Diana Ross will be paying Manchester a visit next year as part of her UK tour.
The iconic singer is not just one of the most influential recording artists and performers of her generation, but arguably of all time, especially as she is famed for her part in shaping the sound of popular music as we know it today.
In the 1960s, Ross reigned as the ‘Queen of Motown’.
She lead trailblazing and best-selling girl group The Supremes to chart dominance with hits such as Baby Love, Stop!, In the Name of Love, and You Keep Me Hangin’ On, before launching her solo career and releasing well-known songs such as I’m Still Waiting, Touch Me in the Morning, Endless Love, and, of course, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, and the UK number one single Chain Reaction.
And now, she’s set to bring some of her legend status right here to Manchester city centre as she takes to the stage at the AO Arena next year.
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Diana Ross’ UK Thank You Tour will be in Manchester on Tuesday 14 June 2022.
Diana Ross’ UK Thank You Tour will be in Manchester at the AO Arena on Tuesday 14 June 2022 / Credit: AO Arena
The new tour dates come after her ‘Top of the World’ tour had to be rescheduled due to the ongoing pandemic, with a statement by promoters explaining at the time: “In light of the ongoing situation with COVID-19, the Diana Ross shows will now take place in the summer of 2022, with exact dates being announced in the coming weeks.
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“We appreciate your patience at this time, hang onto your tickets and look forward to seeing you in June and early July 2022.”
🎙️ The @DianaRoss Top of the World Tour is moving to 2022.
💬 Promoter Statement: "In light of the ongoing situation with COVID-19, the Diana Ross shows will now take place in the summer of 2022, with exact dates being announced in the coming weeks. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/2k9oiIHwhO
Ross will also be releasing a new album on 5 November this year.
The title track from her upcoming album – which Ross co-wrote and curated every song from – ‘Thank You’, was released this past summer and is said to be a voice of gratitude, gratefulness, and personal dedication to her audiences over the years.
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The tour will give Ross a chance to share with fans her music, memories, and career magic.
Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics is returning to Manchester next year
Clementine Hall
IconicDJ and radio presenter Pete Tong MBE is making his way back to Manchester with a whole host of guests ready to help you dance the night away.
Known for his live radio shows such as the ‘Essential Mix’ on BBC Radio 1, Tong is bringing back his widely successful Ibiza Classics club night to Manchester with an equally impressive roster of guests.
The ‘Ibiza Classics’ concept originated and debuted back in 2015 with Tong and co. taking on Royal Albert Hall as part of BBC Radio 1’s Proms schedule, paying homage to the island’s infectious anthems.
Since then, the English DJ has built a music event bigger than he could have ever imagined, and after a milestone year marking the 10th anniversary of the acclaimed Ibiza Classics show, Pete Tong has announced a brand-new run of UK arena dates for 2026.
Some of Tong’s notable releases include ‘Where’s The Music Gone’ and ‘Apocolypse’, alongside some very respectable dance music artists.
Other tracks to his name include ‘You Got The Love’ and ‘Time’, both collaborations with Jules Buckley, one of the famous faces you’ll get to see on this special Ibiza Classics tour.
The seven-date arena tour kicks off in Glasgow’s before heading to Manchester’s AO Arena on Friday 4 December 2026.
He will also be playing in Leeds, Birmingham, and Nottingham, culminating the tour with two huge nights at The O2 London.
Ibiza Classics Live 2026
Thursday 3 December – Glasgow, OVO Hydro
Friday 4 December – Manchester, AO Arena
Saturday 5 December – Leeds, First Direct Bank Arena
Wednesday 9 December – Birmingham, Utilita Arena
Thursday 10 December – Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena
Friday 11 and Saturday 12 December – London, The O2
He will be joined by long-standing collaborators Jules Buckley and The Essential Orchestra.
This night is expected to be filled with pure dance hits, and based on recent shows, there might even be appearances from even more musical talents and special guests.
Pete Tong, Jules Buckley, and The Essential Orchestra are bringing Ibiza Classics to AO Arena on Friday 4 December 2026.
Tickets go on sale next Monday 15 December, and you can get them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
Music
BBC is back looking for more Mancs to test their music knowledge and win £10,000
Emily Sergeant
Consider yourself a music fan? Spend your days with tunes on in the background? Would you be able to identify a song within the first couple of seconds?
Well, this might be your chance to win £10,000 then.
Once again, the BBC is back casting for the next series of its smash-hit competition show The Hit List, where contestants get their music knowledge put to the ultimate test, and the broadcaster is now looking for people from across Greater Manchester to apply and be in with the chance of winning a massive pot of cash.
The Hit List, presented by popstar couple Marvin and Rochelle Humes, sees three pairs of music-lovers go up against each other.
Across three rounds, the contestants attempt to identify huge hits from across the years, and the three teams must prove their ability to recognise songs from across all genres of music, both artist and song title, if they want to take home the win.
A casting call for the next series of The Hit List on the BBC website reads: “Could your love of music win you a £10,000 cash prize? We are looking for lively pairs of contestants to take part.”
Any one can apply to take part in the show, but producers and casting directors say they would particularly love to hear from couples, grandparent and grandchild, siblings, best mates, and parent and offspring.
“Anything goes, as long as you love your music and know your hits,” the casting call concludes.
Anyone who applies to the show must be a legal UK resident, and be available for potential filming dates in early March 2026 up in Glasgow.
Emily Sergeant -
27th September 2021 
