Everyone and their nan has been trying to get tickets to see Coldplay across one of their twelve UK dates next summer.
The nine-time BRIT award winners have continued to see immense success ever since their debut album in the millennium.
Their most recent achievement is one many artists can only dream of: selling out Wembley Stadium for a whopping 10 whole dates across August and September next year.
Unfortunately, fans of the world-renowned band have been left frustrated after tickets to the upcoming events followed the same fate of Taylor Swift and Oasis.
Coldplay announced their tour this month.Crowds are always special at Coldplay gigs.Credit: Stevie Rae Gibbs/Supplied
Coldplay seem to be skipping over Manchester this time round, they’re playing two nights at Craven Park in Hull and ten almost back-to-back dates at Wembley Stadium in London.
But ear not, us Mancs act fast – here is a rundown of plenty of Coldplay-inspired events happening soon to get your ‘Viva La Vida’ fix.
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Coldplay-inspired events this year
The Music of Coldplay By Candlelight – The Monastery, Openshaw
The first event eases you into the hits of one of the best-selling music acts of all time. Instead of the usual guitars and drums that are heard in their most famous songs, an orchestra takes the lead.
Originally there was one date available on Friday, 15 November but due to the event selling out unexpectedly, an additional concert has been added on Friday 25 October which still has tickets left.
Prices start at £30 for Band B, £35 for Band A, £40 for Premium and £45 for VIP tickets. Access tickets are also £30 with a free companion too with proof of ID. You can grab tickets HERE.
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There are Coldplay tribute acts galore, as it turns out. (Credit: Facebook)
Ultimate Coldplay – Manchester Academy, City Centre
Is that Chris Martin? No, it’s Ultimate Coldplay, who have an uncanny lookalike taking on the role of the famous frontman and live band.
For £18.15 you and over 2,000 fans can be transported through Coldplay’s musical timeline as this tribute act makes your night one to remember, at a fraction of the price.
Playing at Manchester Academy on Saturday 7 December, doors will open from 7:15pm and there’s a curfew of 11pm meaning attendees can get home in time to ‘dream of para-para paradise’. Tickets HERE.
Coldplay-inspired events in 2025
A Head Full Of Coldplay – The Witchwood, Ashton-under-Lyne
The UK’s self-proclaimed ‘number one Coldplay tribute act’ are setting their sites on one of Manchester’s many boroughs, choosing Ashton-under-Lyne to show off their talents.
On Saturday 1 March, audiences are treated to ‘A Sky Full of Stars’ when they leave the venue as this event doesn’t finish until the early hours, with a curfew of 1am.
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They double down on the statement before saying they’re ‘The number one Coldplay tribute act in the world – fact’, so if you fancy hearing them live catch them while you can. Sort your tickets for the tribute night HERE.
Whether this is your closest stop on the tribute acts tour or you’ll be following them all around the North-West, these boys are making sure everyone gets a chance to have an ‘Adventure of a Lifetime’.
This time Ultimate Coldplay are painting the town ‘Yellow’ as they travel across Manchester, reaching The Met in Bury on Saturday 29 March.
Tickets are categorised by two prices, £24 for seats and £22 if you’re up for standing with the other 400 people in this more intimate and up-close performance space.
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Ultimate Coldplay – Irlam Live 2025, Manchester
If you haven’t had enough of these cheeky chaps yet, they’re back but this time at a festival with a wide range of other tribute acts.
‘Harry Styled’, ‘Bootleg Blondie’ and ‘VengaLive’ are just a few of the acts listed on the lineup for the Manchester festival which is taking place at the start of summer next year.
With this being a festival ticket prices are dependent on how long you’re planning on attending. ‘Ultimate Coldplay’ and the acts listed above are all gracing the stage on Friday 30 May.
The legendary Hulme community pub The Old Abbey Taphouse has been reborn
Daisy Jackson
The closure of The Old Abbey Taphouse was a real blow for Hulme and the surrounding university district area; the community pub was a bit of a local institution thanks to its grassroots music and inclusive atmosphere.
But now it appears that the spirit of the venue lives on, under the new name of The Abbey.
Some of the city’s most experienced independent operators – who have been behind venues like YES and The Deaf Institute, and music promoters Now Wave – will be the new custodians of this beloved local landmark.
The pub, which closed early last year, has now been carefully and lovingly restored ahead of its big relaunch, which will start in true Manc vision with an exclusive opening night gig.
The Abbey is reborn. (Credit: The Manc Group)
The vision for its new chapter will be ‘Old Pub, New Music’, creating a new home for grassroots live music and emerging artists.
There’s also affordable, hearty pub grub, including Pieminister pies, and a huge range of beers from local breweries and beyond.
Bringing The Abbey back to life are a core team of four: Ruth Hemmingfield, Wesley Jones, Jonathan Wickstead and Gareth Butterworth.
Ruth, Jon and Wesley are co-owners of YES; Ruth previously launched and programmed landmark Manc venues including The Deaf Institute, Gorilla and Albert Hall; while Wesley and Jonathan, through Now Wave, promote hundreds of independent gigs and live events each year.
As for Gareth, he’s the founder of the multi-venue festival Manchester Psych Fest, meaning that all of them have plenty of hospitality, late-night, live music and events experience between them.
The team behind The Abbey pub. Credit: Piran Aston
The rear of the site of The Old Abbey Taphouse will be extended to create a new dedicated live music and events venue, while the cherished beer garden is given a facelift with new decking and its own bar.
The Abbey has stood in Hulme since the 1890s, playing an important role in the area’s heritage – this is where activist Len Johnson managed to overturn the shameful ‘colour bar’ policies of the 1940s.
Its restoration and relaunch are part of the flourishing Manchester Science Park development.
Matthew Pazos, Senior Retail Commercial Manager at Bruntwood SciTech, said: “Ruth, Wesley and Jonathan are the perfect custodians to breathe new life into The Abbey.
“Their reputation for running independent spaces in Manchester, alongside their live music expertise, will ensure this much-valued pub once again becomes a beating heart for Hulme and the wider neighbourhood.
“The reopening of The Abbey will create an inclusive new hub that welcomes everyone – from the Hulme locals who have looked after the pub over the years, to the Manchester Science Park community, university students, and the many residents and workers across the Oxford Road Corridor.
“We are delighted that such a culturally significant and important pub is set to open its doors once again.”
Ruth from the new Abbey team commented: “We love a good pub. With The Abbey, we’re excited about bringing a brilliant old pub back to life, protecting what people loved about it, and creating something special: a great local, alongside a vital grassroots music venue for the area.
“We’re honouring the pub’s history while building its future.”
Gig review | Lola Young’s Manchester comeback – A joyous return to stage at the O2 Apollo Manchester
Kristen MacGregor-Houlston
The excitement in the air is palpable in the O2 Apollo Manchester, the crowd is itching for her to make her way onto stage and is chanting her name – Manchester has missed you, Lola Young.
After an extended hiatus since she collapsed at the All Things Go festival in New York last September, Lola is back on a short tour to find her feet again. Whilst Manchester isn’t officially the first show, it is the headline performance for her comeback.
Lola’s break had come at a pivotal moment, with her third studio album, I’m Only F***ing Myself (2025), earning huge acclaim, performances across the globe, and endorsements from the likes of Elton John for her talent.
After cancelling all of her shows ‘for the foreseeable future’, Lola asked fans for their forgiveness, writing in an emotional statement: “I really hope you’ll give me a second chance once I’ve had some time to work on myself and come back stronger.”
Tough to handle for anyone, let alone a young rising artist.
It was clear to everyone that her hard work on herself had paid off, as this was a different Lola Young from the one I saw at Glastonbury last year: there was a calmness to her – she seemed more centred and more confident.
That calmness, however, did not mean a lacklustre performance: she is still a powerhouse; her stage presence is just magnetic, and it is clear to see how loved she is by her fans. The energy in the room didn’t falter the entire time she was on stage.
She kicked things off with ‘Sad Sob Story’, a song about moving on from a toxic relationship, which seemed fitting as she steps away from the drama and difficulties of last year into a fresh start. A wall-shaking opening number that set the scene for what was to follow with the rest of the show.
As part of her healing journey, Young stated that she has decided to write something special and specific for each show to tell herself if she’s worried or doubting her ability.
She shared her Manchester mantra with us: “When you are connected, when you express what you feel is true to you, when you open yourself up and share your very unique experience, remember you are electric… Those who want to listen will lean in, no matter your volume.”
Although she was clearly introspecting, she was also speaking to her audience, her fans, and expressing gratitude for them still being there. Shouts of support echoed out through the venue, her fans truly loving and supporting her as they have since day one, perhaps more so than ever.
Her performances of songs like ‘Big Brown Eyes’, ‘Not Like That Anymore’ and ‘Conceited’, showed just how much fun Lola was having on stage, being back and being surrounded by people who truly loved her.
At times, the crowd were singing along so loudly and passionately that she laughed and told the audience, “I can’t even hear myself in my own ears.” She had to occasionally take moments to step back and take it all in, seemingly overwhelmed with joy at the outpouring of love being reflected back to her.
Her band were also a stand-out, sharing in her energy and passion. It is clear that Young and her band could easily fill huge arenas with their talent and fervour, but this more intimate venue just seemed correct.
Lola continued to prove throughout the night why she was so deserving of her BRIT Award for ‘Breakthrough Artist of the Year’, and her Grammy nominations for ‘Best New Artist’ and ‘Best Pop Solo Performance’.
Her vocal talent, emotional depth and electric stage presence were showcased in songs like ‘why do i feel better when i hurt you?’, ‘Post Sex Clarity’ and the incredible ‘You Noticed’, showing an extremely vulnerable side to her that had many audience members tearing up.
We saw all sides of Young during this show, with her iconic songs ‘One Thing’, ‘d£aler’ and ‘Messy’ practically blasting the roof off of the O2 Apollo Manchester.
The fans could hardly contain themselves, screaming the lyrics back at her – it was truly a night to remember for everyone.
With another night in Manchester due to popular demand, Lola promised to be back soon. Could it be a bigger tour, bigger venues, new music?
Who knows, but for now we’re just glad to see her healthy and have her back in our lives again.
Thomas Melia -
6th October 2024 
