James Acaster, Aisling Bea, and Rosie Jones are among the heavy-hitting names set to bring the laughs at a brand-new comedy festival inManchester next month.
And you’ve still got time to grab tickets.
ADVERTISEMENT
Taking over Castlefield Bowl in the heart of Manchester city centre from 21-25 September 2022, LAUGHTERAMA is an all-new five-night festival that combines a packed lineup of some of comedy’s most famous and multi-talented names, alongside a first-class selection at the bars and some of the city’s best street-food traders.
LAUGHTERAMA is a new venture from the sibling team behind a series of successful comedy festivals that run annually across London and the South, and comedy fans in Manchester can expect a mix of the biggest names in stand-up to take to the same stage alongside some of the brightest new talents.
Now, with less than a month to go, tickets are selling fast and it’s gearing up to be “a seriously good time in the heart of the city”.
ADVERTISEMENT
Some of the other names on the talented lineup include the legendary Dylan Moran, Taskmaster’s Phil Wang, observational master and star of The Last Leg Josh Widdicombe, the inimitable Daniel Kitson, and so many more.
The lineup for the inaugural LAUGHTERAMA / Credit: LAUGHTERAMA
Edinburgh Comedy Award-winner Rose Matafeo will also be performing, as well as one-liner king Milton Jones, lo-fi hero David O’Doherty, the Mash Report’s Nish Kumar, Mock The Week’s whipsmart wordsmith Rhys James, and the hilarious Kiri Pritchard-McLean on the lineup too.
ADVERTISEMENT
Homegrown Manchester talents Stephen Bailey, and Josh Jones will also make appearances.
Alongside a lineup of local names, a handful of fast-rising newcomers on the comedy circuit will also perform, including Fatiha El-Ghorri, Huge Davies, and Celya Ab – who’s been branded the “comic shooting to fame”.
Many of the acts delighting the critics at this month’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival are also set to appear on the Castlefield Bowl stage, such as Amy Gledhill with her four-star reviewed “cartoonish flair”.
Rounding-out the jam-packed Laughterama 2022 lineup is the unflinchingly funny Jamali Maddix, podcast and rollerskate aficionado Lou Sanders, and finally, the incredible Tim Key – who is currently riding high from his critically-lauded Fringe show.
LAUGHTERAMA is an all-new five-night comedy festival coming to Castlefield Bowl next month / Credit: Supplied
For the last fifteen years, sibling duo Will Briggs and Cass Randolph have been bringing a blend of comedy programming in boutique-festival settings to sell-out crowds, and the pair are now looking forward to arriving right here in Manchester next month.
“We’ve been dreaming of bringing this festival to Manchester for a long time now,” Will said.
“The city should absolutely have a stand-out event showcasing the wealth of comedy talent around at the moment [as] there’s a golden age for comedy right now, with so many platforms to enjoy amazing content.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Many of our acts have their own TV or podcast series, but nothing beats live, and we can’t wait to put these acts in front of a Manchester crowd – we already know the shows are going to be electric.”
The “comic shooting to fame” Celya Ab, and the joyous Rosie Jones are on the lineup / Credit: Supplied
LAUGHTERAMA 2022 has partnered with used car dealer heycar for this year’s event, with the company’s Chief Commercial Officer Karen Hilton already singing the praises of the “truly world-class” lineup.
“It’s shaping up to be an incredible feel-good summer,” Karen said.
“We have so much laughter to catch up on after the last few years and I can’t think of a better way to do it as the lineup is truly world-class and we’re particularly looking forward to seeing the incredible James Acaster, and my personal favourite, Aisling Bea in action.
“heycar is honoured to be sponsoring this incredible event and we can’t wait to see everyone in Manchester this September.”
ADVERTISEMENT
The unflinchingly funny Jamali Maddix will be taking to the Castlefield Bowl stage / Credit: SuppliedThe hilarious Kiri Pritchard-McLean will also be making an appearance / Credit: Supplied
LAUGHTERAMA 2022 is landing at Castlefield Bowl from Wednesday 21 – Sunday 25 September, with tickets now on sale at £25 per person.
You can grab yours on the Laughterama website before they sell out here.
Featured Image – Supplied
Sponsored
Every bit of live entertainment coming to Haydock Park Racecourse this summer | The Jockey Club Live 2025
Danny Jones
With festival season officially underway and a music-filled summer approaching faster than Stone Folca down the final furlong, we’ll take any chance to sing and dance under the sun we can get, so it’s a good job that what’s on at Haydock Park Racecourse this year is great and there’s plenty of it.
That’s right, The Jockey Club Live experience at Haydock Park is back for 2025, and there’s another incredible lineup of acts joining the punters over the next few months.
Having already seen the likes of Craig David, Busted and the Sugababes, as well as rather fittingly named local band, Red Rum Club, most recently, we’ve had some ruddy good times soaking up The Jockey Club festivities and libations, and this year is already off to a storming start.
You can catch a glimpse of our latest visit to the races down below for a taster. In short, it was a blast.
As you can see, not only are the spirits high and free-flowing (if you catch our drift) at Haydock Park, but there’s more than just racing and betting slips when it comes to what’s on there during the summer.
In addition to plenty of food and drink, every year as part of their Music Night programme, The Jockey Club well and truly puts the Live in ‘live entertainment’ with a whole host of big names.
For instance, here’s who is coming up at Haydock this summer…
What’s on at Haydock Park Racecourse this summer?
Tom Jones – Friday, 4 July
Perhaps the biggest name on the bill this year is the legendary Welsh soul singer and pop veteran SIR Tom Jones; that’s right, you could be in the presence of a real knight this July.
The 85-year-old who has enjoyed a career spanning more than six decades on stage clearly couldn’t get enough the first time around, as Mr ‘Sex Bomb’ himself is coming back to the racecourse for a full headline slot as part of his ‘Defy Explanation’ tour.
Speaking ahead of another visit, he said: “Performing live is the centre of my life and I’m really pleased to be returning to Haydock Park Racecourse to play to such a welcoming audience. The Jockey Club Live shows are exciting dates in my calendar – the fans really enjoy the day, so [they] are always sensational.”
‘I can’t wait to spend a Summer’s evening with everyone this July.’ (Credit: Raph_PH via Flickr)
Becky Hill – Friday, 8 August
A month later, you can catch a contemporary pop queen and fellow British chart favourite, as solo star Becky Hill will be heading to Haydock for a headline performance of her own.
The Bewdley-born singer-songwriter and regular dance track feature artist already has 22 top 40 songs to her name and is pushing even further into the electronic music scene of late, with one of her newest hits, Swim’, becoming another big hit.
Jockey Club said of her date: “We’re so excited to be welcoming Becky and her phenomenal live show to Haydock Park. Tickets start from just £40, continuing our reputation for providing value-for-money entertainment destination for the region and beyond.”
‘With thousands of tickets for Red Rum Club sold in the presale alone, we’re urging fans to secure their spot for next summer soon to avoid disappointment.’ (Credit: Press shot supplied via Chuff Media)
Next up: Jamie Webster – 21 June
But before both of these big British names is a local Merseyside legend, as indie guitarist and Liverpool-fan anthem specialist Jamie Webster will be heading down the road for what is sure to be a very popular night on home turf.
The ‘Weekend In Paradise’ and ‘This Place’ singer may have got his break performing to supporters around Anfield, but his music journey since then has been nothing short of remarkable – a real Northern, working-class success story in action.
Our Audio North team spoke to Webster ahead of his Haydock Park show on Saturday, 21 June and let’s just say we’re now more invested than ever in hearing Jamie play his third studio album, 10 For The People, for… well – you get it.
Better still, the party doesn’t stop once the summer is over, as The Jockey Club Live will be holding a number of other events throughout the rest of the year, not to mention all the usual horse-racing action at Haydock Park.
You can find out more information on the above and everything else on at the racecourse, as well as grab tickets to any of the dates that take your fancy right HERE.
Featured Images — The Manc Group/Press shot (supplied)
Sponsored
A free open-air cinema is opening in the heart of Manchester’s skyscraper district
Daisy Jackson
A free open-air cinema is opening in Manchester city centre this summer, screening everything from film to sporting and cultural events.
Audiences will be able to recline in deck chairs surrounded by one of the city’s best views – the glittering towers of New Jackson.
With a backdrop of the modern Manchester skyline and a licensed outdoor bar, Screen on The Square will be a go-to hangout for Mancs this summer.
This new opening at New Jackson will also have its own licensed outdoor bar.
It’s all launching at New Jackson this weekend, Renaker’s world-class skyscraper district and thriving new neighbourhood that’s taken shape at the southern side of Manchester city centre.
Films on the schedule will include family favourites like Big Hero 6, Frozen, and Finding Nemo; cult classics such as Cool Runnings, Grand Budapest Hotel, and Back to the Future; and major musical blockbusters such as Mamma Mia and La La Land.
As well as a packed programme of film screenings, Screen on the Square will be showing major summer events like Glastonbury, Wimbledon and the UEFA Women’s EURO competition.
There’ll be family-friendly matinees and morning screenings, as well as later evening movie nights.
Screen on the Square will take place on The Square at the base of Deansgate Square towers
Screen on The Square will run from Saturday 21 June until Sunday 14 September, at The Square at Deansgate Square in New Jackson.
It’s the latest cultural and community offering from the new neighbourhood, which has transformed Manchester’s skyline with world-class skyscrapers.
The New Jackson district includes Deansgate Square, The Blade, Three60, Crown Street, and Contour, and (once fully complete) will bring 6,400 homes. The neighbourhood already includes public spaces, a primary school, play area, NHS medical centre, health and wellness clinic, hair salon, cookery school, padel courts and loads of independent restaurants and bars.
Full listings for Screen on the Square are below, and HERE.
Screen on The Square programme*
Saturday 21 June, 3pm – Wall-E
Saturday 21 June, 7pm – Back to the Future
Sunday 22 June, 10am – Big Hero 6
Sunday 22 June, 7pm – Tron: Legacy
Friday 27 June, 12pm-11pm – Glastonbury
Saturday 28 June, 12pm-11pm – Glastonbury
Sunday 29 June, 12pm-11pm – Glastonbury
Wednesday 2 July, 5pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Iceland v Finland
Wednesday 2 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Switzerland v Norway
Thursday 3 July, 5pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Belgium v Italy
Thursday 3 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Spain v Portugal
Friday 4 July, 5pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Denmark v Sweden
Friday 4 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Germany v Poland
Saturday 5 July, 5pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Wales v Netherlands
Saturday 5 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: England v France
Sunday 6 July, 5pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Norway v Finland
Sunday 6 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Switzerland v Iceland
Monday 7 July, 5pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Spain v Belgium
Monday 7 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Portugal v Italy
Tuesday 8 July, 5pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Germany v Denmark
Tuesday 8 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Poland v Sweden
Wednesday 9 July, 5pm – Women’s Euro 2025: England v Netherlands
Wednesday 9 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: France v Wales
Thursday 10 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Finland v Switzerland or Norway v Iceland
Friday 11 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Italy v Spain or Portugal v Belgium
Saturday 12 July, 12pm – 7pm – Wimbledon
Saturday 12 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Sweden v Germany or Poland v Denmark
Sunday 13 July, 12pm – 7pm – Wimbledon
Sunday 13 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: England v Wales or Netherlands v France
Wednesday 16 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Quarter Finals
Thursday 17 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Quarter Finals
Friday 18 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Quarter Finals
Saturday 19 July, 3pm – Sing
Saturday 19 July, 5.30pm – Mamma Mia
Saturday 19 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Quarter Finals
Sunday 20 July, 10am – Kids’ Morning: School of Rock
Sunday 20 July, 7pm – La La Land
Tuesday 22 July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Semi Finals
Wednesday 23rd July, 8pm – Women’s Euro 2025: Semi Finals
Emily Sergeant -
23rd August 2022 
