The AO Arena has announced several details of its enormous transformation project, including increasing its capacity to 23k.
The venue in Manchester city centre is currently the largest indoor arena in the UK and Europe, and has undergone a £50m redevelopment.
When the project is completed, fans will be able to make use of new features like a brand-new lower concourse, a standing floor that has had a 100% capacity increase, and a brand new food and drink offering too.
Despite its new 23,000-fan capacity, the AO Arena promises that fans will feel even closer to their favourite artists.
The 30-year-old venue has gone through a complete re-imagination and reconstruction while continuing to host huge gigs and sporting events throughout.
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AO Arena and ASM Global say that the entire visitor experience will be improved, for gig-goers and performers and venue staff alike.
That includes new entrances with state-of-the-art technology that will make getting in and out of the arena the quickest of any venue in Europe.
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The concourse spaces will be digitised, helping concert-goers to find their way around the arena.
The Mezz at the AO Arena after its transformationThe AO Arena will have brand new bars for fansA new restaurant space at the AO Arena after its redevelopment project
There’ll be brand new bars throughout the AO Arena, and the new The Mezz restaurant and bar, where the menu will be created by Michelin-star chef Simon Rogan and Tom Barnes, who opens Skof in Manchester this year.
The AO Arena’s redevelopment project also includes improved acoustics, sound and sightlines, and the venue already had ones that were regarded as the best in Europe.
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Backstage, there are all-new back of house facilities for artists and touring crews.
Chris Bray, president of ASM Global Europe said: “As part of AO Arena’s redevelopment we have dramatically expanded the standing floor space which means it will compete with any other venue in the UK.
“Its unique bowl configuration means that AO Arena proudly remains the biggest sporting indoor arena, and we are excited to continue to host the world’s biggest and most exciting events here in the heart of Manchester.”
The new-look event floor at the AO Arena ManchesterThe AO Arena’s £50m redevelopment includes new event bars
At a topping out ceremony last month, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham described the venue as ‘the beating heart of Manchester’.
Aitch also visited that day, saying: “When the AO Arena asked me to be part of tonight I thought, how can I say no? It’s always been a huge part of the culture here in Manchester and you know I’m all about anything that gives back to the community.
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“The AO has been pushing the music scene forward for over 27 years and over one million people walk through these legendary doors every year, and we have them right on our doorstep.”
Last year, the AO Arena raised tens of thousands of pounds and gave hundreds of hours to local community projects.
It also had record attendances for LTA Tennis, England Netball, KSI vs Fury and Elton John’s Farewell Tour.
This year, there’ll be more events like Peter Kay Live, The 1975, Bill Bailey, Niall Horan, Ne-Yo and more.
The AO Arena’s redevelopment will be revealed in full in March 2024. See all of its upcoming events here.
You can line dance to Lily Allen’s West End Girl in full right here in Manchester
Thomas Melia
After a fun way to kickstart the New Year? Some people might suggest hobbies like ‘Tennis’, but how about a line dancing class playing Lily Allen’s new album in its entirety – we know which we’d rather do.
Grab your nearest ‘Nonmonogamummy’ or take ‘Madeline’, if you know one, because there’s a line dance class where you get to line dance to Lily Allen’s West End Girl in full right here in Manchester.
Hosted by Red Rodeo Club, a queer line dancing group based in Manchester, who have hosted monthly artist-inspired events city wide including Chappell Roan, Beyoncé, Charli XCX and more.
This troupe even managed to line dance all the way to one of Manchester’s most reputable LGBTQIA+ nights of the year, performing on the Archive stage at Homobloc just last month.
Now, Red Rodeo is returning with another special night that is sure to interest all the West Endand North West girls across Manchester, as it prepares a Lily Allen line dance spectacular later this month.
If you’re ‘Ruminating’ about attending this event, there’s absolutely no pressure or dance experience needed as the group prides itself on providing ‘classic boot-scootin tutorials with a party vibe’.
You’ll definitely be in good company regardless of your dance partners, as hosting the event is Violet Blonde, known for their extraordinary outfits and love of Country icon Dolly Parton.
We’re already onto a winner…
Your dance instructor for the night is the remarkable Shanika Sunrise, a rapper and producer, who boasts a seriously impressive roster of acts they’ve opened for, including Chappell Roan, Cupcakke and Moonchild Sanelly.
Opportunities like this aren’t always feasible for everyone, which is something this line dance group is aware of as they’re offering a ‘Red Rodeo Club Low Income Ticket’, suited for students, unwaged and disabled attendees.
Red Rodeo Club is bringing the ‘Lily Allen edition’ line dance class to Fairfield Social Club in Manchester on Thursday, 29 January 2026, from 7-10:30pm.
If you’re interested in grapevine stepping or electric shuffling your way to the Lily Allen West End Girl line dance event in Manchester, you can find tickets HERE.
The smash-hit daytime rave where you can still be in bed early is returning to Manchester
Clementine Hall
That’s right: Day Fever, the daytime rave designed to still get you tucked in at a reasonable hour, is coming back to Manchester city centre this year.
Following their biggest raft of shows across the UK and Ireland in 2025, the smash-hit night out that is very much aimed at those of us 30 and over – but fellow sleepy heads are obviously more than welcome – Day Fever are targeting big things in 2026.
Launched in early 2024 by actress Vicky McClure and Reverend & The Makers frontman, Jon McClure, Day Fever has become a cultural sensation.
From its debut in Sheffield to a tour that sees thousands of ravers hitting the dance floor each month, the message is clear: people want to dance and let loose, but still be in bed before 9pm – and let’s be honest, who can blame them?
The founders (L-R): Jon McClure, James O’Hara, Jonny Owen, Vicky and Chris McClure. (supplied)
Running from 3-8pm, Day Fever provides a proper night out that doesn’t completely write you off for the entire weekend.
“It started as a WhatsApp idea”, says Jon McClure. “Jonny just said, ‘A daytime disco, how good would that be?’ We’re all a bit nuts, so we just said, ‘Come on then!’”
“It feels like a massive house party at your nan’s,” laughs Vicky. “No drama, no egos, just people acting daft, getting dressed up, and having the best time.”
From here in 0161 and our mates over in Leeds, to Newcastle, Glasgow and many more, each Day Fever event has its own unique flavour.
There’ll be local DJs who know their crowds keep the energy high with a nostalgic mix of Northern Soul, disco, indie, and 90s classics. “Manchester goes mad for Oasis,” says Jon, “and if Vicky’s there, we have to play Whitney, it’s non-negotiable!”
For starters, just look at the turnout they got over Christmas:
Daisy Jackson -
6th February 2024 
