A live orchestral rendition of Joy Division’s greatest hits is coming to Manchester later this year, bringing some of the band’s best-known songs to life on stage at The O2 Apollo.
Curated by founding band member Peter Hook alongside musical director Tim Crooks and Manchester Camerata, it is the first time a founding member of the band has developed a project of this kind.
Hook has reportedly poured his ‘heart and soul’ into a carefully-constructed setlist that includes many of the trademark songs that made the band’s name across their all too short career, as well as some more unexpected tracks and surprise inclusions.
Image: Official Joy Division
Bringing together the full orchestra, members of Peter Hook & The Light and guest vocalists including Bastien Marshal and Mica Millar, the show will see over fifty musicians join together on stage for The Sound Of Joy Division Orchestrated when it returns later this year after a three-year hiatus.
Manchester Camerata Orchestra will celebrate the iconic 70s band in a live show, performing seminal classics and lesser-known tracks from Joy Division’s respected catalogue.
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The live orchestral show promises to revisit the post-punk elements that shaped Joy Division’s early ground-breaking sound, working alongside Manchester Camerata’s 50-piece orchestra to reflect the spirit that defines the Manchester band’s considerable heritage.
The Sound Of Joy Division will debut in Manchester first, appearing at the O2 Apollo Manchester on Friday 14 October before going on to London to play the historic Palladium.
Last time it was performed live, the acclaimed show sold out both London’s Royal Albert Hall and the Sydney Opera House In 2019.
Image: Yannis Hostelidis
Approaching the gigs, Peter Hook commented: “Covid has given these events strange timings, but after touring and playing Joy Division normally shall we say, I am looking forward to this new working more than ever.
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“It takes Joy Division’s music to a whole different place, emotionally and aurally. It is difficult to transcribe but I love the challenge, and it brings a freshness to the whole concept.”
“After those two amazing concerts at The Royal Albert Hall and Sydney Opera House, I did wonder how we could possibly surpass it. Playing those gigs did give me a great insight in how to improve the impact for future shows.
“The Apollo has played a huge part of my musical career, so they seemed a great fit. Both great venues for a great show!”
Musical director, Tim Crooks, added; “It’s fantastic news that we’ll be bringing this amazing show to The Palladium and The Apollo, two of my favourite ever venues.
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“As musicians we’ve all missed being able to perform and as we finally return with the show, I do hope the concerts bring a great deal of pleasure for everybody there.”
To find out more and book tickets, visit the website here.
Feature image – Manchester Camerata
News
Family pays tribute to ‘much-loved son’ who died after Wigan bus crash
Daisy Jackson
The family of a man who died in a tragic bus crash in Wigan have paid a moving tribute to him.
Luke Hill, 28, was involved in a collision between a bus and a motorbike earlier this month, and sadly passed away in hospital the following morning.
The incident occurred on the Wigan Road junction of Alexandra Road, at around 11.54pm on Thursday 6 August – and GMP are still appealing for members of the public to come forward with CCTV, dashcam, or information.
The driver of the bus remained at the scene following the crash, and continues to support police with their investigation.
Paying tribute to Luke, his family described him as a ‘rock and much-loved part of the family’.
His mother said that living without him feels like a ‘terrible nightmare’.
Paying tribute, Luke’s mum, Sharon, has said: “Luke was my son, my rock, and a much-loved part of our family. There are simply no words to describe the pain of losing a son, especially in such a tragic way.
“It still doesn’t feel real. I keep expecting this terrible nightmare to end and for you to be here with us again.
“Luke was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew and grandson. He meant so much to so many people, and he will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.
“We miss you more than words could ever say. The pain of losing you is something we will carry with us forever, but so will the love and memories you gave us.
“The whole family is deeply saddened by this heartbreaking loss. We kindly ask that everyone respects our privacy and allows us the time and space we need to grieve.
“You will never be forgotten, Luke.
“We love you and miss you so much.”
Officers are continuing to appeal for any witnesses who may have seen the moments leading up to this incident, or anyone who has mobile phone or dash cam footage, to come forward and assist the investigation.
Anyone with information can contact police via 0161 856 4741 or our Live Chat at gmp.police.uk, quoting the log number 4225 of 06/08/2026.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Government issues UK-wide temporary ban on sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk
Emily Sergeant
A temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues has been issued nationwide.
Following the UK’s fourth heatwave of the summer, and as many regions declare drought conditions, the Government has made the decision to issue a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk.
A disposable barbecue is defined as a fuel tray or grill grid that includes charcoal fuel ‘sufficient to provide cooking temperature for the duration of a single cooking episode’.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the UK as a ‘tinderbox’ and urged ‘all retailers big and small’ to withdraw the sale of disposable barbecues to prevent further wildfires, but following the shocking scenes in Stourbridge which raged overnight, it appears this has been escalated to a formal temporary ban.
The ban applies to all producers and distributors of the product – including retailers that make disposable barbecues available on the British market – and includes online sales too.
A Government statement reads: “During the current drought and heatwave conditions, the Government considers that the supply and subsequent foreseeable use of disposable barbecues poses a significant risk to the public, and the environment, and therefore cannot be considered a safe product.
“They should not be made available for supply either in store or online at the current time.
“These guidelines will be kept under review, and will be withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies, as weather conditions change sufficiently to significantly reduce the risks.”
Georgina Pellant -
2nd August 2022 
