“It’s the best feeling in the world to play football – it’s just amazing.”
Speaking from the blue side of the city’s state-of-the-art training facilities in East Manchester, Man City Women’s Ellen White is reminiscing about her impressively successful professional career that’s spanned nearly two decades ahead of what is always one of the most important fixtures in the calendar for any footballer – derby day.
No matter the city, no matter the player, derby matches are always known for having that extra competitive edge, and even though the want to win games is what drives clubs all season long, there’s just something about a derby victory.
This derby looks set to be even more special than most, though.
After coronavirus restrictions forced stadiums across the world to fall silent from March 2020, there’s only a couple of weeks to go now before people will be taking to their seats at the Academy Stadium for the Barclays FA Women’s Super League Manchester derby on Sunday 13 February, which is the first time fans will be allowed back inside City’s home ground for a derby day since 2019.
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The chance to feed off the energy of the crowd once again, and to walk out to the cheers of ‘the best fans’ during the derby, is something White says she really can’t wait for.
Born into a football-loving family, Ellen White grew up playing for her father’s football academy in her Buckinghamshire hometown of Aylesbury, before she was spotted at the age of eight by scouts for the academy setup at North London club Arsenal, where she spent her youth career until she signed her first professional senior contract with rivals Chelsea in 2005.
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The 32-year-old has played for several other big-name clubs during her career – including Leeds United, Notts County, Birmingham City, and a return to Arsenal – all before joining Manchester City on an initial two-year deal in July 2019.
The ‘super patriotic’ player has shone on the international stage with England too, earning over 100 caps, and being an integral part of the 2019 Women’s World Cup squad, and Team GB squad for the 2012 Olympics.
Ahead of the Manchester derby, The Manc got the chance to sit down with White to chat about all things City, her time at the club so far, the best advice she’s ever been given, life outside the world of football, and how she’s feeling about the biggest game of the season in just under three weeks’ time.
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“Playing for Man City is a privilege”
The Premier League domination and numerous title-winning successes of Manchester City’s Men’s Team over the last decade or so has earned the club a sought-after reputation as being a destination where the world’s top players want to be.
The Women’s Team is certainly no different – and White recognises this privilege.
“The passion that the fans have for the club is one that’s really special. That one club mentality is something that not a lot of clubs around the world have, with the Women’s Team and the Men’s Team collectively, so I think that’s really important.
“Coming to City, a lot of people speak about the facilities – which are incredible – but for me, it was about being surrounded by talented players who have the same mindset, the same competitiveness, the same drive, and the want to win.
“I’m really lucky that the players we have here, have that. We’re all constantly trying to push each other, and drive to hopefully succeed,” she said.
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Joining Manchester City back in the summer of 2019, just before the 2019/2020 season, meant that White had experienced ‘a good chunk’ of time playing for the club and getting to know her teammates before the COVID-19 pandemic hit and the football world, like the rest of the world, completely changed – which she says made her realise the club is ‘a real special place to be’ and one she feels ‘very lucky’ to play for.
“I signed just after the 2019 Women’s World Cup, and I was out for a little bit with injury, but I came back in just after that and had quite a big chunk before the pandemic,” she tells us.
“It was a real nice time to be in with the group and in the facilities before it hit.”
“Scoring against Man United is always nice”
Having experienced so much with the club over the past two-and-a-half seasons – from personal highs and lows, to injury set-backs, and group successes – it’s easy to see why White would find it difficult to pick just one stand-out moment from during her time with Manchester City.
She highlights trophy wins, temporary captaincy when Steph Houghton was sidelined with injury, teammate camaraderie, and scoring against the red rivals as definitely being up there, though.
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“Obviously winning the FA Cup was great,” she explains.
“It was just a shame that we didn’t have fans there, but it’s such a special occasion. I’m super patriotic as well, not just with playing for England, but in the sense that the FA Cup is such a major trophy and one that we do everything we can to be a part of, so it was a really amazing thing to win that as a Man City player.”
“Scoring against Man United is always nice too,” she quips with a grin on her face.
“And I enjoy collectively having that team banter in the changing room that you probably don’t see that often.”
“There’s some pretty crazy music going on in the changing room”
White admits that a typical match day for her is “pretty chilled”.
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Depending on what time kick-off is, and whether they are playing at home or away, she prefers to grab a bit of a lie-in if she can, tuck into some breakfast – “I always have porridge with honey and fruit, that’s one thing I try and keep the same,” – and of course, grab a coffee, which she says ‘a key one’ for pretty much all the players.
“We head to the stadium about an hour and a half before kick-off to have a bit of a team meeting, and then we’re straight to the changing rooms,” she explains.
She also revealed that there’s some ‘pretty crazy’ music coming out of the speakers in the changing rooms that “everyone seems to like but me”, but she says she’s happy to let everyone else enjoy it if it gets them into the right headspace before stepping out onto the pitch.
“I think it’s great that we feel comfortable to be ourselves”
Personal superstitions and little pre-match rituals seem to be commonplace in professional sport, although White admits that she’s had to get rid of some of those with experience as the years have gone on, otherwise “it would’ve been taking me four hours to get ready for a game”.
But she does make sure to praise the culture of the club and the players for allowing everyone to be themselves in the changing room.
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“What makes our changing room really cool is that everyone’s different and everyone’s themselves,” she tells us enthusiastically.
“Everyone has their own superstitions and rituals, and I think that’s great.”
“I’m probably the most boring person in this squad”
A self-confessed homebody who prefers to stay within the comfort of her own four walls with her husband and two cats, or make the most of the “lovely walks” near her home when she’s not in training or giving it her all on the football pitch, White hilariously confesses that she’s “probably the most boring person” in the City squad – but did point to the pandemic for throwing a spanner in the works when it comes to social lives.
“Obviously we’re living in a bit of a strange time at the moment, so we can’t really go out too much. But for me, it’s being able to go for a coffee or being able to go for brunch with my husband or friends if I’ve got a day off.”
“Seeing family is another one,” she stresses.
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“It’s been hard to see them throughout the pandemic, but it’s always really special to get those moments together.”
“There’s so many people who’d love to do what we’re doing”
When the conversation turns to the best piece of advice she’s ever been given and what she’d share with the players of the future, White’s message is clear and concise – “just enjoy it”.
“Always have a smile on your face, and enjoy what you’re doing,” she tells us.
“Being a professional footballer is a real privilege, and there’s so many people who’d love to do what we’re doing, so for youngsters, I’d say work hard and definitely listen to your coaches, but just enjoy it – you’re making friends, you’re having fun, and it’s the best feeling in the world.”
“I always try to enjoy every single second.”
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“We are not underestimating this derby”
White has played in many derby matches before in her career.
She understands the intense rivalries, and she understands how important it is for the club and the dedicated fans that they clinch the win, but this time around, when the Barclays FA WSL Manchester derby comes to the Academy Stadium, she is most looking forward to seeing people back in the stands.
“I think one of the most exciting things for us is to be playing at home and having our fans there to support us back in the stadium,” she explains.
“As much as we want everyone to stay safe and we understand why we couldn’t have fans in the stadium, for us, they really give us an extra edge and they give us energy, so it’s really special to have them back and to feel closer to them.”
“We just want them to enjoy it.”
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While White does admit that she’d love the chance to show the fans her iconic goal celebration during next month’s match, and that it’s “lovely to see people recreating it with smiles on their faces”, she said that her main priority is to help the team get the win in any way she can ‘first and foremost’ – scoring a goal would just be an ‘amazing’ bonus.
She also conceded that the red side of the city have ‘good fans’ too.
“To be fair, Manchester United have good fans that are normally pretty loud too, but we’ve got the best fans, so that’s a winner,” she tells us.
“A derby day’s always feisty, it’s always competitive, and I think both sets of fans and staff understand what’s at stake because of the rivalry – but for us, we want Manchester to be blue, so that’s our priority.”
“We’re not underestimating this derby, so it’ll be a really exciting one for us.”
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The Barclays FA Women’s Super League Manchester Derby is kicking-off at 12:30pm on Sunday 13 February 2022, and tickets are available from £8 for adults and from £3 for Under 16’s.
Manchester City are expecting a packed crowd for the game, with tickets selling fast.
You can grab yours from the Manchester City website here.
Featured Image – Manchester City
Feature
What to expect from Soho House when it finally opens in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Soho House Manchester is surely one of the city’s most hotly-anticipated (and long-awaited) new openings.
The luxury members’ club has been slowly transforming the Old Granada Studios in the city centre into a multi-storey hub that will include restaurants, bars, bedrooms, event spaces, a gym, and – notably – a rooftop pool.
At one point, its grand opening was locked in for 2022 – but now we’re in 2024 and still no official opening date has been announced.
But there’s good reason for that – you cannot rush perfection. And you can expect perfection when annual membership costs close to £3,000.
We may still be looking at the same set of artist impressions for Soho House Manchester, but after a whistle-stop tour of several other of their UK locations, we finally have an idea of what to expect from their first venture north.
One thing you’re guaranteed to find is attention to detail.
Not one inch of Soho House is overlooked when it comes to their design – every corner, nook and cranny has been considered and made beautiful.
Every site is different from the last, lifting inspiration from the building it takes over and the history of the local area.
For example, White City House, constructed within the iconic, circular former BBC HQ, has collages of nostalgic programmes, analog TVs stuck to the walls, and mid-century modern furniture that tastefully nods back to the building’s most significant era.
But then you head to the very first Soho House location, tucked in a tall townhouse in the heart of bustling Soho, and it’s all about elaborately patterned wallpapers, plump colourful cushions, chintzy curtains.
With Soho House Manchester taking shape inside Old Granada Studios, we can expect a nod to our city’s broadcasting heritage, probably some 1960s-inspired interiors (this building held the Beatles’ first television performance in 1962), and hopefully not a Hacienda stripe in sight…
You want another example of attention to detail? Every Soho House even has its own stripe, used on its towels and stationery and other items dotted around the spaces. For Manchester, it’s going to be a navy and ochre wave pattern.
So while there are similarities between every location, this is far from being a copy-and-paste brand.
The same applies to the customer service. It’s quite remarkable to sit and watch how staff at each House will greet members by name at just a glance, very much like that scene in The Devil Wears Prada but I can’t see a panicked Emily Blunt whispering in anyone’s ear here.
Another recurring feature at Soho House will be total privacy. There’s a strict no-photos policy that means even the most A-list of guests (yes, including Harry Styles) can relax and enjoy the space without the fear of having their picture sold to a tabloid.
The pool at Soho FarmhouseSoho Farmhouse bedroomsPrivate dining space at Soho FarmhouseThe ‘Lazy Lake’ hot tubs at Soho FarmhouseAnother Soho House restaurantA look around Soho Farmhouse before Soho House opens in Manchester
If you whip out a phone, you’ll be told politely but firmly not to take photos or videos… not that many people even try. The application process to become a Soho House member is rigorous, so once you’re in, almost everyone plays by the rules.
And it really is private. One does not simply walk into Soho House, even if you do have cash to spend. In fact, the only way you can set foot into these hallowed halls without being a member is to be invited as a guest of an existing member.
Memberships are generally offered to those working in the creative industries, so you’re never more than a few metres from artists, music industry bigwigs, actors, dancers, writers, designers and more.
Inside any one house, you probably will spot a famous face or two (on our trip to Soho Farmhouse I clocked a legitimate Hollywood A-lister), but you might not notice – they’ll be treated the same as every other guest, and will be relaxing safe in the knowledge that they’re not about to be pestered for a selfie.
Restaurants for Soho House Manchester haven’t been confirmed yet, but our tour of existing locations included several signature restaurants that would be very welcomed in our city.
We could get Pen Yen, a vibrant Japanese restaurant; or Little Berenjak, a sister site for the Persian restaurant in London that is so popular, it’s nigh-on impossible to get a table.
Picante, Soho House’s signature cocktailAttention to detail even includes complimentary condoms in the bedroomsAn event space in the original Soho HouseBikes at Farmhouse
One thing we’re sadly not likely to experience here in Manchester is the peace and tranquility enjoyed at Soho Farmhouse, where features include a heated outdoor pool and hot tubs sunk into the lake, pretty green bikes you can cycle around on, and cosy rooms built into wooden cabins or ‘piglet’ style huts.
But if you sign up for the ‘Every House’ membership, you can at least pay it a visit.
But what is on the cards for us is a rooftop pool with sunbeds and a bar; an enormous gym space (Soho House has said this is a priority, and after seeing how busy the gym at White City House is, I can see why), fitness studios; a steam room and sauna; a ninth-floor late-night bar and live music space; casual lounge areas serving food and drink; a formal restaurant; an events space with a bar and DJ booth; 23 bedrooms of varying sizes; and an 80sq metre two-bedroom private apartment. Phew.
Set to be the first Soho House site in the north, it will join other UK sites across London, in Oxfordshire, in Somerset, in Windsor and in Brighton.
An exact opening date for Soho House Manchester is expected to be confirmed soon.
Soho House Manchester – memberships and application process
The full membership gains you access to all 41 Soho Houses globally, and costs £2,950.
But if you want to just use Soho House Manchester, that will cost £1,925.
There are cheaper memberships available for under-27s.
As part of the application process, you’ll need to supply a headshot, information about your work and industry, links to your online profiles, and several other titbits about yourself.
It helps if you already know a couple of existing Soho House members who can refer you, too.
And you must confirm that you’ll abide by the house rules, which you can see here.
Soho House Manchester memberships are open now and you can apply here.
What’s on at Co-op Live, Manchester’s huge new arena with packed programme of gigs and shows
Dean Hadcock
The Co-op Live finally opens its doors in April 2024 and it already has a huge list of shows planned for this year and all the way into 2025.
Manchester’s newest arena, entertainment venue and arts space, which is the largest indoor arena in the UK, is set to host some huge musicians over the next year or so.
The massive venue officially opens on 23 April, with Greater Manchester legend Peter Kay lined up for the first performance.
Then it will be the Black Keys who take the honour of being the first music act on stage – and this venue has been built with music in mind.
Take That have also signed up for a frankly ridiculous SEVEN shows – but there’s sure to be plenty more revealed in the coming months.
Here’s the full list of artists confirmed for Co-op Live thus far.
What’s on at Co-op Live – gigs, comedy shows and other events
In chronological order, here all the Co-op Live gigs on the schedule over the next two years:
Peter Kay – 23-24 April, 2024
Peter Kay has been announced as the opening act for Co-op Live Arena. Credit: Supplied
Bolton’s finest export Peter Kay will be the official opening act for the Co-op Live Arena, after selling out shows for literal years into the future at the AO Arena. He’s promised to keep tickets the same price they were when he last toured more than a decade ago too. You can get yours here.
The Black Keys – 27 April, 2024
The Black Keys. Credit: Larry Niehues
This rock duo are behind massive hits like Lonely Boy and Gold On The Ceiling, and are stopping off at the Co-op Live for a very special gig. They’ll be performing not long after they release their twelfth studio album, Ohio Players, which features collaborations with names including Noel Gallagher, Beck, Greg Kurstin, Dan “The Automator” Nakamura and more. You can get tickets here.
A Boogie Wid Da Hoodie – 1 May, 2024
Known for his collaborations with the likes of Ed Sheeran, Chris Brown and Meek Mill, rising star rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie will be one of the very first to perform at the Co-op Live. He’s on his way to being one of the biggest names in hip-hop.
Olivia Rodrigo — 3-4 May, 2024
Olivia will be hitting up Manchester during her GUTS World Tour. It’s in support of her second album of the same name, which was released back in September. The last time she was in Manchester, fans were shocked to see her casually singing and having a drink in Bunny Jackson’s after the show. Let’s see where she ends up post-gig this time in May.
Keane – 5 May, 2024
They’re back and they’re celebrating 20 years since their landmark debut album Hopes and Fears. They’ll be playing songs from throughout their career, performing the best of the best and to make things even better, they’ll also have support from Manchester’s own, The Lathums.
As if this wasn’t joyous news enough, wait until you see the supports… 👀
Somewhere Only We Know is going to sound magnificent in here.
Take That — 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 May AND 11-12 June (wow…)
They announced a new tour alongside the announcement of their ninth studio album, This Life. We obviously thought these big hitters would be doing a couple of shows here but no one expected their return to involve them ramming seven massive Manchester Co-op Live shows down our throats — not that we’re complaining.
We were going to do the ‘four naan, Jeremy?’ meme but they just kept adding dates…
Elbow – 14 May, 2024
It’s hard to believe Elbow have been going since 1997 since it wasn’t until 2008 they brought out their magnum opus The Seldom Seen Kid. Now here they are about to head on their first arena tour since 2018, celebration their tenth album, due for release early in the year.
Eric Clapton – 18 May, 2024
Adding one last show in Manchester to his UK tour, this is Clapton’s first performance here in over a decade. Expect him to be performing all his classics like ‘Tears In Heaven’ and ‘Layla’, as well as reminding everyone why he’s still at it so many years later.
With a huge legacy that includes multiple awards including a GRAMMY and a Tony, as well as officially surpassing Elvis for the longest-running residency in Las Vegas, our Barry has had quite the career. As for how he intends to spend next year, at least one chapter will include him coming to the Co-op Live for an exclusive Manchester-only show.
Nicki Minaj – 24 May, 2024
Nicki Minaj is coming to Manchester’s Co-op Live on her Pink Friday 2 World Tour
The ‘Queen of Rap’ Nicki Minaj is heading to Manchester as part of the Pink Friday 2 World Tour – her largest to date. The Starships and Anaconda singer is performing in celebration of her fifth studio album and will make the Co-op Live the first stop on her European leg of the tour.
Eagles – 31 May, then 1, 4, 7 and 8 June, 2024
Legendary US rock, country and folk band the Eagles have announced their last-ever UK gigs and Manchester’s Co-op Live arena has been given the honour of bidding them a British goodbye. One of the most successful and seminal bands of the 1970s and beyond, the LA hitmakers best known for tracks like ‘Hotel California’, ‘New Kid in Town’, ‘Desperado’ and countless others, are rounding off their global Long Goodbye tour with five final shows here in Britain and our city’s newest venue. Tickets are available here.
Pet Shop Boys – 9 June, 2024
Iconic UK duo Pet Shop Boys are bringing their incredible live Dreamland show to Co-op Live in June. The show’s already received a flurry of 5-star reviews and is a celebration of all of their greatest hits.
The Smashing Pumpkins and Weezer – 13 June, 2024
Two absolutely massive names will come together to co-headline Manchester’s newest – and biggest – arena. Multi-platinum, GRAMMY® Award-winning, alternative rock pioneers, The Smashing Pumpkins and Weezer will gig alongside each other at Co-op Live.
James – 14 June, 2024
One of the longest-running Manc bands, James will be putting on a huge summer hometown show and have chosen to be one of the first artists at the Co-op Live next year to do it, with a little bit of help from Noughties icons Razorlight as support acts, no less.
Liam Gallagher is back and he’s heading out on a massive UK tour next year, with not one but THREE Manchester dates on the lineup. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of Oasis’s massively influential debut album, Definitely Maybe, Liam will be embarking upon the ‘Definitely Maybe 30 Years’ arena tour in 2024.
The Killers – 18, 19, 21 and 22 June, 2024
The Killers have announced four massive arena shows here in Manchester for next summer on their Rebel Diamonds Tour. The Las Vegas indie rock legends have announced the tour to celebrate 20 years of hits together, and will release a brand new compilation album of the same name next week.
Pearl Jam – 25 June, 2024
These Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees will be another huge rock name playing the Co-op Live, bringing their Dark Matter World Tour to the city. They’ll be supported by special guests The Murder Capital.
Megan Thee Stallion – 5 July, 2024
Megan Thee Stallion announces massive Manchester gig on Hot Girl Summer Tour
Megan Thee Stallion is visiting Co-op Live as part of her 31-city world tour, called the Hot Girl Summer Tour. She’ll be heading across the US and Europe with her first-ever headline arena tour, which will feature a special Chicas Divertidas VIP section. The star will visit several major cities in the states before beginning her international leg here in the UK on 4 July.
Stevie Nicks – 9 July, 2024
Stevie Nicks has announced a Manchester gig at Co-op Live. Credit: Publicity picture
Rock legend Stevie Nicks, famed for her work with Fleetwood Mac as well as her impressive solo career, will be in town in summer. These will Stevie Nicks’ first UK shows in almost seven years, and she’ll be one of the first rock acts to perform at Manchester’s shiny new Co-op Live arena.
Kings of Leon – 10 July, 2024
Kings of Leon have announced a new run of UK shows as part of their 2024 world tour, and they’ll be coming to visit us here in Manchester. Following on from the announcement of their brand-new album, as well as a headline performance at BST Hyde Park this summer, the beloved American rock band have now revealed details of their long-awaited Can We Please Have Fun World Tour that’s kicking off later this year. Tickets are on sale here.
Justin Timberlake – 8 August
Mr Sexy Back himself is indeed back, with the so-called Prince of Pop announcing a Manchester date on the European leg of his massive The Forget Tomorrow World Tour. He’s the voice behind songs like SexyBack, Mirrors, and Trolls hit Can’t Stop The Feeling.
Arijit Singh – 11 August
India’s undisputed superstar Arijit Singh will be delivering a night of massive Bollywood hits when he arrives in Manchester this summer. The multi-award winner has become one of the most sought-after playback singers in the Indian film industry, lending his voice to numerous hit songs.
Noah Kahan – 13 August, 2024
Singer-songwriter sensation Noah Kahan is heading to the Co-op Live next summer, showing off his incredible music from three full-length albums as well as his collaborations with Hozier and Julia Michaels. He had his highest album position in the UK to date with last year’s Stick Season.
Niall Horan – 27 August, 2024
He’s already announced he’ll be playing in Manchester at the AO Arena in March. He’ll be back though after his world tour ends as he’s also announced he’ll be playing at the Co-op Live in August. With Harry Styles an investor in the new arena, One Direction reunion when?
Jonas Brothers – 12 September, 2024 (RESCHEDULED from 17 June)
They’ve been doing their own solo stuff for so long that we almost forgot they were a highly successful boy band in the 2000 and 2010s. In case you weren’t aware, they’ve been back making music together since 2019 and in May released their sixth studio album, but we’re looking forward to them playing all the hits, of course. Alexa, play ‘Burnin’ Up’…
Pop phenomenon Melanie Martinez has just announced arena gig here in Manchester as part of her The Trilogy Tour. The singer is currently performing as her alter-ego ‘Cry Baby’, which involves her wearing an other-worldly mask that transforms her into a cat-like creature with four eyes and gigantic ears.
Glass Animals – 2 November, 2024
Glass Animals have announced details of their long-awaited global tour, including a gig here in Manchester. The Grammy and BRIT-nominated British band already have three studio albums to their names and smashed into the UK Singles Chart with their biggest hit, the four-times Platinum certified Heat Waves. That song? Oh yeah, it’s just the biggest international hit from a British band in almost 30 years.
Hits Radio Live – 23 November, 2024
This night will bring together the biggest current names in music – previous years have featured Ed Sheeran, Busted, Sam Smith, Anne Marie, Lewis Capaldi, Rita Ora, Becky Hill, Tom Grennan and many, many more.
Sleep Token – 26 November, 2024
The fast-rising and genre-bending rock group Sleep Token have announced their biggest-ever headline tour in the UK and will be coming to Manchester later this year. The masked outfit is probably providing one of the most unique and sprawling sounds in the industry right now.
Charli XCX – 27 November, 2024
British singer Charli XCX has announced the tour in support of her forthcoming album BRAT, her sixth studio album. Charli XCX was discovered through Myspace way back in 2008, hitting the big time in 2012 with the release of the two-time platinum single I Love It. She went on to have huge success with tracks like Boom Clap and Doing It, as well as featuring on huge songs like ‘Fancy’ with Iggy Azalea and ‘Girls’ with Rita Ora.
Slipknot – 17 December, 2024
Heavy metal legends Slipknot will visit the Co-op Live on a massive European tour, which will celebrate 25 years since they first played on the continent. They’ll also bring Scottish heavy metal group Bleed From Within on the tour as support.
Slipknot will come to Manchester on their 2024 tour. Credit: Publicity photo
Bullet For My Valentine and Trivium – 30 January, 2025
Bullet For My Valentine and Trivium have announced a huge joint arena tour, including a date in Manchester, where they’ll be playing their respective albums in full to celebrate their 20th anniversary. Both bands will be performing at the Co-op Live arena as part of The Poisoned Ascendancy UK Tour in 2025.
Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds – 6 April, 2025
Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds will be coming to Manchester as part of a monumental new arena tour. The much-loved musical spectacular, based on the dark Victorian tale by H. G. Wells, will feature a 3D hologram of Liam Neeson, who recounts his story of survival from the Martian invasion of 1898.
Simply Red – 27 Sept, 2025
We don’t know what we’re doing next week, never mind in winter 2025. Mick Hucknall does though as he already has ‘playing in Manchester’ on his calendar for September 2025 to celebrate 40 years of Simply Red.
Lastly, Jason Manford was the first comedian to be announced to perform at the Co-op Live. Jason Manford fans will be beaming to see the local funny man performing on such a big stage. Unfortunately, they’ll have to wait two whole years to see him — but at least you’ve got plenty of time to sort tickets!
And that’s your lot: top acts for you to enjoy in 2024 and 2025 already with plenty more to come.
It’s been a while since we’ve had a brand new venue of this kind of size and calibre open anywhere in Greater Manchester, so we’re looking forward to seeing what it looks like in the flesh once it’s open.
In fact, The Manc even had the pleasure of popping inside earlier this year to take a glance at how it’s coming along.