed at the new hotel – which the Council says will provide a range of job opportunities for local residents.
Once complete, the hotel will form part of the exciting new town centre neighbourhood providing a new Market Hall and food court, more than 400 homes, bars, restaurants, and leisure uses, all designed to celebrate Wigan’s proud heritage and unique identity.
The new venture forms part of the Greater Manchester town’s £135 million redevelopment / Credit: Supplied
“It’s great to see the progress of this exciting Hampton by Hilton development, which not only plays a role in Wigan’s regeneration, but continues to strengthen our footprint in the North West,” commented Paul Blackmore, who is the Vice President of Development at Hilton UK & Ireland, as the CGIs were released this week.
“The ambition shown by Wigan Council and Cityheart to create a dynamic new hub for retail, leisure, business and living truly resonated with us, and we look forward to welcoming guests when the hotel opens in late 2027.”
Construction work will start on site in October 2025, with an expected opening of the new hotel in winter 2027.
Featured Image – Supplied
Gigs & Nightlife
Manchester nightclub clamps down on no-phones policy after ‘disappointing’ rule breakers
Daisy Jackson
Amber’s, a nightclub in Manchester with a strict no-filming policy inside, has shared a strict new set of rules to prevent people using their phones.
The venue says it’s seen an ‘increased amount of phones on the dance floor’ despite its very clear policy against such a thing.
That’s included a recent set from Fred Again, where videos of his show were all over social media the next day.
Amber’s has said it’s ‘disappointing’ to see people flouting the rules of the space, leading to the venue introducing a zero tolerance policy.
Fans who are caught filming on their phones will be asked to leave Amber’s on the spot – no second chances.
There’ll even be extra members of staff patrolling the venue, to protect the ‘vibe of the space’.
“If you are spotted at any point across the night using your phone to record, you will no longer be permitted inside Amber’s,” they shared.
Amber’s wrote in a statement today: “Since our launch back in December, we have made it very clear that we are a No Phones venue. We want to create an experience for everyone where they are present in the moment and not distracted by phones.
“While the majority of people that attend Amber’s keep their phones away, there are a select few that don’t.
“This is of course disappointing.
“Over the recent weeks and months, we have seen an increased amount of phones filming on the dancefloor and we are aware of numerous videos shot on phone appearing online.
“To those that come to Amber’s and respect our house rules, thank you, you are contributing to an incredible vibe in the room.
“For those that don’t, we ask that you think about the space and the people around you before removing your stickers.
“The rules previously have been that if you are seen filming on your phone, you are politely asked to stop, if you are seen again, you are asked to leave the venue.
“From now on, as a renewed pledge to our No Phones policy, if you are seen recording in the venue, you will be asked to leave, there will be no second chances.
“There will now be extra members of staff patrolling the venue, ensuring that the vibe of the space is protected and if you are spotted at any point across the night using your phone to record, you will no longer be permitted inside Amber’s.
“Open your mind. Honour the concept. Respect the space.”
Daisy Jackson -
8th February 2022 
