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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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
Legendary composer Hans Zimmer is coming to Manchester for his Co-op Live debut in 2025
Clementine Hall
Hans Zimmer, the multi-Oscar and Grammy-winning composer and music producer is bringing his brand-new European tour to Manchesternext year.
We all know the work of Hans Zimmer, and even if you think you don’t, you most definitely do.
The man behind the most significant film scores of the past 30 years, from Inception and Dunkirk, to Dune, The Dark Knight, No Time to Die and countless others, there’s simply no denying this legend has been the soundtrack to our cinematic lives for more than three decades now.
Hans Zimmer is now bringing his unprecedented show, ‘The Next Level’, to Manchester but for Co-op Live in another first for the state-of-the-art entertainment arena.
The Next Level promises a completely new show featuring groundbreaking electronic soundscapes and an incredible light production that will be a real feast for all the senses.
Manchester is just one of five dates split across November and December in the UK and Ireland, including Leeds, Glasgow, Dublin and London.
Speaking ahead of the tour, Zimmer said: “For me, every show is a new journey of discovery. With The Next Level, I want to surprise my fans and take them into a sound world like they’ve never experienced before.”
Kicking off the tour in Yorkshire, the new show represents Zimmer’s relentless drive to push artistic boundaries, explore new paths, and continuously evolve his sound.
Following a hugely successful European tour in 2023, when the 67-year-old played the AO Arena and hailed his Manchester date as “the best party in the world” before returning to play it again this past April. This next date it’s sure to be a show you don’t want to miss out on.
‘Hans Zimmer Live – The Next Level’ is taking place on Tuesday, 2 December 2025 with general admission going live on Thursday, 26 September 2024 from 1pm.
If you’re a Co-op member, you can also gain access to the pre-sale tickets from Tuesday (24 September) by signing up for the waiting list.
The Warehouse Project 2024 – full calendar, lineups, tickets, stage times and more
Thomas Melia
Festival season might be winding down but party season is officially upon us as The Warehouse Project 2024 finally kicks off his month.
September is well and truly underway and that means we are once again set to be graced with an abundance of WHP shows — the only thing more lined up and ready to go is us.
From 14 September right up until 31 December and their legendary New Year’s Eve party, Depot Mayfield is transformed into one of the UK’s largest nightclub venues, with acts from all over the world descending upon 0161 to perform innovative sets.
Whether you’re a seasoned raving veteran at this point or you’re new to Manchester and this is your first time trying out The Warehouse Project, either way, it pays to be prepared. With that in mind, here’s all the important info ahead of WHP 2024.
Everything you need to know about The Warehouse Project 2024
Warehouse Project tickets
As mentioned, with events running until 31 December, there are plenty of tickets available, however with growing popularity annually and some of the biggest acts performing these will be in high demand.
You can find the full calendar online, highlighting what events are still on sale – yes, the majority sell out fast every year – and takes you directly to their website HERE.
WHP stages
There are three separate rooms which range in capacity:
Depot is the largest room boasting a capacity of 10,000.
Concourse can accommodate a significant 2,500 concertgoers.
Archive still holds an impressive 1,900.
Transport and how to get to Warehouse Project
WHP moved its main hub from Victoria Warehouse to Depot Mayfield back in 2019 and it’s safe to say the world-renowned event is thriving in its new home.
Just an eight-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly or a 20-minute walk from Manchester Victoria Station, it’s super easy to get to on foot or via public transport.
You can catch a train or multiple tram lines from Victoria and various other points around the city centre which will drop you off at Manchester Piccadilly; better still, a tram journey will only set you back £1.90 and not much more for the train.
Taxis are also widely available across Manchester city centre starting from £5 upwards from Manchester Victoria to Depot Mayfield or £4 and above for a ride to the venue from Piccadilly.
Full WHP calendar and lineup
Saturday, 14 September – REPERCUSSION (4pm-4am) Depot Mayfield
First up, Warehouse Project 2024’s first night might genuinely be the best opening event in the history of the iconic club series and no, we really don’t think we’re exaggerating.
With modern disco royalty Jungle headlining the affair, you could have charged out the wazoo to see them alone but Repercussion 2024 is absolutely stacked.
Other heavyweights playing on the night include Bonobo, Honey Dijon, Major League DJz and berlioz, as well as two personal favourites of ours in salute and DJ Seinfeld – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
You can find a rundown of everyone else booked for the night and all the important info here:
Friday, 20 September – Sonny Fodera, Night One (9:30pm-3am) – Depot
Aussie music producer and a favourite of the UK electronic scene, Sonny Fodera returns to Depot Mayfield for thesecond weekend of Warehouse Project 2024 and is sure to be a stormer.
With help from Arielle Free, Saffron Stone and Rob McPartland on the first of two nights here in Manchester, it’s well worth going along to at least one.
Saturday, 21 September – Sonny Fodera, Night Two (9:30pm-3am) – Depot
The party resumes with a second raft of supporting acts the following night including Danny Howard, Jazzy and Nightlapse.
The question is which of the two lineups do you prefer?
Friday, 27 September – Hannah Laing (8pm-4am) – Depot
In at number four is the almighty Hannah Laing, the Scottish DJ who just keeps going from strength to strength and is coming back to blow everyone away, that’s for certain.
Playing the Concourse stage only and already sold out (obviously), she’ll be flanked by BK, Matty Ralph, Nancy Live, Yasmin Gardezi.
Here she is killing it at Parklife this past summer:
Saturday, 28 September – Welcome to The Warehouse (4pm-3:30am) – Depot
Depot
Concourse
Archive
Joseph Capriati Chris Stussy Enzo Siragusa TSHA Josh Baker Traumer Saoirse Jasper James Reeshy
Max Dean b2b Luke Dean Toman Luuk van Dijk ALISHA Obskür L.P. Rhythm b2b Paige Tomlinson Nautica
Prospa Mella Dee Sidney Charles Prunk Rich NXT Cici OBP (Jelsen b2b Stocked Up b2b Simmo)
Contrary to the name, it isn’t the first date of Warehouse Project 2024 but that’s by the by.
In addition to the main event, there will also be an incredible outdoor ‘Animal Crossing Street Party’ hosted along Temperance St, featuring names like Sweely Live, Ryan Elliott, Dr Banana, International Mac b2b Tau Car and Joey Jackson.
Lastly, nearby legendary venue Star and Garter will also be getting on the action, though the lineup for the night is still yet to be confirmed.
Thursday, 3 October – Yeat (7pm-11pm) – Depot Mayfield
As we head into October and the start of spooky season, we get our first proper outright gig with American rapper, Yeat, who still promises to put on a show despite getting you home at a much more reasonable hour by WHP standards.
ADVERTISEMENT
Having released his latest album 2093 back in February, there’s a lot of buzz around his name, hence why he’s already booking shows at the Depot.
Bringing a number of special guests that are yet to be revealed along with him, anyone who’s been looking to hop on his EUROLYFE tour, this is your chance.
Split across the main Depot stage and the Concourse, the beloved British lyricist will be joined by the likes of Frankie Stew and Harvey Gun; Dweller, Children of Zeus and many more, including true hip-hip royalty now going by a different name…
Friday, 4 October – Hedex (9pm-onwards) – BEC Arena
Heading away from Mayfield for the first time this season and over to the Bowlers Exhibition Centre, a.k.a. the BEC Arena, we’ve got the incredible Hedex.
A favourite among hordes of ravers all over the UK and Europe, not to mention a regular on the WHP calendar, the drum and bass DJ and producer from Cambridgeshire is getting more massive by the year.
Welcoming special guest Bou along with additional sets from Simula, Serum b2b Voltage and Turno b2b Basslayerz; Basstripper b2b Tsuki, Amplify b2b Latte and Toninate, as well as FMS b2b Nersha, it’s going to be a belter – you just best bring all of your energy.
Saturday, 5 October – Boiler Room Manchester (7pm-4am) – Depot
From one guaranteed stormer to another certified ‘you have to be there’ date, Boiler Room lands in Manchester on the first weekend of October and you shouldn’t need to know anything else other than the fact that Peggy F***ING Gou is headlining.
It will surprise none of you to learn that there isn’t even a whiff of a ticket left for this one (we just hope you grabbed yours in time) and even beyond the queen herself, the lineup is great.
ADVERTISEMENT
Depot
Concourse
Archive
b2b Job Jobse DJ HEARTSTRING DJ Gigola sim0ne Sam Girling
Jeff Mills Chlär IMOGEN Kerrie Yant
Call Super Peach Spray Sugar Free Aletha
Once again, the acts playing the Star and Garter are still TBA
Friday, 11 October – TRICK (8pm-4am) – Depot
Next up is a Patrick Topping special as he presents his TRICK promotion across all three rooms, with tickets starting from just £25.
Just as a side-note: we’ve got a lot of love for the Ibiza resident who is also doing more than his part in helping make the club scene more accessible and welcoming to the sober-curious crowd as well as raising awareness surrounding men’s mental health.
I’m putting on a Sober October Rave! No alcohol will be served and it will be during the day. I started playing sober in 2017 and it changed my relationship with music and partying and improved my mental and physical health so much (1/6)
This could prove to be one of the best value-for-money dates on the entire calendar. You can see the full lineup down below:
Patrick Topping
Eats Everything b2b Skream
Cloonee
Boys Noize
Prospa
Paul Woolford
Dusky
Morgan Seatree
Daire
Azzecca
Danny Bond
Testpress
Raphi
Lopez
Pangölin
Saturday, 12 October – Overmono (4pm-3am) – Depot
Another big favourite over here at Audio North, dance duo Overmono tops another stacked billing that also boasts special guest Sammy Virji – soon to be utterly massive – Joy Orbison, Manchester’s very own, Interplanetary Criminal of ‘B.O.T.A. (Baddest of Them All)’ fame and more.
ADVERTISEMENT
Here’s the full lineup and stage splits:
Depot
Concourse
Archive
Overmono Skream & Benga Sammy Virji Joy Orbison Interplanetary Criminal Emerald Surusinghe Tia Cousins
Ewan McVicar b2b Special Request KI/KI Ben UFO Blawan DJ Fuck Off DJ Love Aletha
Sam Gellaitry Breakage Blumitsu RHR Gyrofield Saint Ludo Zuri
Another sell-out event. Shock horror.
Saturday, 19 October – Four Tet (4pm-12am) – Depot
Any up for a full night of Four Tet? You better believe tonnes of people are, ourselves included.
Tickets for this one are selling out fast so grab yours HERE while you can.
19.10 /// FOUR TET ALL DAY LONG
Four Tet returns to WHP for an unmissable day & night party where he will play open to close. Tickets will be available in the presale from £19.50 + BF.
Presale – 10am Thursday 29th August General sale – 10am Friday 30th August
We’re sorry to let anyone hoping to grab a last-minute ticket down on this one but the Disclosure and Friends show sold out in the blink of an eye.
Even we didn’t manage to get one for this and with the likes of Folamour, Jyoty, Shanti Celeste, Theo Kottis and a Floating Points DJ set to be enjoyed, we’re genuinely gutted.
ADVERTISEMENT
For those of you who did, enjoy all the big hitters and the rest of what is a solid lineup:
Depot
Concourse
Archive
Disclosure Folamour Jyoty Shanti Celeste, Theo Kottis Floating Points DJ set
DJ BORING b2b Sam Alfred Sally C b2b Cromby Kilimanjaro b2b Eclair Fifi Duskus b2b Atrip Megra
Memphis LK Faster Horses Ghoulish Surf 2 Glory Mia Koden
Saturday 26 October 4pm-3am: Black Coffee
He only played his debut set at WHP last October but Black Coffee is heading straight back to Depot Mayfield for what will be the South African star’s only UK show outside of London.
As if you weren’t lucky enough already, just look at some of the names on the rest of the lineup:
Arguably one of the most impressive gigs at Warehouse Project 2024.
Friday 1, November – Up Ya Archives 8pm-4am – Depot Mayfield
Kicking off another busy month is the one and only Nia Archives, who holds a special place in our hearts given her roots in Bradford, Leeds and Greater Manchester.
ADVERTISEMENT
Not only is she a Northern music lover’s dream but she’s one of our favourite creators in the dance and electronic world right now and seeing the Mercury Prize nominated artist hosting such a big event for just the second time makes us so proud.
She’s got some serious names in tow, too.
Nia Archives
Depot
Concourse
Archive
Nia Archives Goldie b2b Special Request Interplanetary Criminal b2b Bakey Sherelle HiTech Cheetah Special Guest: Casisdead
Girls Don’t Sync Ahadadream Arthi Dr Dubplate Main Phase Oppidan p-rallel Y U QT
4AM Kru Ama Clipz Dwarde b2b Sully b2b Tim Reaper Lady Shaka Mantra Rich Reason b2b Lucidik Sicaria
Another stacked night.
Saturday, 2 November – PAWSA Presents (8pm-4am) – Depot
After our girl Nia takes to the stage, a day later we get London-based DJ and producer PAWSA following up with a full set in the main room.
However, this is one of those where we’re just excited about what’s going on elsewhere, as cult favourite and still criminally underrated in our books Chris Stussy will be playing Concourse, as well as Paramida, who delighted Boiler Room fans with her set at Piknic Électronik festival in Montreal back in 2022.
ADVERTISEMENT
House fans, this one’s for you – and the Archive acts are still yet to be unveiled.
If PAWSA is a bit of a bit of dark horse pick then this one should need no introduction. Everyone knows the name Scooter and Hamburg’s happy hardcore, rave and techno music icons sell out arenas all over the world every year, meaning Warehouse Project 2024 is practically a walk in the park.
With support from fellow German DJ Neptunica, fans of no-nonsense EDM who fancy a bit of nostalgia should consider this one. Tickets are still available but we wouldn’t wait around long.
Friday, 8 November – Gorgon City & Dom Dolla (8pm-4am) – Depot
A day later, you’ve got one of the most popular UK duos co-headlining with a top Australian export, with Gorgon City and Dom Dolla sharing a stage they could both dominate on their own.
Better yet, you’ve got the likes of Denis Sulta, Eliza Rose and, perhaps the most exciting of the lot in our opinion, SG Lewis, who we still believe released one of the biggest bangers of the entire summer with Tove Lo back in June. Here are the other names joining them:
ADVERTISEMENT
Airwolf Paradise
Bellaire
Denis Sulta
Eliza Rose
Flight Facilities
Gina Breeze
Jaguar
Lili Chan
Matrefakt
Sarah Story
SG Lewis — this is one of our top picks of the entire bunch*
As if those last few dates weren’t exciting enough, potentially the biggest pulse-raiser of the year arrives on 9 November: Homobloc 2024.
Considered one of the very best club nights on the planet and the unofficial closing part of Manchester’s annual Pride celebrations, it never EVER fails to thrill.
With the queer icon that is Christine and the Queens making her Homobloc debut, not to mention Horse Meat Disco, Confidence Man and more joining him, you best believe this is going to block your socks off.
Thursday, 14 November – Ben Böhmer (7pm-onwards) – Albert Hall
Leaving Depot Mayfield one of just a few occasions this season, you can also watch Ben Böhmer + Special Guests take over Albert Hall with a special show and a much more respectable bed time.
ADVERTISEMENT
The German DJ and remixer has also been selected as the headliner for this year’s overseas WHP show in Antwerp – just the second time they’ve taken the promotion global following the huge success of the inaugural European date in
Friday, 15 November – Jamie Jones Presents ‘Paradise’ (8pm-5am) – Depot
Now this one is going to require every last ounce of your energy as it won’t be ending until 5am (yes, you heard us right), you know when some people literally wake up to travel into work.
Great lineup though – well worth staying up for.
ALISHA
Coco & Breezy
Darius Syrossian
East End Dubs
Fleur Shore
Franky Rizardo
Gaskin
Honeyluv
Hot Since 82
Manda Moor
Mason Collective
Mason Maynard
Max Dean
Murphy’s Law
Olive F
Richy Ahmed
Sosa
Tickets are in demand so you’ll have to settle for joining the waiting list if you fancy it.
Saturday, 16 November – CamelPhat (10pm-4am) – Depot
Less than a month on from a full day of Four Tet, there’s also a chance to experience a CamelPhat all-nighter, hosted exclusively on the Concourse stage.
The North West duo have been around for a good long while now but have become bigger than ever in recent times, and with Warehouse Project 2024 on the agenda now too, this could be the Scousers’ year.
Friday, 22 November – Fatboy Slim (8pm-4am) – Depot
A legend of the UK electronic and big beat specifically, Fatboy Slim only deserves the best when he comes back to Manchester and that’s exactly what he’s getting.
With some heavyweights helping split the party across two rooms, this one will not disappoint.
Helping out on the main Depot stage are names like Vintage Culture and Paul Woolford, whereas playing ‘La Discothéque’ takeover of the Archive room, you’ll find the equally legendary DJ Paulette, Melé and more.
You can find the full lineup and ticket prices HERE, but you only need to have seen what Slim did at Castlefield Bowl to know you’ve just got to be there if you can.
Saturday 23 November 6pm-4am: Worried About Henry 10th Birthday
A full decade of one of the best club promotions on the planet, can you believe it?
That’s right, Worried About Henry is 10 years old and the organisers are celebrating in style.Set to be hosted by names such as Dread, Duskee, IC3, Linguistics and XL, with MCing from Chickaboo, DRS, Fox; GQ, Jenna G, SP:MC, Stamina MC and Strategy, everyone’s out for a real anniversary of club anthems.
Depot
Concourse
Archive
Andy C Hybrid Minds Dimension Camo & Krooked Mozey Koven Dillinja Catching Cairo Yan Special Guest: Bru-C
K Motionz Friction Circadian b2b Subsonic Culture Shock El Pablo Emily Makis + Hi-Phi Lens Particle b2b Skantia Pola & Bryson + Duskee
DJ Marky DJ Flight Doc Scott Dub Phizix b2b Chimpo Fabio Future Cut Jim Bane Lenzman b2b LSB Mark XTC Skeptical Workforce + More TBA
Friday, 29 November – WHP X Eat Your Own Ears (8pm-4:30am) – Depot
Helping close out the month, rising star Barry Can’t Swim will be delighting hordes of fans as well as curating his first-ever Warehouse Project show and THIS is the one we simply refuse to miss.
The full lineup is down below and you can join the waiting list for tickets HERE.
Depot
Concourse
Archive
Barry Can’t Swim (DJ set) salute presents ‘True Vision’ Barry Can’t Swim (Live) Jyoty Sofia Kourtesis Tarzsa
Hunee Palms Trax Interplanetary Criminal Joy Orbison Chaos In The CBD Paula Tape Krysko
29.11 /// CURATED BY BARRY CAN'T SWIM This November, Barry Can't Swim curates his first ever WHP as he performs Live and DJs. Joining him for this special event will be Palms Trax, Joy Orbison, SBTRKT, Jyoty & many more. Thursday 5th Sept 10AM – Presale Friday 6th Sept 10AM – General Sale A limited number of £35 tickets will be available in the presale from 10am Thursday. Register via the link in bio.
On to the last few dates Warehouse Project 2024 now and the ever-reliable XXL lineup has plenty to get stuck into and some great variety too.
The flagship techno showcase has needed to change much since it began – they usually just wait for the fans to come running, and run they will.
Alex Farell b2b Sikoti
Anetha b2b KI/KI
Ansbro
AZYR b2b Nico Moreno
Caravel
Clara Cuvè
Cloudy b2b KUKO
Cybersex
Danielle Cuiro
DJ Gigola
Fantasm
Holy Priest
I Hate Models
Jazzy
Ketting [Live]
Klangkuenstler
Korse
Leaha
Luciid
Maluigi
MCR-T
MELTX
Omaks
OnlyNumbers
Roüge
Samba boys
Seretide
Überkikz
Vendex
Victoria
Zorza
Saturday, 7 December – Haçienda (4pm-3am) – Depot
And as we hurtle headlong toward the end of the year and the closing party on New Year’s Eve, the penultimate date on The Warehouse Project 2024 calendar channels the very spirit of the most hallowed days in the history of Manc nightlife.
Paying tribute to the ‘Madchester’ scene, its ancestral home at the Haçienda which gives the event its name, then running all the way through to the modern days of Factory and beyond, this one is more than a throwback – it’s a celebration of how we did electronic music better than anyone else.
With household names like Orbital, Armand Van Helden and Groove Armada, as well as local icons like Peter Hook, Graeme Park, Mike Pickering and more getting involved, it’s one of the best dates on the entire calendar as far as we’re concerned. You can see more acts below and grab your tickets HERE.
Carl Craig
David Morales
Groove Armada
Inner City
Kerri Chandler
Arthur Baker
Chad Jackson
Colin Curtis
Erol Alkan b2b DJ Paulette
Greg Wilson
Guy Williams
Herbie Saccani
Hewan Clarke
James Holroyd
Jon Da Silva
Justin Robertson
K-Klass
Kath McDermott
Kevin Saunderson
Luke Una
Mark XTC
Marshall Jefferson
Russ
Tom Wainwright
And finally… Tuesday, 31 December – New Year’s Eve (8pm-4am) – Depot Mayfield
It’s still early for us to give you any info on the full lineup for the biggest party of the year but if you don’t already know that NYE and WHP is one of the most biblical nights you’ll ever experience, this is us letting you know.
Once again, it goes without saying that this sells out in a flash so if you want to ring in the New Year with all the rest of your raving brethren, you best be quick about it. You can get ready to grab your tickets for the Warehouse Project 2024 blockbuster HERE.
There are multiple free drinking points inside as well as free cups of water behind the bar. Stay properly hydrated and you’ll be able to rave well into the early hours.
Please also note that multiple amnesty bins can be found on your way into the building. We urge everyone to stay safe and look after one another.
Lastly, anyone wearing a football shirt will not be accepted into the venue.
Other than that, we hope you have an absolutely incredible time whichever shows you’ve grabbed tickets for – now let’s go and make Warehouse Project 2024 one for the ages.
Daisy Jackson -
8th February 2022 
