Tim Burgess, frontman of legendary band The Charlatans, is set to launch a one-off ‘Merch Market’ event, and its core purpose is to support bands.
He might have a ‘Jesus Hairdo’ but he’s currently serving as a good Samaritan as The Charlatans‘ Tim Burgess is putting on an event solely focusing on funding bands via gig merch and other apparel.
Running across a variety of live music locations within Manchester city centre, the day-long event is called ‘Merch Market’, and it’s encouraging music lovers and bands alike to tag along.
Although ticket sales, album sales and streams are critical in funding the careers of all the artists we know and love, one key drive in securing actual revenue in the music industry is merchandise.
Expect to pick up some rare finds and own some limited edition collections.Band merch will be front and centre at this event which is hosted by The Charlatans’ Tim Burgess.Credit: The Hoot/Audio North
‘Merch Market’ is taking place at O2 Ritz as well as adjacent venues Gorilla and Dog Bowl across the road with a special appearance from ‘Tim Peak’s Diner’, the caffeinated brainchild of Tim Burgess.
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The whole point of this event is to make sure that bands can receive the full 100% of merch sales without any cuts from any third party.
Fronted by The Charlatans lead singer Tim Burgess, ‘Merch Market’ is building off his 2021 gathering, which had a similar initiative with ‘Vinyl Adventure’ encouraging the sale of physical music and media.
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Alongside stocking up your wardrobe with all the latest band t-shirts, hoodies and everything in between, there will be an array of interesting performances and talks happening throughout the day.
Entry to this incredible celebration of bands is completely free of charge and, better still, there are chances to win some seriously cool prizes – including some tasty festival tickets.
Gorilla is one of the live music venues that ‘Merch Market’ is taking place at.The Manc and Antony Szmierek outside O2 RItz, another venue which will be taking part in ‘Merch Market’.Credit: The Manc Group
Expect stalls, live DJ sets, interviews, panels and even a chance to bag yourself VIP tickets for UK festival, Kendal Calling, which Burgess will be returning for 2025.
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Burgess is a man of many talents as he will not only be hosting this fantastic initiative, but he will also be hosting a stall of his own and singing a couple of his biggest hits.
Bands don’t have to worry about forking out a fortune for renting a stall either as tables at ‘Merch Market’ are free, the only thing musicians have to bring is their merch and charming personalities.
So whether you’re an artist with leftover stock from your last tour or a music lover who just missed out on snagging a snap back, head down to these three venues on 25 May.
AO Arena announces ‘In Conversation’ event with Luke Una
Thomas Melia
Much loved DJ and musical artist Luke Una is the latest act appearing at the AO Arena as part of their ‘In Conversation’ event taking place in Manchester later this year.
Luke Cowdrey, known more commonly under the name Luke Una, makes up one half of the unforgettable DJ duo, The Unabombers, who were widely respected in the Manchester club scene.
Known for his involvement in pivotal club movements like Homobloc and E Soul Cultura, he certainly knows how to live it large.
Una’s music helped define the underground scene in Manchester during the 1980s and 90s alongside The Unabombers bandmate, Justin Crawford.
The two were known for producing music in the Northern Sulphuric Soul genre and even ran a legendary club night titled ‘Electric Chair’.
Their music tended to blend lots of different sounds from across the globe, including Latin, hip-hop, disco, house and more.
Now, Una is ditching the decks for a mellower event focused all around his music, where he will be sharing stories that have taken place over the course of his expansive four-decade-long career.
All the talks taking place at AO Arena will be hosted by none other than BBC 6 Music presenter Chris Hawkins known for his work regularly hosting an early morning radio show and also documentaries too.
Una isn’t the only guest who will be talking all things career and Northern music, The Charlatans’ Tim Burgess is also taking part in the AO Arena’s newest talk series ‘Live And In Conversation’ set to take place this month.
The adored DJ is taking to the incredible Manchester venue on 18 May from 6pm to 10:30pm, giving guests plenty of opportunities to learn all about his artistry and skill.
Luke Una is sitting down with Chris Hawkins for AO Arena’s ‘Live And In Conversation’ series, with tickets going on sale HERE.
Featured Images — Publicity Picture (via Supplied)
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Calum Scott announces HUGE gig in Manchester this year
Thomas Melia
Singer-songwriter and talent show contestant Calum Scott has announced a huge gig in Manchester later this year.
Known for his impeccable cover of the Robyn hit ‘Dancing On My Own’, which earned him a golden buzzer from Simon Cowell, Scott has been dropping some real tunes since starring on our TV screens.
His biggest hit, despite not being an original of his own, went on to secure the Scottish star a BRIT Awards nomination, but his debut album Only Human (2018) and his track ‘You Are the Reason’ earned both gold and platinum certifications in 21 countries.
This Britain’s Got Talent star has been praising past musical acts long before his Robyn cover, even forming a Maroon 5 tribute, Maroon 4 in 2014, the year before he achieved stardom.
Calum Scott worked with highly acclaimed producer Jax Jones on his unofficial Love Island anthem, ‘Whistle’, which he even performed in the villa back in 2023.
This collaboration gained the pair a top 20 hit and a gold certified hit, selling over 400,000 copies in the United Kingdom alone.
Anyone who asks me ‘Where Are You Now’ on 12 September will find me front row at AO Arena ready to watch this super Scottish singer.
Manchester will be his first UK stop on the tour, where he’ll also be playing in London at OVO Arena Wembley on 21 September.
Credit: Supplied
Now, Scott returns with his newest album, The Avenoir, which sees the singer pictured rowing into a peaceful and calming water-meets-the-sky background.
Currently, five singles have been released from this album, including ‘Roots’, ‘Lighthouse’ and the latest drop ‘God Knows’.
With the album set to reach our ears in September, fans will have just over a month to practice all their words and be prepared to sing their hearts out.
Calum Scott is bringing ‘The Avenoir Tour’ to AO Arena in Manchester on 12 September, with tickets on sale from this Friday, 11 April.
Thomas Melia -
27th March 2025 
