Jason Manford has just announced a massive homecoming gig in Manchester at the new Co-op Live arena.
The Salford-born comedian will head out on his A Manford All Seasons tour in 2024, wrapping up here in Manchester in 2025.
He’ll perform at the huge new arena on 24 October 2025, the final night of his UK run.
This is the first comedy show to be announced at Co-op Live, joining an opening season that includes Jonas Brothers, Olivia Rodrigo, and seven nights with Take That.
Jason Manford’s gig is the second show to be announced for Co-op Live today alone, with Barry Manilow also confirmed to be performing on 19 May 2024.
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Jason Manford is one of the UK’s top comedians, a familiar face on stage and screen.
His A Manford All Seasons follows his Like Me run, which saw him play 280 shows across the country.
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Speaking of the tour, Jason Manford says: “People ask me what my favourite job is, acting, presenting, musicals etc. I love them all, but my favourite is still the privilege of doing a stand-up comedy.
Jason Manford has announced a Manchester Co-op Live gig for 2025. Credit: Supplied
“It’s just me, you, a microphone and a cracking venue. No cameras, no director, no viewing figures and no OFCOM!
“I can’t wait to see you again and have a good laugh at this mad world, it feels like it’s been ages.”
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Gary Roden, executive director and general manager at Co-op Live, says: “Being able to attract acts of the calibre of Jason Manford is exactly what we are all about and we are so excited that he is the first comedy act we have announced.
“Although Co-op Live has been built as a music-first venue, its versatility and intimacy bely its size making it perfect for stand-up comedy.
“Co-op Live is here to deliver unforgettable experiences to our audiences, and Jason’s show is going to do just that. The fact that he is also a local lad is the icing on the cake.”
Tickets will be available from 10am on Friday 13 October 2023. Co-op Members get first in line access to tickets from 10am on Wednesday 11 October 2023.
You may have heard of the funny Star Wars stripper show or even seen clips of it online, but rumour has it that nothing can quite prepare you for the cheekiness of seeing this romp in the flesh.
In case you’ve been completely immersed in the dark side until now, here’s what you can expect:
Now well over a decade into its success and more than 200 Las Vegas shows, ‘The Empire Strips Back’ made its long-awaited transatlantic debut earlier this year.
Getting away at London’s Riverside Studios from May and enjoying a run until this past August, the comedy-driven twist on the classic Star Wars stories and beloved sci-fi characters was an instant hit with us Brits.
It started in Australia way back in 2011 and has gone not only to tour across Europe, but land a coveted residency at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Nevada.
Fast, funny, feisty and by all accounts, fantastic.
Now set to seek out new padawans and storm-strippers all over the cosmos, and by that we mean the UK, ‘The Empire Strips Back: Burlesque Parody’ is coming to Manchester.
Set to land at Depot Mayfield in the New Year – next spring, specifically, we cannot wait to see how this goes down with Northern crowds.
The Manc leg is scheduled to kick off on 6 March and last until 8 May, 2026, with various dates and times of day available.
It’s also worth noting that this two-hour show, including intermission, is a strictly 18+ only event; if you’re interested, you can find out more info and grab your tickets right HERE.
Manchester Open exhibition to return in 2026 with ‘biggest celebration’ of local creative talent
Emily Sergeant
The biggest celebration of Greater Manchester’s creative talent is making a much-anticipated return next summer.
Taking place every two years and now in its fourth iteration, Manchester Open exhibition sees the HOME Gallery walls filled with hundreds of artworks selected by a panel consisting of art experts and community representatives.
The exhibition is open to all and welcomes entries from people of any level of experience, including established professionals, students, graduates, new and emerging talent, enthusiastic amateurs, and even first-time artists.
Artists are invited to submit work into eight different categories, with the aim of creating an exhibition ‘rich in variety’ for visitors to explore.
Manchester Open exhibition is set to return in 2026 / Credit: Jason Lock Photography
This means you’ll get to explore works of ceramics, digital/moving images, drawings, prints, paintings, photography, sculptures/installations, and textiles.
Several awards will also be up for grabs throughout the exhibition – which is set to run from Saturday 20 June and Sunday 6 September 2026 – including a prestigious new award in honour of philanthropist and business leader, Kate Voke.
Three artists will also be awarded with artist development packages, managed by HOME and Castlefield Gallery.
“Following our 10 year anniversary in 2025, we are looking forward to 2026 and welcoming applications to HOME’s biggest celebration of Greater Manchester’s artistic talent,” explained Karen O’Neill, who is the CEO of HOME.
“With a record number of applications to the last Manchester Open, we’re hoping for even more in 2026 and to demonstrate how the city continues to grow as a place where artists and creativity can thrive.”
Manchester Open exhibition is taking place in 2026 from Saturday 20 June and Sunday 6 September, and the application and submission process is now live – with all submissions being reviewed by the selection panel who make the final selection of work to be included in the exhibition.
Artists will only be able to submit one artwork, and the selection panel members will be announced in spring 2026.
Featured Image – Jason Lock Photography (Supplied)
Daisy Jackson -
9th October 2023 
