Manchester will get a new open-air nightclub this year, with a six-month programme of music and events.
Progress Centre has been created with dancing in mind, from its line-up ‘curated by the people of Manchester’ to its outdoor (but covered) dance floor.
Early artist impressions of the space show a canopy of glittering streamers suspended above the dance floor, plus colourful outside seating areas and food options.
The open-air nightclub, which wants to take a ‘European’ approach to clubbing, will have a Funktion One sound system and a custom lighting rig.
Its first season will bring local, national and international artists to the Progress Centre, which has found its home in Ardwick.
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Located just a short walk from Manchester Piccadilly, the Projekts Skate Park, and Escape to Freight Island, the venue’s season is set to run between April and September.
Visuals of the Progress Centre outdoor nightclub in Manchester. Credit: SuppliedA previous event at the site in Ardwick. Credit: Supplied
The bill for the first run of April shows has been revealed today, and includes Traumer, Randal, Dyed Soundorom b2b Gene on Earth, Sasha, DBridge, Dusky, Fabio, Swoose, Mr. Sosa, Gemma Arnott, Liam Schooling, Liam Palmer and many more.
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Progress Centre comes from the team behind The Loft, Animal Crossing and Summer of Love festival, the full six-month summer programme will feature Locus, Slapfunk, Freak, Meat Free, The Ghost, Get-Traum, Hit & Run, Sahsa, 23 Degrees, You&me, Appetite and plenty more still to be announced.
Promoter Olli Ryder said, following a social campaign that gathered customer feedback: “For us to include the voices of the people in the space curation further amplifies that it will be fit for purpose.
“Options are scarce across the city and the UK, so when a new space is introduced, it’s key to ensure you deliver exactly what the people want.
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“It’s the community of dancers you do this for; it’s those who make this all possible; you’re asked if you’d like any dessert at the end of a meal, so why should it be any different when creating a club?”
The remainder of the programme will be revealed throughout the coming months.
Featured image: Supplied
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Role Model adds Manchester arena show to world tour after huge demand
Daisy Jackson
Platinum-certified singer-songwriter Role Model has just added a huge Manchester gig to his upcoming world tour.
The star – real name Tucker Pillsbury – had previously only added one single UK date to his Chuck on Tour tour, and that was down in London.
But now Role Model is officially heading north, announcing a massive gig at the AO Arena in Manchester.
The news follows a sold-out run of dates last year, which brought him to the (much smaller) O2 Apollo here.
His star really rose after the release and viral success of his 2025 single, ‘Sally, When the Wine Runs Out’.
And now with a third studio album to his name – Chuck Timely & The Hourglass – Role Model is ready to return to Manchester and London on his 2026-2027 global tour.
The tour will travel across North America before heading overseas, with dates across Europe early next year.
Keni Titus will support Role Model at all dates on the UK and European leg of the Chuck on Tour tour.
Role Model will perform at the AO Arena in Manchester on Sunday 28 February, with pre-sales available on 4 and 5 November before general release tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 6 November – grab yours HERE.
Pop icons S Club announce new arena tour, with huge Manchester gig
Daisy Jackson
S Club will be heading back to Manchester on a newly-announced 13-date arena tour next year.
The pop icons have announced the Ain’t No Party Like A S Club Party tour, which will see Bradley, Jo, Jon, Rachel and Tina back on stage for the ultimate pop party.
The huge tour includes a night at the AO Arena in Manchester, as well as two gigs at the O2 in London.
S Club are one of Britain’s most successful pop groups, formerly known as S Club 7, who went on to become a cultural phenomenon with their own TV series – one of which, L.A. 7, remains the highest-rated programme of all time on CBBC.
Their smash hits include Reach, Don’t Stop Movin, Bring It All Back, Never Had A Dream Come True, and S Club Party.
In 2023, S Club celebrated their 25th anniversary with a sellout UK and US tour, shortly after the tragic death of former member Paul Cattermole.
Now, five of the original seven are ready to bring the party back to Manchester, as S Club return to the stage.
They’ll have very special guests supporting on the tour too, announcing Boyzlife, the supergroup made up of the former Boyzone and Westlife members Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden.
S Club say: “We can’t wait to get back out on tour, see you all and celebrate the songs, memories and moments we’ve shared together over the years.
“It’s going to be one BIG party, and we want you all to be part of it!”
S Club will play the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday 9 October 2027.
Tickets for all shows go on sale at 9.30am on Friday 6 November HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
16th February 2023 
