The Charlatans’ Tim Burgess has taken over the tannoys at Manchester Metrolink stations this week and become the voice of our tram network.
Commuters since Monday have been hearing Tim’s friendly voice piped over the speakers.
Mancs are loving the cheery announcements from the Salford-born singer and DJ, which occasionally captures him bursting into song.
It’s all ahead of the Vinyl Adventures Record Fair on December 5, held at multiple venues and shops in the region.
A live gig will be taking place close to a city centre Metrolink stop at the weekend.
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Tim will also be revealing the locations of 500 hidden lanyards right across Greater Manchester, which grant whoever finds them free weekend tram travel.
“I always fancied being a station announcer when I was a kid so a big thanks to Metrolink for making that dream come true,” said Tim.
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“We have a brilliant weekend lined up, with a Charlatans gig on the Saturday and Vinyl Adventures on the Sunday is going to be amazing with live sets, DJs, interviews, podcasts and more records than you can shake a stick at – and if you’re lucky enough to find a lanyard you can travel for free thanks to our friends at Metrolink.”
On Twitter, one person said: “I’m enjoying @Tim_Burgess voicing @MCRMetrolink stops! Thought someone had hacked the mic!”
Another tweeted: “This is awesomeness! Bet there will be many #Charlatans fans riding round trips on @MCRMetrolink this week”
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Someone else posted to Tim: “Just heard you on @MCRMetrolink to brighten up a drizzly Manchester morning!”
The Vinyl Adventures Record Fair is taking place at venues including Piccadilly Records, Mars Tapes, Vinyl Resting Place, Clampdown Records, Eastern Bloc Records Vinyl Revival, and Wax and Beans in Bury, with gigs, podcasts and talks.
Artists such as Pete Doherty, We Are Scientists, Badly Drawn Boy and the Lovely Eggs will be hosting their own stalls, while Clint Boon will be selling his vintage organ and synth collection.
Manchester Piccadilly station will also be hosting three musical performances on Sunday, with Apollo Junction taking to the mezzanine at 11.30am, followed by a very special guest at 12.45pm and Cold Water Swimmers at 1.30pm.
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Danny Vaughan, head of Metrolink at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “This year Tim Burgess’s Vinyl Adventure Record Fair is back, better than ever and we are delighted to support him.
“It’s the only thing I know that’s definitely worth checking out this weekend. Whether you’re a vinyl hobbyist or just looking, it’s going to be a great experience for everyone.”
Featured image: Supplied / Unsplash
Music
The Warehouse Project named one of the best nightclubs in the world
Danny Jones
Greater Manchester can add another big blue ribbon to its already richly adorned totem of music heritage, as The Warehouse Project has been named one of the best clubs in the entire world.
Not that we’re the least bit shocked, to be honest.
That’s right, our very own Warehouse Project – or WHP to use the more commonly thrown around shorthand – isn’t just the great successor to the likes of The Haçienda, Jilly’s Rockworld and many more Manc live music institutions, it’s become a raver’s rite of passage in its own right.
So it’s no surprise that it landed itself in the International NightLife Association’s best 100 clubs on the planet – but where exactly on the list did it land?
As you can see from the full NightLife International rankings for 2025, Warehouse Project didn’t just make it into the 100 club or even the top half; WHP broke into the best 30 clubs in the whole world.
Finishing in 27th position, specifically, Mayfield Depot‘s major tourist attraction was sandwiched between Ibiza’s Amnesia nightclub and the equally iconic Ministry of Sound in London.
Not bad company to keep, eh?
Writing in the caption, the organisation said: “From Ibiza to Singapore, Miami to Marrakech, and every nightlife capital in between, this year’s ranking showcases the venues that continue to elevate global nightlife with innovation, quality, and unforgettable experiences.”
“Cheers to all the clubs that made it onto the list”, they continued, thanking sponsors, artists and collaborators alike before adding, “Your commitment drives the industry forward.”
With the likes of Worried About Henry, Homobloc, Barry Can’t Swim, and the first-ever winter edition of Repercussion having already passed this year, the 2025 programme really has been electric.
But they’re not done yet; you can see the rest of what is on this year’s lineup down below.
One of the biggest dates on the current WHP calendar is, of course, their massive New Year’s Eve Party, which returns for 2025.
The team behind Warehouse is yet to respond to the prestigious international recognition, as they’re clearly still too busy putting on some of the best nights not just in town or the UK, but anywhere around the club.
You can get a closer look at the in-depth list of NightLife International’s top 100 clubs HERE.
Speaking of Manc nightlife, it’ll be interesting to see where a returning cult favourite will place itself on the leaderboard when it makes its full comeback very soon…
Featured Images — The Manc Group/Press shots (supplied via WHP)
Music
Kendal Calling reveals fantastic 2026 lineup, including Biffy Clyro, Wolf Alice, The Kooks and more
Danny Jones
The lineup for Kendal Calling 2026 has been officially revealed in full, and let’s just say the list of headliners alone is absolutely box office.
It feels like we say this every year, but this could be one of their best to date.
With the likes of Scottish rock legends Biffy Clyro (after years of courting them), Mercury Prize-winning Wolf Alice, as well as indie veterans The Kooks and Two Door Cinema Club topping the bill on the main stage, next year’s Kendal Calling is shaping up to be a tasty one.
Next summer will mark the 21st year of the annual music and arts festival, and after a wonderful 20th anniversary edition in 2025, we have every faith the KC crew are going to nail it yet again.
Announcing a total of 120 acts – yes, this lineup is already STACKED – the roster is packed with everything from timeless indie stalwarts, Northern favourites, some pop surprises and plenty more.
For instance, we were genuinely buzzing to see not only the one and only Scissor Sisters, but also Gabrielle, and even noughties throwback, Vanessa Carlton.
We’re now hoping and praying she doesn’t pull out and quite literally travels ‘A Thousand Miles’ over to the Lake District.
After making their own comebacks this year, the likes of The Libertines, Deaf Havana, Hard-Fi and several others have joined the lineup, which is spread across more than a dozen stages, including non-musical acts and other bits of live entertainment.
We were very much spoilt for choice for our favourite festivals this year, but you only have to read our review of ‘KC20’ to know how much it meant to be there.
You can see the Kendal Calling 2026 lineup poster down below.
‘26's Adventure Revealed! 🙌 Like & RT for your chance to win VIP upgrades, boutique camping & a £200 bar tab!
Biffy Clyro, Wolf Alice, Two Door Cinema Club, The Kooks, Scissor Sisters, The Libertines & more head to the Lakes! pic.twitter.com/HoI0qpgrxQ
If you look closely, you can also see that there’s a special guest slot thrown in there, too, though we’re stumped as to even the slightest hint of who it could be.
We’re sure you’ll have your theories and guesses in the chamber already, but let’s just say that after seeing how well they’ve done with surprises in the past, we cannot wait.
Commenting on the drop, co-founder Ben Robinson said: “I’m so excited to reveal next year’s line-up! Our brilliant team has secured a line-up worthy of the jaw-dropping faith the Kendal Calling family puts in us each year.
“Selling 98% of the tickets before announcing a single artist is the biggest compliment we could ever receive, so here’s an early Christmas present to say thank you!”
Like the man said, most full weekend passes have already gone, but if this lineup tickles your interest, you can still register for the final release of Kendal Calling 2026 tickets right HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
1st December 2021 
