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The Lathums heading for their second UK Number One album in a row
Úp Fûk Lätum!
Local lads The Lathums are looking on course for their second UK Number One album in a row, with the band now into the final day before the Official Charts reveal the winner.
The Wigan-based four-piece stunned the music world by earning their first Number One with their debut album, How Beautiful Life Can Be, and while people round here knew just how massive they were going to be from the off, not everyone expected just how meteoric their rise would be.
Only releasing the sophomore record on 24 February, the much-loved Mancs have barely had a fortnight to compete with the competition but according to the figures the Official Charts Company have teased, they might just manage it.
They had until midnight on Thursday to notch as many album sales as they could. Gigging earlier this week, frontman Alex Moore told the crowd that “regardless of what happens on Friday night, me and the lads are absolutely overwhelmed by all the love and support… it’s the most amazing feeling in the world”.
From Nothing to a Little Bit More dropped late last month and was met with similarly glowing reviews from fans, critics and new ears alike, so it’s no surprise that they’re right up in there in the race for the top spot.
As it stands, the charts indicate that The Lathums are currently tracking back-to-back Number One albums in less than two years. It’d be quite the achievement. It is said that the likes of slowthai and Mimi Webb are currently sat in a close second and third.
Moreover, the reaction and rallying they have seen online has been incredible, with thousands upon thousands of social media posts from fans and fellow artists waxing lyrical about the band, the album itself and how big it would be for The Lathums to win it.
They’re a popular bunch these lot.
Even Mayor Andy Burnham has been getting in on the act and doing his bit to get “the talent capital of Wigan” on the map once again.
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Not only would a second consecutive number one album be a brilliant local success story, but given the uncertainty that the band have faced over recent months, it’s hard to estimate just how much it would mean to them and the fans.
With bassist Johnny Cunliffe leaving the band back in October, it was unclear what the future would hold for them as a three-piece. However, with Alex, guitarist Scott and drummer Ryan now bolstered once again with the permanent addition of Matty Murphy on bass, they’re just cracking on.
Whether they’ll earn the impressive accolade for a second time in just as many years to make all their hard work pay off remains to be seen but we have every confidence they can pull it off. They deserve it. That Castlefield Bowl gig can’t come soon enough.
#TheLathumsToNumber1!
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Featured Image — The Lathums/Ewan Ogden/Cian McGivern (via Twitter)
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Robbie Williams announces intimate gig in Manchester for BRITs Week 26 for War Child
Daisy Jackson
Iconic popstar Robbie Williams has announced a surprise gig in Manchester – and it’s soon.
The British star will be performing as part of the upcoming BRITs Week 26 for War Child, a gig series which is seeing huge artists playing intimate venues all over the UK.
Robbie Williams will be taking to the stage at Aviva Studios in Manchester in just a few weeks’ time, ahead of the BRIT Awards’ northern debut at the Co-op Live.
The 18-times BRIT Award-winner be performing tracks from his debut album Life Thru A Lens and his recent number one album BRITPOP, with support from indie chart-toppers Lottery Winners.
The newly-announced gig for Robbie Williams is part of BRITs Week, which takes place around The BRIT Awards 2026, with other artists performing in Manchester including Olivia Dean, Josh Baker, and The K’s.
All proceeds from the shows will go to help War Child’s essential work providing aid, education, specialist mental health support to children whose lives are affected by war.
Robbie Williams will perform at Aviva Studios in Manchester on 27 February.
BRITs Week 26 for War Child full lineup
- 12 February – Fatboy Slim – Boiler Shop, Newcastle, supported by Max Jones
- 16 February – Lambrini Girls – The Garage, London, supported by Bimini
- 18 February – Spiritualized – EartH Theatre, London
- 20 February – The K’s – Gorilla, Manchester
- 24 February – Myles Smith – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham, supported by Saint Raymond
- 25 February – Jack Savoretti and Katherine Jenkins OBE – Emerald Theatre, London, supported by Gabriella Cilmi
- 25 February – kwn – Patterns, Brighton, supported by CARI
- 25 February – Josh Baker – YES, Manchester, supported by Deliah and Alexandria
- 26 February – Rossi. – YES, Manchester, supported by Olive F
- 26 February – Olivia Dean – Albert Hall, Manchester
- 27 February – Jacob Alon – Music Hall at Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, supported by Lizzie Reid
- 27 February – Robbie Williams – Aviva Studios, Manchester, supported by Lottery Winners
Fans can enter the prize draw and win a pair of tickets to see the artist of their choice, for just a £10 per entry donation to War Child. Available HERE.
A limited number of tickets are also available on general sale HERE.
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Featured image: Publicity picture
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A ‘Primary School Bangers’ gig is coming to Manchester
Daisy Jackson
A night of non-stop, nostalgic primary school bangers is heading up to Manchester this year.
The event comes from viral sensation and Glastonbury festival favourite James B Partridge, who’ll be taking his incredibly silly event on the road in 2026.
Expect to hear all those hits that shaped your childhood, whether you were sat cross-legged on a carpet or one of the lucky ones who got to sit on a PE bench in assembly.
His usual setlist includes classics like Sing Hosanna, One More Step Along The World I Go, and When I Needed A Neighbour.
Primary School Bangers will be heading to the beautiful Albert Hall in Manchester in March, along with a run of dates across the UK.
He’s promising ‘classic school-day singalongs, heart-on-sleeve nostalgia, and the infectious joy that has
made James a national favourite’.
Most recently, the teacher-turned-performer has been delighting audiences with his Big Christmas Assembly tour, playing to tens of thousands across the country.
James continues to teach primary school children during the week, then goes so far as to shut down the fields of Glastonbury with the crowds he pulls in.
He’s also had appearances on the likes of Chris Evans’ Virgin Radio Breakfast Show, BBC Radio 2, The One Show, and Songs of Praise: The Big School Assembly Singalong.
Tickets are on sale now HERE.
The Primary School Bangers UK 2026 tour
- 14 Mar – Gateshead Glasshouse
- 15 Mar – Scunthorpe Baths Hall
- 16 Mar – Manchester Albert Hall
- 3 Apr – Colchester Charter Hall
- 4 Apr – York Barbican
- 6 Apr – London Barbican
- 7 Apr – King’s Lynn Corn Exchange
- 8 Apr – Bury St Edmunds Apex Theatre
- 10 Apr – Watford Colosseum
- 12 Apr – Southampton O2 Guildhall
- 14 Apr – Northampton Derngate Theatre
- 15 Apr – Woking New Victoria
- 16 Apr – Swansea Grand Theatre
- 18 Apr – Bristol Beacon
- 19 Apr – Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
- 20 Apr – Blackpool Winter Gardens (Arena)
- 21 Apr – Edinburgh Assembly Rooms
- 23 Apr – Peterborough New Theatre
- 24 Apr – Birmingham Symphony Hall
- 26 Apr – Reading Hexagon
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Featured image: Rebecca Johnson
Danny Jones -
10th March 2023 
