Becky Hill didn’t just sing her songs at her AO Arena show – she transported us all on a free trip to Ibiza too with back-to-back club bangers that the crowd knew every word of.
The most successful The Voice UK contestant in history and Bewdley-born belter, Becky Hill put on a show that no audience member will ever forget with her stacks of addictive radio hits and even more fascinating deep cuts.
Supporting was Charlie Boon, who made the stage his own first bringing nothing but tunes playing some nostalgic and modern dance records to get the crowd up and moving, from the likes of ‘Free From Desire’ to ‘Prada’.
Next it was the drum and bass artist Catching Cairo and her house DJ guiding the AO Arena through a 30-minute slot of fast-paced melodies packed with snares, intricate loops and patterns merged with beat drops galore.
As she introduced her song ‘Touch’, she placed her microphone on the stand and schooled the crowd with her effortless vocals. If that microphone hadn’t been so held down by its stand, her vocals would’ve had it floating through mid-air in no time, what a musical force!
Becky Hill had the AO Arena audience up on their feet for the duration of her show full of non-stop dance hits, feeding Manchester‘s legacy as a 24 hour party city.
Hill made sure she respected Manc culture too, as later on in her set she gave a special shoutout to our music capital explaining ‘This is where the Haçienda was born’ and ‘UK Dance music and clubbing both originated in Manchester’.
Having her debut single reach the top spot in 2014 is one feat but having over 14,000 people chanting the verses and choruses to almost every song on the setlist is an achievement many can only dream of.
The crowd captivated by Hill’s back to back dance anthems. Credit: The Manc Group
When it came to the inescapable ‘Afterglow’ the crowd were pumped. She may have just been a self-described ‘Little 19 year old girl from the West-Midlands’ when it released, but this song has a legacy of its own, one which the audience knew every single word to.
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Dance music has always been an important foundation to the UK soundscape and with 19 UK Top 40’s Becky Hill’s discography has contributed to keeping the genre alive and kicking.
Rileasa, Drag Queen and collaborator on ‘One Track Mind’ even made an appearance onstage to perform the album track duet together before hitting the splits mid-song, much like Hill’s latest album title we’re not making this up, Believe Me Now?
Hill is making sure everyone in the crowd gets the chance to see her up-close and personal this tour with a mini stage perched in the heart of the arena.
Fans were graced with some acoustic versions of her radio hits like ‘I Could Get Used To This’, giving us clubbers a chance to regain our breaths after a back-to-back dance workout, swapping rises and drops for intimate vocals and chilled piano chords.
Becky Hill getting up close and personal with fans on the B-Stage. Credit: The Manc Group
As the night went on, alongside delivering vocals upon vocals, the 30 year old would connect with fans during song changes. At one point, the star even commented on her own outfit joking ‘I feel like I raided the fancy dress shop’.
These pauses and interactions really showed off her down to earth nature, but then when the instrumentals for her singles including dancefloor filler ‘My Heart Goes (La di da)’ began, popstar mode was activated.
The Dance and EDM singer closed out the show with her epic number and magnum opus ‘Remember’ and was greeted with roars from the crowds of Manchester’s magnificent 14,200 concertgoers.
Based off the crowd’s reaction to the rest of the set and the tour closer, this concert is one we will certainly never forget.
Featured Image: The Manc Group
Manchester
First look at Albert Square as Manchester Christmas Markets return to their spiritual home
Thomas Melia
Manchester Christmas Markets are back and all our Christmas wishes have come true, as its spiritual home Albert Square joins in on the festivities for the first time in six years.
Grab a mulled wine, toast yourself a marshmallow and take a seat, because we’re going to take you on a quick tour of this brand-new offering.
You’ll be able to tick off your Christmas Markets wish list in one place, as Manchester has got all your usual favourites and so much more taking place right here outside of its iconic Town Hall.
As soon as you walk in you’re greeted by a huge sign spelling out the city’s iconic abbreviation ‘MCR’, just in case you forgot where you were, that also doubles as a nice photo opportunity.
Albert Square in Manchester city centre is getting into the Christmas spirit for the first time in six years / Credit: The Manc Group
As you walk into Albert Square there’s a mix of nostalgic wooden huts and brightly coloured modern street food vendor stations waiting to tempt you with all their tasty treats.
There’s no messing around at this Christmas hotspot because not even 10 feet after you enter, you can warm up with a glühwein and bratwurst, yes please.
Think you’re done sampling some festive feasts? Think again as there’s a marshmallow toasting station, a roasted chestnut cart and lots of huts are offering their own hot chocolate creations.
Local street food vendor Rita’s Reign has made her mark in Albert Square too, serving up her foodie feasts with a seasonal spin such as the ‘Festive Feast’ and ‘Christmas Crunch’ combo boxes.
Rita’s Reign is just one of many food vendors at Manchester Christmas Markets / Credit: The Manc Group
As you keep making your way round there’s some lovely gifts and trinkets to browse including tree decorations, ornaments and some vibrant pieces of art.
There’s plenty of ways to keep the kids (and big kids) entertained with some carnival-themed games and stalls as well as a vintage carousel, if that doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit what else will?
Of course, there’s even more food to mention like mini dutch pancakes, toasted sandwiches, French toast, the list is endless (Much like many of our Christmas lists).
And we couldn’t finish our visit without acknowledging the elephant in the room, also known as The Manchester Big Wheel, which is the perfect people-watching spot, but maybe hop on this ride before you try all the tasty treats mentioned above.
An apres-ski yurt village is returning to Greater Manchester for Christmas party season
Daisy Jackson
One of the coolest Christmas party venues in the UK will reopen its doors in Greater Manchester this winter, whisking you away for an apres-ski-inspired party.
All the vibes of a classic apres-ski experience will be brought to a pop-up Yurt Village, each one decorated with log fires, Christmas trees, ski racks, fur throws, and even cable cars.
Spending your Christmas ‘do at the YurtBar pop-up in Sale means you could have an evening packed with steins of beer, live music, and ski shots, surrounded by your loved ones (… or colleagues).
And to celebrate its triumphant return to Manchester, we’ve got a lovely 20% discount for The Manc readers – find out how to claim yours below.
Each yurt in the YurtBar’s pop-up village is a different size, so there’s the right event space for everything from a 350-strong private Christmas party to a table for six for a birthday night out.
An apres-ski yurt village is returning to Greater Manchester for Christmas party season
They’re all named after and inspired by iconic European ski resorts, like Chamonix, Val D’Isere, and Avoriaz.
On arrival at the festive Yurt Village you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink before tucking into an Alpine-themed three-course meal by The Hog and Apple.
That includes a festive arancini ‘snowball’, slow-cooked beef daube with mash, cabbage and a sticky bourguignon sauce, and an Alpine sharing board for dessert with a chocolate log, Aperol spritz cheesecake, and lemon posset pots.
And to get the party started there’s a full cocktail bar, plus live music with a DJ and saxophonist.
You’ll be able to document your festive celebration in a photobooth with an Alpine themed backdrop, as well as a 360 degree videobooth.
Billed by previous customers as ‘the best night of the year’, YurtBar bookings are now open for minimum tables of six.
The Manc readers can get an exclusive 20% off their booking by using the code yurtbar20 – book your party HERE.
Thomas Melia -
21st October 2024 
