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AJ Handley-Rowe -
10th November 2021
AJ Handley-Rowe -
10th November 2021 Sex Pistols and Frank Carter to toast important Manc music anniversary with massive outdoor gig
Danny Jones
Frank Carter and Sex Pistols are continuing their fruitful partnership and are celebrating the anniversary of a very important Manchester music venue with a massive outdoor gig right here in the city centre.
Yes, you lucky sods are getting more Frank Carter as the perfect new lead singer for the Sex Pistols, live and in the flesh.
The frenetic frontman, best-known for his self-titled outfit and the Rattlensakes, as well as his time with Gallows and Pure Love, initially joined the legendary punk rock band on the road for a special handful of live shows; ultimately, the reviews were so glowing that they announced an entire UK tour.
It seems fitting, therefore, that as we approach half a century of punk – a movement that the Sex Pistols themselves kicked off right here in Manchester – that the landmark shows celebrating that milestone should be held where it was arguably first born.
NEW // Next summer, @sexpistols will celebrate 50 Years Of Punk with a string of huge outdoor UK shows, with @gallowsofficial / @therattlesnakes icon @frankcarter23 taking on vocal duties once more 🤘
— Stereoboard (@stereoboard) November 24, 2025
Grab tickets 10am Friday: https://t.co/HVgeW9iZA5 pic.twitter.com/DrANGlBw77
The Sex Pistols’ infamous gig at the Lesser Free Trade Hall on Peter Street (now the Radisson Group’s Edwardian Hotel) on 4 June 1976, which contained a crowd filled with numerous future musicians, marks its 50th anniversary in 2026.
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Even to this day, it’s still talked about as an ‘I was there’ gig that not only spawned so many artists from this city, but that helped shape both the British scene and global music industry as a whole for decades to come.
Therefore, the veterans couldn’t let the seminal date simply pass without recognising it in some way, and after the success of their previous shows alongside Carter, they’ve decided to do it all over again.
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While the first run – which included a Manchester date at Academy One back in September 2024 – saw the band and 41-year-old vocalist play their debut and only album in full, this upcoming outdoor gig is more importantly pegged as a celebration of the movement as a whole.
You can see the kind of energy they generated inside a sweaty mid-capacity room; just imagine how incredible this is going to be live at Castlefield Bowl:
Yes, Frank Carter and the Sex Pistols will be playing the city’s increasingly iconic amphitheatre next festival season, following the likes of New Order, Noel Gallagher, The Courteeners, Blossoms and just a handful of other local names.
Joining the lineup for the annual Sounds of the City music festival, spread across several nights every summer, they follow the likes of Johnny Marr, The Ks and The Charlatans among the latest raft of regional acts on the roster.
The event itself never disappoints, and it’s great to see so many Greater Manchester natives and other nearby artists getting spotlighted at a venue that is becoming increasingly iconic in its own right.
It might never birth a moment in musical history quite like Free Trade Hall, but it’s definitely helped put a few more local talents on the map.
As for Frank and the Pistols, we don’t want to sound like someone else’s broken record, but you really did have to be there…
Other outdoor dates announced include The Piece Hall in Halifax, Cardiff Castle and the Scarborough Open Air Theatre.
Perhaps one of the coolest parts about this next batch of live shows is that they’ll also be joined not only by fellow long-serving contemporaries, The Undertones, but by ‘The Bard of Salford’ himself, John Cooper Clarke, too.
‘The Godfather of Punk Poetry’ and spoken word hero has already hosted two popular evenings in Manchester this year alone, and is set to prove a real fan favourite once again.
General admission tickets are set to go live at 10am this Friday, 28 November, and you can bank on them being snapped up just as fast as you could say ‘Anarchy in the UK’; get ready to grab yours HERE.
They’re not the only rock legends coming to town soon, either.
These pioneers of heavy metal are heading back on the road. 🤘 @AOArena https://t.co/jhX2jSuIeT
— The Manc (@TheMancUK) November 18, 2025
Read more:
- Childish Gambino confirms shock stroke that caused him to cancel his world tour
- Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts to play huge Heaton Park gig in Manchester
- Honey Dijon and Mix-stress on Homobloc, Manchester nightlife and more
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Images — Audio North/Birgit Fostervold (via Wikimedia Commons)
10 reasons to visit Manchester’s most beautiful boutique hotel this Christmas
Daisy Jackson
King Street Townhouse, one of Manchester’s most celebrated hotels, turns 10 years old this year.
And to celebrate, the team at this award-winning hotel have planned a bumper season of events and reasons to visit over the winter season.
From festive feasts to spa days to sparkling city views, there’s absolutely masses going on as the hotel celebrates a decade of magic.
Tucked away just off Albert Square, King Street Townhouse is home to some of the city’s finest bedrooms, its legendary infinity pool with views of the Manchester Town Hall, its cosy Tavern restaurant, its hidden cinema, and its serene spa.
Add to that festive afternoon teas, live music, festive film screenings, and loads of prize giveaways and you’ve got your new favourite winter hangout sorted.
So here are 10 reasons to visit King Street Townhouse hotel this winter as it celebrates its 10 year anniversary in Manchester.
Festive Afternoon Tea
One of Manchester’s top afternoon teas now has a festive twist – and you’ll be eating it in the cosy lounge filled with twinkling lights.
On each afternoon tea tower you’ll find tiers of handmade treats like a dainty tart in the shape of a wreath, a baby gingerbread man, and an eggnog and clementine macaron.
There are also loads of savoury bites, featuring finger sandwiches filled roast turkey, brie and mulled wine marmalade, and smoked salmon.
Sundays with Live Music
Every Sunday from 30 November, you can enjoy live music in the Tavern every week until 21 December.
Taking place in the cosy surrounds of the Tavern, beneath a gigantic sparkling Christmas tree, you can relax with a live violin while you tuck into your afternoon tea or the wider seasonal menu.
The live music takes place between 1pm and 5pm each week.
The Decad’ent Ritual
To celebrate a decade of King Street Townhouse, its serene spa is offering a limited-edition experience designed to soothe, restore and leave you glowing.
Kick off with two hours in the thermal suite, before heading into a 60-minute Comfort & Glow treatment (a restorative back ritual with hot towels and ESPA’s signature Restorative Oil, followed by a nurturing massage, a gentle facial cleanse, exfoliation and hydrating mask, then a slow, therapeutic scalp massage).
Then you’re treated to a seasonal sweet treat, with the option to add on a glass of champagne or extra treatments, and £10 off ESPA products in the spa boutique.
Find out more and book yours here.
Festive Set Menu in The Tavern
The Tavern at King Street Townhouse is leaning into the festive spirit with a special seasonal menu, packed with comforting classics with a special touch.
Expect ox cheek and cheddar croquettes, golden crisp turkey schnitzel burgers with port relish and a pig in blanket, and perfectly melty camembert.
There’s also festive desserts like gingerbread sticky toffee pudding and spiced winter berry cheesecake.
It’s all available daily between 12pm and 5.30pm, with two courses for £24 or three for £28.
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Signature 10-Year Cocktails
As well as seasonal drinks like mulled wine and festive cocktails, King Street Townhouse’s brilliant bar team have whipped up a special 10 year anniversary menu of drinks too.
That includes The Account Statement (rum, St Germain, lime, honey and champagne) to reflect 10 years of success, The Vault Key (pisco, gin, lime, agave and chocolate bitters), and The Ledger (whiskey, mulled spice, maple, walnut bitters).
Christmas Cinema Screenings
The hidden cinema at King Street Townhouse will be getting in the Christmas spirit with a programme of festive film favourites.
This year’s bill includes timeless classics like It’s A Wonderful Life, Home Alone, and Die Hard, plus modern favourites like Elf, The Holiday, and Bad Santa.
All enjoyed in the hotel’s plush cinema seats, with popcorn and drinks available to be delivered to your seat.
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Screenings are all on sale now and you can grab your tickets here.
Hotel Packages
Want to make the absolute most out of your visit to King Street Townhouse? You may as well turn it into a proper escape with one of the hotel’s amazing seasonal packages.
Whether you pick a package that includes a night in the beautiful hotel and makes use of the spa, or choose a package that’s geared around the brilliant food offering with dinner, bed, and breakfast, there’s a package for you.
Have a look at them all here.
Wellness at King Street Townhouse
Wellness is at the heart of the King Street Townhouse offering all year round, which makes this the perfect place to unwind during the festive season.
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Obviously, there’s the spa’s amazing thermal suite, with its Himalayan Salt Cave, eucalyptus steam room, rainfall shower and ice fountain, heated loungers, and sauna.
But there’s also that amazing infinity pool (only for hotel guests) with views of the Manchester Town Hall as its iconic clock tower reemerges from its restoration.
The hotel also has a state-of-the-art gym downstairs.
January Afternoon Tea: Best of 10 Years
Why should the fun stop when the year ends? King Street Townhouse will kick off the new year with a special afternoon tea that celebrates their best creations over the last decade.
The pastry team have always innovated and reimagined afternoon tea classics, and are now preparing to revisit some of their favourites.
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Expect a menu that’s both nostalgic and refreshing – where contrasts of colour, texture, and taste come together in perfect harmony.
10 Days of Magic
Every day between 14 December and 24 December, to celebrate 10 years together, King Street Townhouse will run a competition across their social media platforms, plus a grand prize draw.
Prizes in the daily competitions will include complimentary experiences to complimentary overnight stays.
Plus, one lucky hotel guest each day will be given a reward to say thank you for staying with King Street Townhouse as it celebrates its Decade of Magic.
See more and book your experience at King Street Townhouse this Christmas HERE.
Read more
- The boutique Manchester hotel quietly boasting the most serene spa in the city
- Kids can now send their Christmas lists to the North Pole as Royal Mail’s Santa Mail returns for 2025
- Manchester Cathedral to host charity Christmas carols service to raise money for local NHS hospitals
Featured image: The Manc Group
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