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Munich comes to Manchester for ‘Manctoberfest’ event this autumn

As well as performances from tribute acts, Manctoberfest will also feature foot-stomping sets from Clint Boon and a live traditional Oompah Band.

The Manc The Manc - 20th August 2021

A special event designed to put a Mancunian spin on the world-famous Bavarian beer festival has been confirmed for the Bowlers Exhibition Centre (BEC) this autumn.

Described as “Oktoberfest with a Mancunian twist”, Manctoberfest will be serving up steins of authentic German lagers to a northern soundtrack provided by local tribute acts for Oasis, The Stone Roses, New Order, Happy Mondays and The Courteeners .

German food market stalls will also be in attendance serving up festival-style grub throughout the event such as pretzels and bratwursts.

Hosted by JBM Music & Manchester Adored, Manctoberfest will see Trafford Park adorned in traditional Oktoberfest decorations over two days to “provide a taste of the most exciting Bavarian extravaganza.”

The event will run on October 1 and October 3 with Friday’s party beginning at 6pm and continuing deep into the night – finishing at 2am.

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After a brief break, the event will return to the arena on Sunday afternoon from 2pm until 11pm.

As well as performances from tribute acts, Manctoberfest will also feature foot-stomping sets from Clint Boon and a live traditional Oompah Band.

Tickets are available to book now. Find more information on Skiddle.

What's On

Lily Allen to play smash-hit new album in full on first tour in seven years

Danny Jones Danny Jones Lily Allen playing nwe album West End Girl in full UK tour Manchester gig tickets

Lily Allen has returned with one of the best comeback albums the British music scene has witnessed in decades, and it’s been received so well that she’s set to play the record IN FULL on a new tour – her first in more than seven years – and, yes, she’s coming to Manchester.

The noughties popstar and daughter of fellow musician and actor, Keith Allen, isn’t just having a renaissance, the 40-year-old singer-songwriter is now riding arguably one of the biggest waves of popularity in her career following the release of her fifth studio LP.

West End Girl, released earlier this month, has not only gone down a treat with die-hard Lily Allen listeners but has earned her plenty of new fans too, as well as winning over numerous critics.

Notching multiple five-star reviews, a shout for album of the year from Variety, and even being labelled “one for the history books” by the BBC, the demand to see her back on the road was ready and waiting, and now the genre-hopping Hammersmith heroine is giving the people what they want.

Without giving too much away for those who haven’t listened to it yet, the deeply honest and no-holds-barred material dives into her divorce from ex-husband, David Harbour, of Stranger Things and Thunderbolts* fame.

Leaving no stone unturned, it’s a deeply personal, scorched-earth kind of album that has resonated with a lot of people, it seems.

We’re not going to say any more than that; just strap in, give it a go and thank us later. You can see the full list of her newly announced domestic tour dates, where she’ll be playing West End Girl in its entirety, down below.

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Lily Allen UK live tour shows, including multiple Northern dates

March 2026

  • 2/3         Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
  • 3/3          Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
  • 5/3          Birmingham Symphony Hall
  • 7/3          Sheffield City Hall
  • 8/3          Newcastle City Hall
  • 10/3        Manchester Aviva Studios, The Hall
  • 11/3         Manchester Aviva Studios, The Hall
  • 14/3         Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
  • 15/3         Cambridge Corn Exchange
  • 17/3        Bristol Beacon
  • 18/3        Cardiff New Theatre
  • 20/3        London Palladium
  • 21/3        London Palladium

Here’s a little taste of just one of the tracks from the acclaimed new album, which is already being heralded as her best to date.

So many great tracks on this album.

Honestly, there’s plenty more where that came from…

If you’re looking to hear the explosive 14-track diatribe from start to finish in person, she’ll be playing not just one but two nights at the Factory International’s Aviva Studios.

Tickets for all Lily Allen live tour dates, including her Manchester shows next spring, go live on Friday, 7 November from 10am – and given the reaction to the album itself, you can bank on them selling out fast.

You can get ready to grab yours right HERE.

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Featured Images — Charlie Denis/press shots (supplied)

What's On

Stockport’s ‘captivating’ Christmas festival is back with 50 FREE shows and hundreds of performers

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Things are getting all festive in Stockport as more than 50 free shows and hundreds of performers prepare to descend the town centre.

Back by popular demand to kick off Christmas in style, especially after the inaugural event resulted in the busiest Sunday for the Greater Manchester town’s centre since 2019, Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday will be returning next month for a one-day festival packed with magical street theatre, banging brass bands, carnival fun, and loads more.

Hundreds of captivating performers will take over Stockport for the day, with another new lineup for 2025 promising something for the whole family.

Stockport’s ‘captivating’ Christmas festival is back with 50 free shows and hundreds of performers / Credit: Supplied

Think a giant carnival bee, stilt-walking Christmas Belles, comedy chefs, bouncing snowmen, cocky robins, roaming bands, and so much more – with more than 50 free shows and activities to enjoy all day long.

Produced by renowned carnival arts organisation, Global Grooves, and organised by Stockport Council, Totally Stockport, Merseyway, and Stockport Market, the town centre will be buzzing with Christmas excitement from midday right through to 5pm, as performers take over iconic Stockport locations.

Head to Market Place, the Underbanks, Merseyway, Redrock, and Suffragette Square to make the most of all the festive fun.

Spectacular Sunday always marks the start of Stockport’s festive season, and 2025 is no different.

“Stockport likes to do Christmas in its own way, and our Spectacular Sunday event is about filling the town with energy, music and performance and giving visitors something unexpected at every turn,” explained Totally Stockport CEO, Mark Ross.

“It’s a celebration of creativity, community and the independent spirit that makes Stockport what it is.

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“This event shows how we kick off the festive season in a way that’s truly unique to our town, and we can’t wait to see everyone back this November.”

Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday 2025 is taking over the town centre next month on Sunday 16 November from 12pm onwards.

Featured Image – Supplied

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