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People named Elizabeth can get a free steam train ride to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee

Those who share a name with the longest-reigning royal will get the chance to explore the Greater Manchester countryside for free.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 20th May 2022

Anyone named Elizabeth has the chance to hop onboard a retro steam train for free to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Queen Elizabeth II is set to mark her Platinum Jubilee from Thursday 2 – Sunday 5 June 2022, making her the first ever British monarch to reach this milestone, and the UK to get an extra bank holiday for the occasion – but if you’re lucky enough to share a name with the longest reigning royal, then that’s not the only perk you can claim.

East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is giving all people named Elizabeth a ride for free through the picturesque Greater Manchester countryside.

From the 27 May – 2 June, Elizabeths can ride on all trains and services along the ELR line for free of charge, and get the chance to explore some of the hidden gems along the Irwell Valley – including pubs, restaurants, and so much more. 

The heritage railway is opening its doors to Elizabeths ahead of its Jubilee bash Friday 3rd – Sunday 5 June, which will feature special performances from the era at every station during the long weekend. 

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East Lancashire Railway is giving people named Elizabeth a free steam train ride / Credit: East Lancashire Railway

Each station along the line will be celebrating in true 1940s / 50s fashion with food, vintage stalls, and live music from local acts.

Read more: You can now request to close your road for a Jubilee street party in Manchester this summer

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“This is going to be a truly unforgettable and magical weekend in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee,” said Mike Kelly – Chairman at the East Lancashire Railway.

“We have a jam packed schedule across the entire weekend, from food and drinks from the era to vintage fashion, people will be celebrating all across the country and we’re proud to be bringing the celebrations along the railway from Rawtenstall, through Bury and onto Heywood. 

All Elizabeths can explore the hidden gems along the Irwell Valley this Jubilee weekend / Credit: East Lancashire Railway

“We’re delighted to be able to celebrate with the Queen and all those who share the royal name.

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“We hope this gives old and new visitors the chance to enjoy an unforgettable and unique experience of travelling on the East Lancashire Railway.”

Read more: You can ride a Thomas the Tank Engine replica train through Greater Manchester

You can find out more about ELR’s Jubilee Weekend here.

Featured Image – Mike Jackson (via East Lancashire Railway)

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Hip-hop, soul and R’n’B legend Mary J Blige is coming to Manchester for a massive arena show

Danny Jones Danny Jones Mary J Blige Manchester tickets

Manchester is getting ready to welcome a global icon of hip-hop, soul, pop and R’n’B as Mary J Blige is set to put on a massive arena show.

With a music career spanning more than 30 years, Mary J Blige is an absolute legend of the American music scene, with nine GRAMMY Awards and nearly 40 nominations, along with a plethora of BET, Billboard, and AMA nods over the years.

She was even named Woman of the Year by Glamour back in 2023.

Often referred to as the ‘Queen of Hip-Hop Soul’, we can’t wait to welcome this latest member of music royalty to our city.

Currently on ‘The For My Fans Tour’, jetting quite literally all over and recently adding on even more dates, not only has London been given some love, but so has Greater Manchester – and rightly so.

Announcing the special one-off show and Co-op Live debut this Wednesday, 16 April, Mary J Blige won’t have to wait too long to be part of the ‘Family Affair’.

The 54-year-old from New York will be coming to the state-of-the-art, one of the biggest indoor entertainment venues in all of Europe, in just a few months’ time.

On top of the already well-established AO Arena, this is the pedigree of truly worldwide artists that Co-op Live was built to further attract – and it looks to be working.

It’s been the best part of a decade since she was last in these parts, so she’s sure to get a huge reception.

Roll on the summer.

While most audiences in the likes of North America have been treated to fellow R’n’B favourite Ne-Yo, those watching Ms Blige will be keeping things domestic as long-standing London collective and producers, Soul II Soul, will be joining her for the show.

‘Back to life, back to reality…’

So there you have it! Mary J Blige will be coming to Manchester on Friday, 4 July 2025, with her own pre-sale going live at 10am on Thursday, 24 April, but Co-op members can get there even earlier, with the venue’s early access available from the same time the day before.

As for general admission, you can get ready to grab your tickets HERE from 10am on Friday, 25 April.

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Press Shot (supplied)/Mark Sebastian (via Flickr)/Audio North

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Sean Paul and Ashanti at AO Arena, Manchester – tickets, times, setlist and more

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

Why have one music legend when you can have two? Sean Paul and Ashanti team up for their ‘Bring It Tour’ at AO Arena in Manchester.

AO Arena is about to become a noughties haven as two musical greats have come together for a joint tour like no other – Sean Paul and Ashanti.

Sing a vocal run or two with the airy and light vocal tones of Ashanti and her hits like ‘Happy’, ‘Foolish’ and ‘Baby’.

Or maybe you’ll let Sean Paul do the talking as you boogie and dance the night away to tracks like ‘Mad Love’, ‘No Lie’ and ‘Got 2 Luv U’.

Sean Paul and Ashanti UK tour – Manchester gig guide

Sean Paul and Ashanti are coming to AO Arena in Manchester for the 'Bring It Tour'
Credit: The Heart Truth (via Flickr)/ Mozart Diensthuber (Wikimedia Commons)

Whatever you’re planning on doing while you watch these masterminds perform, you’re guaranteed a night that covers all the bases.

Sean Paul and Ashanti UK tour dates

  • Fri 11 April – Aberdeen, UK – PJ Live (Sean Paul ONLY)
  • Sat 12 April – Newcastle, UK – Utilita Arena 
  • Sun 13 April – Leeds, UK – first direct Arena 
  • Tue 15 April – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro
  • Wed 16 April – Nottingham, UK – Motorpoint Arena
  • Fri 18 April – London, UK – OVO Arena Wembley (Sean Paul, Ashanti and Big Joe)
  • Sat 19 April – Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena 
  • Sun 20 April – Manchester, UK – AO Arena
  • 22 April – Cardiff, UK – Utilita Arena 
  • 23 April – Brighton, UK – Brighton Centre (Sean Paul ONLY)
  • 24 April – Bournemouth, UK – BIC (Sean Paul ONLY)

Sean Paul and Ashanti tickets for AO Arena gig 

Just like Ashanti’s 2002 hit, you’d have been ‘Foolish’ not to get tickets when they first came out, however, there’s still a chance for you to ‘Get Busy’ like Sean Paul’s ‘02 throwback.

There’s a limited run of tickets left throughout the venue, including standing, seated and even an option to watch the show from ‘The Mezz’ if you’re after a VIP experience – All HERE.

Sean Paul and Ashanti setlist 

There’s no official setlist yet, however, if you consider the past selection of hits from their previous separate gigs, fans are in for a jam-packed night.

Sean Paul:

  • So Fine
  • Get Busy
  • Ever Blazin’
  • Cheap Thrills
  • Baby Boy
  • Bailando
  • Hot Gyal Today
  • Infiltrate
  • Breathe/ Make It Clap
  • Give It Up To Me
  • Got 2 Luv U
  • Mad Love
  • No Lie
  • Boasty
  • Love Me Ladies
  • Tip Pon It
  • Volcano
  • Bring It
  • Greatest
  • I’m Still In Love
  • Light My Fire
  • Punkie
  • Rockabye
  • Like Glue
  • Deport Them
  • Trumpets
  • She Doesn’t Mind
  • Temperature

Ashanti:

  • Happy
  • Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)
  • Mesmerise
  • Only U
  • Baby
  • Southside
  • Down 4 U
  • Body On Me
  • What’s Luv?
  • Ain’t It Funny
  • Always On Time
  • Foolish

What are the stage times for Sean Paul and Ashanti in Manchester?

AO Arena has a curfew of 11pm; anyone attending this link-up of a lifetime can enjoy their night knowing they’ll be ‘Ever Blazin” after a full night’s sleep.

Doors for the ‘Bring It Tour’ are scheduled for 6pm with a kick-off time of 7pm, with no confirmed or mentioned support acts as of yet.

Sean Paul and Ashanti are coming to AO Arena in Manchester.
Credit: Egorushka/Npu3pak (via GoodFon)

How to get to AO Arena

Tram

For those of you heading to AO Arena, luckily, it’s connected to Manchester Victoria Station and it has an integrated Metrolink stop to make your life even easier.

Head along the pink, light blue or yellow lines directly to the Victoria stop, and you can get off the tram literally spitting distance from the arena. You can find the full map HERE.

Train

Considering this live entertainment venue is situated right in the middle of one of Manchester’s most frequented stations, concertgoers should find no problem getting to the arena wherever they are.

Bus

A variety of buses cover AO Arena and Victoria Station on their route, such as the 2 bus, which stops just a one-minute walk away from the venue.

A full list of buses and their routes can be found HERE.

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Getting there by car and parking

The Arena has its own official CitiPark, with 958 car parking spaces including 40 Blue Badge parking bays, which can be booked in advance.

Alternatively, anyone attending a gig can park at their nearest train station and jump on a train service or the various Metrolink park and ride facilities.

Walk/cycle

Greater Manchester now also offers the option to hire bikes through the Beryl app, with riders able to locate, unlock, get to their destination and then safely lock up the bike all through an easy-to-use app.

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About the AO Arena

The AO Arena has a few strict policies to keep gig-goers safe, so make sure to check entry requirements carefully before you travel.

For example, only one small bag per person is allowed, and bags like backpacks, travel cases and laptop bags are not permitted inside the arena.

All bags are scanned on entry to check for prohibited items like laser pens, flares, projectiles, weapons, drugs and alcohol, and even selfie sticks.

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image — Publicity Pictures (Supplied)/Audio North/GoodFon

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