Picture this: It’s Saturday, the sun’s blazing, you’ve just cracked open your first beer and you’re off to meet your mates for the reunion of the decade.
The thought makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside. And providing things go to plan, this could be us as early as June 21. But before that, there’s a whole host of smaller and socially distanced events to tide us over.
Within the next few days we’ll be able to mingle outside in groups of six. By May, both indoor and outdoor socially-distanced music events could be in full swing. So, this is your sign to get the group back together. And to help you plan your reunion, here’s our guide to gigs and music events in the coming months – that feels SO good to say, by the way.
Social Avenue, Trafford Park, Stretford – Various dates
Image credit: Social Avenue
A massive hit last year, Social Avenue’s socially-distanced approach to clubbing returns to Trafford Park very soon – and with dates as early as May, it doesn’t even seem that far away. Despite a couple of events already selling out, tickets are still available for Darius Syrossian on 21 May, Yousef on 22 May and Eats Everything on 28 May – albeit running row. They’ve got two dates left to be announced so keep your eyes peeled for those as well.
This must be booked in groups of four, five or six as you’ll need to stick to your area. More details and tickets on Skiddle here.
Social Circle, Victoria Warehouse, Stretford – Various dates
Brought to you by the people behind Social Avenue, Social Circle is the indoor version of the event: Same cracking little lineups and still socially-distanced for now, just set inside (and away from the Mancunian drizzle). Skream kicks off the new series on 21 May, with a number of events running through June too.
Same rules apply, tickets must be bought in groups of four, five or six and you all have to arrive together and stick to your table. Maximum two households per table.
All the info and tickets can also be found on Skiddle here.
Hidden: The Reopening – 21 and 22 June (double header)
The usual antics at Hidden will resume on 21 June with a huge opening party planned, spanning two days and nights. They’ve got a massive list of local names set to play across the two events, including Luke Unabomber, Poison Ivy, Althea and Mystique.
Tickets are split into day and night options, with different entry times for each ticket. Final release night tickets are still available for Part 1 and whilst more are available for Part 2 it’s mainly group tickets, so round up your pals. And with it being on a weekday, you might wanna book the next date off work or risk having some explaining to do.
Another one on 21 June is South’s reopening which they’re aptly calling “A New Beginning”. They’re making the most of the big day as the event starts bang on 00:01 and runs until 06:00. We’re buzzing for the basement’s return.
SQUARE ONE, City Centre – Various dates throughout summer
Announced last week, SQUARE ONE is a brand-new open-air venue opening in June. There’s already a mega opening series of lineups which include Hot Since 82, Denis Sulta and Enzo Siragusa – all in an old car park off the Mancunian Way. Make sure you sign up for early access to new shows that’ll be added to their calendar soon.
Kaluki Summer Soundsystem, Victoria Warehouse Basement – various dates throughout summer
Manchester-based promotors and record label Kaluki is returning to its humble roots and heading back to basement parties for a special series of intimate events. There are some cracking lineups planned, including appearances from Ben Sterling, Archie Hamilton, Chris Stussy, Rich NxT and Alisha.
Tickets for the opening night on 3 July are already sold out and are running low on the rest of the nights too, so get them on Skiddle here quick.
Dr Banana B2B Interplanetary Criminal, Hidden – 9 July
On 9 July, there’s a big night of garage, jungle, grime and bass happening within the graffiti-covered walls of Hidden and we’re so ready for it. Dr Banana and Interplanetary Criminal take the headline spot but Oneman, Jossy Mitsu, Bailey Ibbs and Dr Dubplate will also provide the bassy soundtrack for the evening.
Belgian techno DJ and producer Amelie Lens will play Victoria Warehouse as part of her UK tour. She’s been tearing up the techno scene recently and we can expect more of her signature dark and thumping techno style on 10 July. She’ll be joined on the night by Airod, Blasha and Allatt.
“Techno marching brass band” MEUTE will appear at the O2 Ritz on 8 September as part of their UK tour. Their combination of brass band instruments with hypnotic techno beats creates a unique twist that makes the band unforgettable. It’s like nothing you’ll ever have seen before.
Iconic Manchester band New Order are taking on a mammoth homecoming show at Heaton Park on 10 September. It’ll be their first show in four years in their hometown as well, so not to be missed. They’ll have support from special guests Hot Chip and Working Men’s Club, too.
If you got Parklife tickets this week, congrats. The return to Heaton Park on 11-12 September sold out in record time in Wednesday’s presale without even making it general sale. But after everyone’s year off raving and a lineup like that, it was bound to happen.
Don’t give up just yet though, resale tickets might come available soon on the Ticketmaster website here.
Blossoms, AO Arena – 18 September
After having to reschedule their gig at AO Arena a couple of times now, Blossoms should finally play the Arena on 18 September for the Manchester leg of their forthcoming UK tour. All previous tickets remain valid for the new date, but if you’re without one, find some here including resale tickets. Be quick because these are running very low.
90s Baby Pop, Bowlers Exhibition Centre, Trafford Park – 18 September
For a massive night of 90s nostalgia, 90s Baby Pop is bringing together some of the most iconic pop artists of all time for the biggest throwback gig of the decade. We’re talking the likes of Peter Andre, Gareth Gates, S Club, Cheeky Girls, Blazin Squad, Atomic Kitten and East 17 all live in the flesh. I know.
This one is very close to selling out, with just 1% of tickets left. Grab them on Skiddle here.
Further afield
Come April when we’re allowed to leave our local area with our household or support bubble, you might be interested in venturing out to see what our neighbouring cities also have to offer.
Crackle presents A Guy Called Gerald (live), 24 Kitchen Street, Liverpool – 3 July
Over in Liverpool, there’s an equally exciting selection of gigs and events popping up. Particularly this one at 24 Kitchen Street on 3 July. Manchester-born DJ and early member of the legendary 808 State, A Guy Called Gerald, will play a live set at the Baltic Triangle venue.
BassJam return with their iconic filthy drum and bass event on 24 July, with Macky Gee and CruCast members Darkzy and Bru-C. This one’s at Liverpool’s Hangar34 and will be on point with the carnage and signature high energy atmosphere.
Moxy Mu:zik presents Darius Syrossian, Mint Warehouse, Leeds – 26 June
The Moxy Muzik showcase at Mint Warehouse has fallen victim to serial rescheduling. But it’s looking like it could finally happen on 26 June. As it’s an old show, over 50% of tickets have already gone for this. A fresh batch go on sale on Friday 26 March though, if you want one.
Stay up-to-date with Manchester music and announcements via The Manc Audio.
Music
Olivia Rodrigo at Co-op Live, Manchester – tickets, times, setlist and more for GUTS: Spilled tour
Thomas Melia
The wait is finally over, as everyone’s favourite teen-pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo is bringing her GUTS: Spilled tour to Manchester, playing two nights at Co-op Live more than a year after the high-profile postponement.
Poor Olivia Rodrigo found herself caught up in the delayed Co-op Live opening last year, with the popstar postponing her two gigs just days before they were meant to take place.
Fans then went into a meltdown waiting for new dates, which got announced months later – but it’s finally time.
‘Deja vu’, ‘traitor’, ‘All I Want’ singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo is making her long-awaited debut at Co-op Live Manchester for two nights of heartbreak, angst and back to back hits.
Now, this 22 year old super star is wearing her heart on her sleeve or as Rodrigo phrases it, spilling her guts, playing songs from her impressive discography right here at Co-op Live.
Olivia Rodrigo gig guide
Olivia Rodrigo last visited Manchester in 2022, when she played O2 Apollo.
Olivia Rodrigo UK tour dates
Fri 27 June – London, UK – Hyde Park
Sun 29 June – Glastonbury, UK – Glastonbury Festival
Mon 30 June – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live
Tue 1 July – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live
Olivia Rodrigo tickets for Co-op Live gig
If you’re after a way to ‘get him (or anyone) back!’ getting your hands on Olivia Rodrigo tickets might just be the way to do it, and luckily for you there’s a small selection left.
Anyone looking to attend Rodrigo’s 30 June show have a few options, just make sure you don’t get bled dry like a ‘vampire’ trying to buy these prized possessions with exclusive tickets HERE.
For those after tickets to ‘GUTS: Spilled’ night two on 1 July can live out their ‘teenage dream’ in style with a handful of hospitality packages up for grabs HERE.
What are the stage times for Olivia Rodrigo in Manchester?
Olivia Rodrigo is visiting Co-op Live in Manchester on 30 June and 1 July.
Co-op Live has a strict curfew of 11pm so rest assured you’ll be tucked up in bed before the early hours and you’ll be asleep faster than you can say ‘ballad of a homeschooled girl’.
Doors to open at 6pm with no confirmed kick off time or support act yet but there is an offical afterparty happening at Co-op Live’s new Backstage Club from 10pm onwards for both dates with tickets HERE.
How to get to Co-op Live
Tram
For those of you heading to Co-op Live, you’ll be glad to know it’s right next door to a rather famous big blue stadium and its integrated Metrolink stop.
Head along the light blue or orange lines directly to the Etihad Campus or Ashton-under-Lyne, and you can get off the tram literally spitting distance from the arena. You can find the full map HERE.
Trams run frequently on the Ashton-Eccles line to the Etihad stop, with services leaving every six minutes from the city centre and until 1:00am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Bus
You can find the full list of bus routes HERE, with the one in closest proximity to the venue being the 53 bus, which runs from Cheetham Hill through to Higher Crumpsall, Old Trafford and Pendleton, leaving just a two-minute walk to Co-op Live. You also get free Bee Network travel with any valid event ticket.
Getting there by car and parking
If you’re driving, there is limited parking available at the venue, but this must be pre-booked ahead of time, and there are designated drop-off areas.
The postcode is M11 3DU and you can follow the signs towards the wider Etihad Campus as you get closer; directions to the adjacent drop-off points will also be signposted.
Keep in mind that congestion on the roads close to the stadium is expected to gather around two hours prior to any event, so if you are travelling on the road, these are the suggested times they provide come event day, though estimates will obviously vary:
Alan Turing Way (both directions): plan an additional 20 minutes into any journey by road.
Hyde Road (eastbound): expect an additional 15 minutes to be added to your journey.
Mancunian Way (westbound): plan for an extra 10 minutes of travel time.
There are also three park-and-ride facilities near Co-op Live, but be advised that the Velopark and Holt Town stops will be closed post-event to help safely manage crowds:
Ashton West (Ashton line) – 184 spaces and 11 disabled spaces
Ladywell (Ashton-Eccles line) – 332 spaces and 22 disabled spaces
Walk/cycle
Lastly, Co-op Live is only a half-hour stroll from Manchester Piccadilly, and you could even walk along the canal all the way to the front door if you fancy taking the scenic route.
Greater Manchester now also offers the option to hire bikes through the Beryl, with riders able to locate, unlock, get to their destination and then safely lock up the bike all through an easy-to-use app. There are hire points just near the south-west corner of the Etihad Stadium on Ashton New Road.
For more information on all travel options, you can check out the enhanced journey planner.
‘GUTS; Spilled’ has seen this American super star jet-setting across the globe.
Featured Images – Supplied via Larissa Hoffman / Nick Walker
Music
Popular noodle bar Chopstix to host ALL-NEW live music event in Manchester
Thomas Melia
Much-loved noodle box eatery Chopstix are hosting an all-new series of live music events, with the first kicking off at one of Manchester’s most popular venues.
Chopstix has become a foodie’s favourite in the city centre with its combo boxes and now they’re about to win over the musiclovers thanks to these brand-new live-performances.
The Asian restaurant chain is launching ‘Red Box Live’,a first-of-its-kind music event series taking place in some of the UK’s best independent music venues,, and it kicks off at one of the city’s most beloved music venues,YES.
These events will see a rising star headline slot, DJ’s, free drinks and of course, food, because it couldn’t be a Chopstix party without some of its iconic flavour-packed boxes.
Chopstix is known for serving up flavoursome feasts in their combo boxes.The Asian restaurant chain has chosen YES as the first spot for their ‘Red Box Live’ event.Credit: Supplied
Indie-pop artist Liang Lawrence is claiming the first headline spot and she’s definitely no stranger at frequenting some of the most famed stages in the country, having recently performed at Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Sefton Park on the BBC Introducing stage, following in the footsteps of Manc rap-talent Aitch.
The ‘Red Box Live’ music events build from the eatery’s previous music-focused series ‘Red Box Sessions’ which saw acts like Flames Collective and Grace Davies (X-Factor) in intimate studio sessions.
Rob Burns, Marketing Director for Chopstix, said: The launch of our brand new Red Box Live event series is incredibly exciting.”We’re bringing big, bold flavour and raw music talent together – serving up an unbeatable combo for our flavour craving crowd right here in Manchester.”
“We’re bringing BIG, BOLD flavour and raw music talent together – serving up an unbeatable combo for our Flavour Craving crowd right here in Manchester.”
Liang Lawrence will be performing at ‘Red Box Live’ organised by Chopstix.There will be free food and live music at this exclusive event.Credit: Supplied
The first ‘Red Box Live’ is taking place on 16 July with a headline performance from Liang Lawrence at YES in Manchester. Doors open from 7pm with a DJ set, and tickets are available to win for free on Chopstix’s website.