Manchester

Michael Bublé at the AO Arena Manchester – stage times, setlist and tickets

Michael Buble is back in town this weekend. Here's everything you need to know.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 20th April 2023

Legendary singer Michael Bublé is heading to Manchester this weekend, for two massive gigs at the AO Arena.

The Canadian crooner is bringing his Higher Tour across the UK in spring, with massive arena shows booked in over the coming weeks.

With 11 studio albums to his name, Michael Bublé has been named by Billboard as the third top Canadian artist of all time, beaten only by Celine Dion and Shania Twain.

He’s pretty well-known for his Christmas albums, which routinely get wheeled out every December, and released his latest record Higher in March last year.

Here’s everything you need to know about Michael Buble’s AO Arena gig this weekend.

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Are there still Michael Buble tickets?

Yes! There’s still quite good availability for both nights at the AO Arena.

The cheapest tickets are £64.95 each, which will see you popped up in the upper tier of the seating in the huge arena.

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Then there are other tickets priced at £87.50, and at £109.95.

You can see the latest availability and book your tickets at Ticketmaster here.

When is Michael Bublé playing at the AO Arena Manchester?

Michael has added two Manchester dates to his UK tour, which also includes stops in Leeds, Newcastle and London.

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He’ll be in Manchester at the AO Arena on both Friday 21 and Saturday 22 April.

Then he’s off on the road again, with a night at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, two shows at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro, one at P&J Live in Aberdeen, two nights at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, one gig in Cardiff, and two shows in Birmingham.

Michael Buble
Michael Bublé. Credit: Publicity picture / Evaan Kheraj

Who is supporting?

No one. He’s riding solo.

Okay, moving on…

What are the stage times?

The doors to the AO Arena will open at 6pm for both shows, on Friday and Saturday.

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The show is expected to start at 7.30pm, but as always, this is subject to change.

Make sure to leave yourself plenty of time to get in, clear security and find your seat.

Michael Bublé’s expected setlist

It’s hard to know exactly what songs Michael will play, although he will, of course, wheel out his big hit ‘Haven’t Met You Yet’.

It’ll be a night of gorgeous covers and big-band hits.

The below is the setlist he used when he opened the UK leg of his tour in London last month.

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  • Feeling Good (Anthony Newley cover)
  • Haven’t Met You Yet
  • L-O-V-E (Nat King Cole cover)
  • Such a Night (Clyde McPhatter & The Drifters cover)
  • Sway (Dean Martin cover)
  • When You’re Smiling (Seger Ellis cover)
  • Home
  • Everything
  • Higher
  • Hold On
  • Smile (Charlie Chaplin cover)
  • I’ll Never Not Love You
  • Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis Presley cover)
  • You’re the First, the Last, My Everything (Barry White cover)
  • It’s a Beautiful Day
  • Cry Me a River (Julie London cover)
  • Smile (Charlie Chaplin cover)
  • How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You) (Marvin Gaye cover)
  • Save the Last Dance for Me (The Drifters cover)
  • You Were Always on My Mind (Gwen McCrae cover)

About the AO Arena

The AO Arena has a few strict policies to keep gig-goers safe, so make sure to check entry requirements carefully before you travel.

For example, only one small bag per person is allowed, and bags like backpacks, travel cases and laptop bags are not permitted inside the arena.

All bags are scanned on entry to check for prohibited items like laser pens, flares, projectiles, weapons, drugs and alcohol, and even selfie sticks.

Featured image: Publicity picture

Manchester

Didsbury favourite Rustik adjust plans to close after overwhelming support

Danny Jones Danny Jones Rustik West Didsbury closing for good end of the month

Didsbury favourite Rustik recently announced that they would soon be closing, seemingly for good, after more than a decade, but after a fortunate twist of fate, there looks to be a sliver of hope, and like they could be staying open after all.

The beloved neighbourhood cafe and bar has been a staple of the tight-knit foodie neighbourhood since 2015, but the independent Irish eatery confirmed that they were due to shut down permanently by the end of last month.

Confirmed on Wednesday afternoon, 17 September, the casual Manc restaurant and hangout informed their loyal followers of the unfortunate news.

To no surprise whatsoever, their social media has been awash with condolences, collective sadness and support for the local institution, which has also helped lead to a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.

Updating their followers via social media on Monday, 13 October, Rustik wrote: “We Need You More Than Ever […] We know it’s been quiet since we closed our doors — and honestly, it’s been a tough time behind the scenes.

“So many of you reached out, checked in, sent kind words, and we’ve felt every bit of that love. Thank you. Truly. When we said goodbye, we weren’t sure what the future looked like. But due to unexpected changes and plans falling through, things have come back around… and now, we’re reopening.

“It’s not easy to say this, but like so many in hospitality right now, it’s tough. We know we’re not alone in this — many small businesses are facing incredibly difficult decisions. But instead of closing the chapter, we’ve decided to give it one more shot. With everything we have.

“So, we’re reopening this Wednesday, 15 October, with a brand new brunch menu and the same Rustik heart you’ve always known. For now, we won’t be open in the evenings — but that might change. What matters most is that our doors will be open again, and we can welcome you back.”

Not only is this obviously brilliant news, but Burton Road favourite is also offering guests a 20% discount off the menu until Halloween (31 Oct) – their way of not only encouraging new customers to come through their doors, but also as a thank you to all their loyal patrons over the years.

Again, the return of late dining and their usual full programme of nighttime events still looks uncertain, but for now, they’ll be “serving coffee and brunch Wednesday to Sunday, 9am–4pm, and hoping to see as many familiar (and new) faces as possible.”

On a personal note, we’ve always loved their cult classic pub quizzes, which were some of the best in Manchester and regularly packed out every week. If you know, you know.

@the.manc Pub quiz and 80p wings – what a sick night!👏🏻😎 #themanc #rustik #didsbury #greatermanchester #westdidsbury #pubquiz ♬ Sunrise – Official Sound Studio

They signed off by adding: “This is a fresh start, but we can’t do it without you. If you’ve ever loved what we do, now is the time we need you most. Your support, your presence, even just sharing this with someone who might pop in – it means everything. With love, gratitude, and a little bit of hope — The Rustik Team.”

This positive turn of events comes just a few weeks after what fans thought was the endgame for the West Dids community cornerstone.

Posting across all of their accounts on 17 September, Rustik wrote: “After an unforgettable 10 years on Burton Road, the time has come to close our doors. It’s hard to believe how far we’ve come — never in a million years did we imagine Rustik would grow into what it became.

Expressing their gratitude after the best part of a decade in the south Manchester suburb, they touched upon the post-COVID recovery period, rising business rates, supply chain costs and many of the same challenges that other hospitality venues have cited as reasons for the initial decision.

“From the chaotic, beautiful brunch shifts to late nights dancing on tables to ‘Wagon Wheel’, pushing through the challenges of COVID and helping our community with meals during hard times— we’ve done it all, together.

We sincerely hope the talk of closing proves to be merely a blip and that this next chapter signals the start of an incredible new era for Rustik, and as for you local foodies, we urge you to meet the further call for support and visit them during this crunch period.

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For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — The Manc Group/Rustik West Didsbury (via Facebook)

Manchester

Legendary Manchester bar Sandinista shuts down after more than a decade

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Sandinista Manchester has closed down

Sandinista, a staple on the Manchester bar scene, has quietly closed its doors.

The bar, just off St Ann’s Square, has been a popular watering hole for more than 13 years, famed for its music playing til the early hours and Latin food menu.

For more than a decade, Sandinista has been a no-frills, unpretentious, laid-back spot for Manchester locals to grab a pint and a shot of tequila or three.

They also served completely silly cocktails, like pints of booze served on fire.

And its in-house kitchen, El Gordos, served a menu of ‘Latin scran for Gringos’ which includes tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and snacks like Cancun cracking, croquettas, and patatas bravas.

The bar now appears to have quietly shut its doors for good, sharing videos of a closing party earlier this week.

They’ve shared no farewell statements (but they weren’t exactly active on social media anyway) and padlocked the doors.

The bar has been sharing Instagram stories of people bidding it farewell, and a member of staff confirmed its closure to the Manchester Evening News.

One person shared: Sandinista. lots of good memories and friends met over the years. Our very own central perk. There really won’t ever be a place in town like it.”

Sandinista Manchester is part of the same group that operates a bar of the same name across in Leeds.

Sandinista described itself as being ‘inspired by a love for music, food, drinks and Latin culture’.

They also said on their website: “Inspired and named after The Clash’s fourth album, Sandinista play an eclectic mix that covers rock, indie, funk, soul, reggae, 80’s and more until 3am, 7 days a week.

“Sandinista’s revolutionary theme is influenced by the political movement in Nicaragua and the Central American flavour is carried throughout the Latin inspired food and drink menu as well as the décor.”

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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