News

Manchester officially out of the running to host Eurovision Song Contest 2023

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 27th September 2022

Manchester has officially been knocked out of the running to be the host city of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.

The BBC has provided an update on the bidding process for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest today, and has now confirmed that two cities, Glasgow and Liverpool, remain in competition to be the 2023 Host City.

Manchester was one of seven potential host cities announced back in August.

But after what the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has called a “detailed assessment process”, these seven cities have been reduced to two, and further discussions will now take place with officials from Glasgow and Liverpool to determine who will get the hosting nod.

A final decision will be made “within weeks”.

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Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor for the Eurovision Song Contest, has thanked the competing cities for their cooperation over the past few months.

“The EBU would like to warmly thank all the seven British cities that put so much effort and enthusiasm into their bids to host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine.

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“We very much appreciate their cooperation and the quality and creativity of all the bids received.

“The Eurovision Song Contest is the most complex TV production in the world with very specific logistical requirements to accommodate around 40 delegations and thousands of crew, volunteers, press and fans, and we’re confident our final two cities are the best placed to meet this challenge.

“We look forward to continuing our discussions to choose the one which will stage the world’s largest music event next May.”

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Manchester is officially out of the running to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 / Credit: Flickr

Responding to the announcement that Manchester is out of the running, Cllr Bev Craig – Leader of Manchester City Council – said: “We are of course disappointed not to be chosen to host next year’s Eurovision, but we know that the successful city will put on an incredible event on behalf of our friends in Ukraine.

“Good luck to Liverpool and Glasgow.

“We can’t wait to see what the chosen city has in store for the show next year.”

Cllr Pat Karney also added: “Congratulations to both great cities. I am disappointed but am sure one day Manchester will host Eurovision.

“We can bid with our new stadium.”

Featured Image – Corinne Cumming (via EBU)

News

Doja Cat at Co-op Live, Manchester – tickets, times, setlist and more for UK tour

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

One of the 2020’s leading female artists, Doja Cat, is heading to the UK for a stop on her newest tour and has chosen to host it at Co-op Live in Manchester.

American recording artist Doja Cat is making her long-awaited return to Manchester and an arena debut, with this artist’s first and only visit to the city being back in 2024, headlining Parklife.

Heading to the UK as part of her Ma Vie World Tour, the California-born star is recognised for her spellbinding performances, extravagant outfits and array of UK Top 40 hits.

Not afraid to blend genres, Amala Dlamini, better known by artist moniker Doja Cat, has lent her voice to rap, hip-hop, pop, R’n’B, and now 80’s synths on her newest LP, Vie.

Gig guide | Doja Cat at Co-op Live, Manchester

Doja Cat is coming to Co-op Live in Manchester for one night of her Ma Vie Tour / Credit: Publicity Picture (Supplied)
Doja Cat is coming to Co-op Live in Manchester for one night of her Ma Vie Tour / Credit: Publicity Picture (Supplied)

Doja Cat UK tour dates

  • Sat 23 May – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live
  • Tues 26 May – Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena
  • Fri 29 May – London, UK – The O2

Are there any tickets left for Doja Cat at Co-op Live?

Do you ‘Need to Know’ about grabbing tickets to see this multi-hyphenate performer live? Well, you’re in luck…

After seeing this iconic ‘Woman’ live on stage in Manchester? Well, if I’ve got your ‘Attention’, you can find tickets and more info HERE.

All you 'Need to Know' about Doja Cat's Ma Vie World Tour in Manchester / Credit: Greg Swales (Supplied) / The Manc Group
All you 'Need to Know' about Doja Cat's Ma Vie World Tour in Manchester / Credit: Greg Swales (Supplied) / The Manc Group
All you ‘Need to Know’ about Doja Cat’s Ma Vie World Tour in Manchester / Credit: Greg Swales (Supplied) / The Manc Group

Doja Cat setlist for 2026 UK tour

  • Lipstain
  • Cards
  • Get Into It (Yuh)
  • Kiss Me More
  • Gorgeous
  • Couples Therapy
  • Take Me Dancing
  • Woman
  • Acts of Service
  • Agora Hills
  • Make It Up
  • All Mine
  • Ain’t Sh*t
  • Paint the Town Red
  • Silly! Fun!
  • Juicy
  • Need to Know
  • Streets
  • Wet Vagina
  • WYM Freestyle
  • Demons
  • Tia Tamera
  • AAAHH MEN!
  • Boss B*tch
  • Stranger
  • Happy
  • One More Time
  • Say So
  • Jealous Type

What are the stage times for Doja Cat in Manchester?

Doors for Doja Cat’s Ma Vie Tour at Co-op Live in Manchester are set to open from 6:30pm with a kick-off time of 7pm from one very good warm-up act.

Supporting the rapper and performer on her UK and EU leg of the tour is alternative-r&b artist Naomi Sharon with singles like ‘Better Days’ and ‘Bittersweet’.

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 1am 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.

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 on 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 Moss (Ashton line) – 183 spaces and 12 disabled spaces
  • Ashton West (Ashton line) – 184 spaces and 11 disabled spaces
  • Ladywell (Ashton-Eccles line) – 332 spaces and 22 disabled spaces

Walk/cycle

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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 on the Beryl app, 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.

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For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image – Publicity Pictures

News

Beloved Greater Manchester-born presenter Judith Chalmers has died at 90

Danny Jones Danny Jones Judith Chalmers dead at 90

Well-known Greater Manchester native and beloved British TV presenter Judith Chalmers has sadly died at 90 years old.

The former Wish You Were Here…? host was known not only for the once smash-hit travel programme, which ran for the best part of three decades, but she also enjoyed a spot on BBC Radio 2, along with the Strictly forerunner, Come Dancing, among many other guest appearances over the decades.

Judith Rosemary Locke Chalmers OBE, to use her full title, was born in Stockport back in 1935 and is said to have passed away peacefully at home on Thursday evening, 21 May.

The tributes to the broadcasting legend are continuing to pour in online.

A familiar Northern face, Chalmers presented the primetime show from its inception in 1974 until 2003, and was made an OBE for her services to broadcasting in 1994.

The proud Gatley girl enjoyed a long and successful stint on screen before having to step away from her various duties in her later years due to declining health.

She leaves behind her husband, Neil Durden-Smith – himself a former sports commentator – along with two children, including Mark Durden-Smith, who has also gone on to a career in presenting

Unfortunately, Chalmers was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a few years ago, meaning she gradually withdrew from the public eye even further; those around her have done plenty of important fundraising for the cause ever since.

Stopfordians have also been honouring the local lass’ legacy and much-admired reputation.

In a statement issued to ITV (once her long-time employers), her family said: “After living an extraordinary life that involved over 60 years in broadcasting and countless adventures all over the globe, Judy sadly passed away last night, surrounded by the family she loved so much after suffering with Alzheimer’s for some years.

“We will miss her greatly, but she leaves behind a giant suitcase of the happiest of memories.”

Our thoughts are with her family, friends and long-established fan base up and down the country at this difficult time.

Rest in peace.

Featured Images — Thames TV/ITV (archive images)

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