Singer-songwriter Raye has had to step back from several live commitments after being put on strict vocal rest following her Parklife set.
Gutted audiences inside the AO Arena were already in their seats to see the British star on Tuesday when an announcement was made that she wouldn’t be performing.
She was meant to be supporting SZA but posted an emotional video on her Instagram to announce she could no longer sing.
Raye said: “So I think that I’ve hemorrhaged my vocals. It’s really scary and I’m so gutted right because I was so excited to perform tonight.
“And I’m so sorry to SZA for letting you down, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to support you.
ADVERTISEMENT
“I’ve never had this happen before so I’m very scared. Like basic notes that I should be able to sing I can’t sing.
“So I think I’m gonna have to rest and pull out of the show tonight. Erm, it’s just life, innit. I’m really sorry, and hopefully I can rest up and get good. I’ll keep you updated.”
ADVERTISEMENT
She has now pulled out of her Glasgow support slot with SZA, saying that she’s been put on an intense course of steroids and medicine since her performance on the main stage of Parklife.
Raye crying on her Instagram stories. Credit: InstagramInside the AO Arena during SZA’s set. Credit: The Manc Group
Raye was one of the biggest names on The Parklife Stage this weekend, appearing just before Rudimental and Little Simz on Saturday.
Raye shared today: “I am going to have to pull out of Glasgow opening for sza.
ADVERTISEMENT
“I have been on an intense course of steroids and medicines since park life and nothing is working right now.
“I have been on 4 tours, non stop since January, with 133 shows scheduled this year alone and I’ve pushed myself a little too hard.
“I would never cancel shows unless I had no choice and this is the case. I am pretty devastated, I’m on strict vocal rest and just going to try and get better as soon as I can so I can resume all my commitments.
“I am so deeply deeply sorry.”
The 25-year-old initially rose to prominence after being featured on a number of commercially-successful singles, including ‘By Your Side’, ‘You Don’t Know Me’, ‘Secrets’, and ‘Bed’ – but in 2022, she decided to step out on her own to properly make a name for herself.
ADVERTISEMENT
She received further recognition as a solo artist after her single ‘Escapism’ reached the top of the UK Singles Chart, and also became her first song to chart in the US.
She released her debut studio album, My 21st Century Blues, to critical acclaim back in February.
Manchester institution ‘a little emotional’ after receiving a visit from rock icon Hayley Williams
Daisy Jackson
Rock icon Hayley Williams has been spotted shopping at Manchester institution Afflecks.
The legendary independent retail emporium said it was ‘feeling a little emotional’ after its halls were graced with rock royalty.
And not only did the Paramore frontwoman and acclaimed solo singer-songwriter come for a browse, she even gave Afflecks a shout-out on stage later that night.
Hayley Williams headlined two solo shows at Manchester Academy on Monday and Tuesday this week.
The shows are in support of her third studio album, Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party.
And despite being known globally as one of music’s best lead vocalists, this is actually Hayley Williams’ first solo tour (her previous dates were cancelled because of Covid).
While on stage in front of fans last night, she said: “I’ve learnt some Mancunian, and I’ve been to Afflecks!”
It sounds like she’s as lovely as she is legendary, with Afflecks saying that the star hung around to chat and take photos.
Sharing photos of the star inside the building, Afflecks wrote: “So a very special visitor stopped by Afflecks yesterday…
“A huge thank you to Hayley Williams for taking the time to visit us, say hello, and pose for a photo. She was so super lovely, kind, and welcoming, and to top it all off she even gave Afflecks a shout-out during last night’s show.
“Safe to say we’re feeling a little emotional about it. Thank you again Hayley for supporting Manchester’s small businesses.”
Prestigious Edinburgh TV Festival to move to Manchester for first time in 50 years
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester will become the new host city for the TV Festival from 2027 onwards it was announced today.
For the first time in five decades, following an extensive consultation and competitive bidding process – which was launched in 2025 – the prestigious festival is set to move from its home in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh to our region from 2027 onwards, beating out other major northern cities like Newcastle in the process.
As part of a UK-wide strategic review into the event’s long-term future, the Festival’s board of directors say the review was undertaken in order to ‘examine how the TV Festival could continue to grow’ amid increasing challenges around accessibility, affordability, and sustainability across the television industry.
Greater Manchester‘s ‘successful and comprehensive’ bid included commitments around affordability, infrastructure, industry partnership, and long-term growth potential.
Plans include holding the Festival in locations in the newly developed St. John’s creative and cultural district.
“Greater Manchester presented a vision for the Festival that combined genuine creative ambition and future-facing energy with practical accessibility and affordability for delegates,” commented Campbell Glennie, who is the CEO of the TV Festival and The TV Foundation.
“This means we can radically reduce the costs associated with attending the Festival as well as the cost of passes.
“The city reflects the expanding ambition of the UK television industry, while still offering the scale, connectivity and unique cultural identity needed for an event of this significance – it gives us the strongest platform to grow the Festival’s reach and impact in the years ahead.”
Cllr Bev Craig, who is the Leader of Manchester City Council, said being chosen as TV Festival hosts is ‘brilliant news’ for Greater Manchester, adding: “It speaks to the growth, success and strength of our screen sector in the city region and the strong partnerships and talent we have here.”
The final Edinburgh edition of the TV Festival will take place this August, and dates and further details for the TV Festival in 2027 will be shared later this year.
Daisy Jackson -
15th June 2023 
