The week has finally arrived for Harry Styles to bring his Love On Tour tour to Manchester.
The star will be performing two massive shows at the Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground this week.
Thousands of fans will descend on the venue to see the Watermelon Sugar singer strut his stuff on one of Greater Manchester’s biggest stages.
The dates come straight off the back of his chart-topping third album, Harry’s House.
After his two gigs in Manchester on the 15 and 16 June, he’ll head down to perform two shows in London before jetting off around Europe.
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Here’s what you need to know ahead of Harry Styles’ gig in Manchester.
What are the stage times and when do gates open?
The gates for both nights of Harry Styles’ Love on Tour shows will open at 4pm, and the venue is urging people not to arrive any sooner.
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A statement from Emirates Old Trafford says: “Please DO NOT arrive the day, or night, before the show. Gates open at 4pm for both shows. The roads around Emirates Old Trafford are extremely busy with narrow pathways causing danger for pedestrians. Please do not put yourselves and others at risk!”
The stage times are expected to be as follows:
4pm – Doors open
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7.15pm – Mitski
8.30pm – Harry Styles
Curfew will be around 10.30pm.
Who is supporting Harry Styles?
Mitski
Harry has chosen rising star Mitski to be his support act for Love On Tour.
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The singer-songwriter, dubbed the ‘best young songwriter’ in the US, has released six studio albums, the most recent of which – Laurel Hell – came out earlier this year.
Despite quitting social media in 2019, Mitski has a massive online following, and will surely warm up the crowd nicely.
Can I still get tickets?
Unsurprisingly given his massive following, no you can’t.
Tickets for Harry Styles sold out in the blink of an eye, with the singer adding an extra date to try and meet demand.
You might be able to pick up tickets on resale sites, but make sure you’re using official platforms so you don’t get ripped off.
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How do I get to the Emirate Old Trafford cricket ground?
TfGM has issued some travel advice for those heading to the cricket ground to see Harry Styles.
Trams on the Altrincham line operate to Old Trafford, which is directly next to the stadium, or you can try to beat the crowds a bit by using one of the other tram lines and stops that are within walking distance.
Firswood, Wharfside and Exchange Quay are all between a 10 minute and a 20 minute walk away.
Tram services are expected to be very busy, so those who live within walking distance of the venue are encouraged to head there on foot.
Road closures will be in place around the cricket ground – visit TfGM for details.
This was Harry’s setlist from his gig at the Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow on 11 June.
Music for a Sushi Restaurant
Golden
Adore You
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Daylight
Cinema
Keep Driving
Matilda
Boyfriends
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Fine Line
Satellite
Lights Up
Canyon Moon
Treat People With Kindness
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What Makes You Beautiful (One Direction song)
Late Night Talking
Love of My Life
Encore
Sign of the Times
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Watermelon Sugar
As It Was
Kiwi
Featured image: Publicity picture
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Fontaines D.C. announce massive gig at Manchester’s Aviva Studios as part of UK tour
Danny Jones
Irish post-punk pioneers Fontaines D.C. have just announced a brand new UK and Ireland tour ahead of their new album later this year and leading new arts and live entertainment venue, Aviva Studios, has been selected for their massive Manchester date.
The Dublin powerhouses have emerged as one of the most exciting acts on the planet for our money, combining everything from new wave, alternative and often grungey guitars, to more classic rock and even indie sounds, making them one of the most instantly recognisable sounds on the modern scene.
With all that being said, we cannot wait for their return to Manchester and what will no doubt be one of the biggest and best gigs Aviva Studios has seen yet.
Fontaines D.C. roll up to 0161 in Fall 2024 and they’ll have a brand new album under their belt to boot.
Home to Factory International, which kicked off an incredible debut calendar of cultural events last year, Aviva Studios is already proving to be an impressive addition to the Manc skyline, especially now it’s coaxing names like Fontaines D.C. to come and perform there over other gig spaces.
As for the band themselves, they dropped the lead single entitled ‘Starburster’ this week and it proved to be quite the sea change for often fast, frantic and no-nonsense five-piece. If you haven’t heard it yet, strap in and get ready to be over-exhaling out loud non-stop for the next hour – you’ll see what we mean.
With their fourth record Romance set to release on 23 August, we think it’s fair to say this new record – the first with new producer James Ford (Blur, Arctic Monkeys) – is off to a much more experimental start than their heavily acclaimed 2019 debut, Dogrel.
Set to take the stage in Aviva Studios’ Warehouse space on Friday, 29 November, Fontaines’ Manchester date is part of a new run of shows announced as part of their full European which kicks off in June.
Heading back from the continent in August and starting off the UK leg in Wolverhampton on 20 November, it’ll be a fast and furious nine-show run culminating with a homecoming concert in Dublin.
Tickets for all headline dates go on general sale at 10am next Friday, 26 April and for first access to presale, fans can pre-order the album by 3pm on 23 April.
Masked Manchester rapper Meekz bursts back with surprise gig in Piccadilly Gardens with JD
Charlie Watkinson
Local rap sensation Meekz is back, if you hadn’t noticed – he burst back onto the scene last week with a surprise gig with JD in Piccadilly Gardens.
The masked Manchester rapper is celebrating the release of his latest single Mini Me’s – and a handful of Mini Meekz posters appeared around town, pasted there by artist collective Pattern Up (then swiftly removed) last week.
Meekz continues to impress with his latest release, a track that’s quickly gaining popularity.
True to form, Meekz delivers not only sonically but visually, teaming up once again with KC Locke to create a stunning music video.
Their collaboration underscores the significance of music videos, reaffirming their lasting impact in the industry.
The video pays homage to their previous work, particularly ‘Like Me’, while also pushing boundaries with a post-apocalyptic CGI rendition of Manchester, reminiscent of scenes from GTA and Marvel movies.
This innovative approach demonstrates the remarkable synergy between Meekz and KC Locke, marking a new pinnacle in their collaborative efforts.
Following the premiere, Meekz treated fans to a memorable performance in Piccadilly Gardens, organised with JD, where he made a grand entrance by gifting miniature Air Max 95’s to his fans before taking the stage atop a large storage container.
I had the opportunity to speak with Meekz after the premiere, where he shared insights into his upcoming tape, ‘Tru’, slated for release on 24 May.
Additionally, he hinted at exclusive news related to GTA/GTA 6, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his future endeavours.
It’s clear that Meekz continues to innovate and redefine the game with each new project, and we’re excited to see what he has in store next.
KC Locke said: “In the time that the mainstream media is writing articles about the decline of the music video industry, swords and eagles are here to make a stand and show not only are music videos here to stay but they are more important than ever.
“This is a testament to community, bound by a shared vision, we rise and rise again, together, for the culture.”