Everyone’s favourite singalong karaoke cabins are coming back to Manchester for Christmas, it has been confirmed.
Bar Hütte, the magical Alpine cabin experience with cosy furnishings, twinkling lights, live music sessions, and flowing drinks, will return bigger than ever this year – with not one, but two locations in Manchester city centre.
Inspired by some of Europe’s coolest après ski bars, Bar Hütte combines super-snug karaoke hüttes with a vibrant and cheerful alpine atmosphere.
Now in its seventh year, Bar Hütte is seen as a festive staple in the city.
Bar Hütte’s singalong karaoke cabins are coming back to Manchester for Christmas / Credit: Bar Hütte
With two magical Christmas courtyards sweeping across the city, the beloved ‘carol-oke’ cabins will be returning to their home at Greater Northern Square, as well as moving into a brand new canal-side location at Kampus.
While Bar Hütte at Great Northern Square is heading back to Deansgate, with 15 cosy private hüttes neatly-positioned under a heated stretch tent and twinkling lights, Bar Hütte at Kampus will also see a new outdoor terrace, comprising of eight snug, wooden karaoke hüttes nestled beneath the trees, and an ‘Aprés Ski Bungalow’ serving as an indoor alpine bar.
Bar Hütte at Kampus also teamed up with its neighbours, Nell’s and Great North Pie Co, so that hungry foodies can order pizza and pies delivered straight to their hütte via a QR code system.
As well as an entertainment schedule of live singers and DJs, there is a new drinks menu to include winter serves, Instagramable cocktails, plus the legendary Bombardino, and the famous Bar Hütte shot-ski.
This year, there’ll be two city centre locations / Credit: Bar Hütte
Those heading down can enjoy karaoke for up to eight people in a Cosy Karaoke Hütte, or celebrate on a larger scale in a Party Lodge for up to 20 people.
Adam Brady, from HBD – which is one of the Kampus developers, said ahead of Bar Hütte’s arrival: “Bar Hütte will transform the Kampus garden from the perfect summer spot to the go-to festive hangout [and] we’ll be swapping festival bunting for fairy lights, with the cosy hüttes nestled within the trees, and Après Ski Bungalow providing a proper slice of winter escapism in the heart of Manchester.”
At the weekends, and in the lead-up to the big day, there are family-friendly Santa Claus Club sessions too – which includes a karaoke hütte for one hour, hot chocolate, and colouring pads for the kids, plus the chance to get a picture with Santa Claus.
15 cosy private hüttes will be neatly-positioned under twinkling lights / Credit: Bar Hütte
There are also wreath-making sessions to get involved in at both locations, complete with a complimentary glass of prosecco or mulled wine.
Both Bar Hütte at Kampus and Bar Hütte at Great Northern Square will be open to the public on Wednesday 8 November, and bookings have just launched.
Major Co-op Live concert cancelled with fans already inside venue
Daisy Jackson
Major Co-op Live gig Jeff Lynne’s ELO has been cancelled this evening – after fans had already entered the venue.
Jeff Lynne’s ELO were set to perform the second of two nights at the huge Manchester venue tonight, as part of their final UK tour.
The Over and Out Tour should have been taking place on both the 9 and 10 July before heading to London’s BST Hyde Park Festival on Sunday.
But the show has been cancelled minutes before the legendary band were due to take to the stage.
Fans had already taken their seats inside the massive Co-op Live Arena when the news broke that the gig would not be able to take place ‘due to illness’.
77-year-old Jeff Lynne himself, who recently broke his hand in an accident, is said to be ‘devastated’ that he is unable to perform.
Jeff Lynne’s ELO has been cancelled at Co-op Live
A statement from the band said: “Unfortunately due to illness tonight’s (Thursday 10th July 2025) scheduled performance of Jeff Lynne’s ELO at the Co-Op Live will not be going ahead.
“Jeff is devastated he cannot perform this evening.
“More information will become available as soon as possible. For refunds please go to your point of purchase.”
According to fans, audiences inside Co-op Live were told the show was cancelled with just 45 minutes to go.
One person wrote: “The concert that never was. Cancelled with 45mins to go. Get well soon Jeff Lynne.”
Literally mins after this picture was taken Jeff Lynn cancelled 😞 @JeffLynnesELO Broke his hand a few days ago and has played the best he can and well done to you ! But then decides to cancel 2nd night n Manchester very last minute ! But it’s ok just ask for a refund !!! 😡 pic.twitter.com/wv1JfWPwk5
Andy Burnham reveals plans to build underground tram and train line in Manchester by 2050
Emily Sergeant
Andy Burnham has announced some ambitious long-term plans to build an underground tram and train line in Manchester.
As Greater Manchester sets its sights on a new era of economic growth, on the way to becoming a ‘second city’ to rival any other on the planet by 2050, Mayor Andy Burnham shared the city region’s blueprint for a ‘greener, fairer future’ this week – with underground transport plans being right the heart of it.
Mr Burnham says his vision for the next decade is to create a ‘thriving’ city region where everyone can ‘live a good life’.
Andy Burnham reveals plans to build an underground tram and train line in Manchester / Credit: TfGM
But it’s public transport where it seems some of the most significant changes are set to be made before 2050 arrives.
The Mayor revealed plans for new bus routes, tramlines, and train stations to connect ‘thriving communities’ across the city region with an integrated lower-cost transport system that’ll help more people get out and access new opportunities.
Construction of a tram stop to service new homes at Victoria North will also start by 2028, it has been confirmed, while work to bring Metrolink to Stockport – which has already been announced to huge support – will begin by 2030.
Two commuter rail lines will join the Bee Network next December as well, with another six joining by 2028.
GM is growing fast.
We will expand @BeeNetwork over the next decade to meet the needs of our bigger economy.
BUT
There’s a limit to what we can do on a congested surface.
It’s why I am asking TfGM to start planning for an underground for GM around a remodelled Piccadilly. pic.twitter.com/k2ozNWw6Wj
The headline-grabbing announcement, though, has to be that Mr Burnham has also announced plans to unlock ‘transformative’ investment in transport infrastructure, so that by 2050, Manchester Piccadilly has an underground tram and train station with a high-speed rail link to Liverpool.
He’s also looking to boost regeneration of the surrounding area, effectively making it ‘the Kings Cross of the North’.
“We’re the UK’s fastest growing economy and stand on the cusp of what I believe could be our best decade since the Victorian era,” commented Mayor Andy Burnham, “and our task for the next decade is to build a platform for success for all our residents.
“Our vision is ambitious, but in my eight years as Mayor, I’ve learned that, when we pull together, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.
“There’s a long and proud tradition of collaboration in Greater Manchester. Devolution has turbocharged that and now we’re ready to deliver a new model of growth where no one is left behind.”
Georgina Pellant -
7th September 2023 
