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What's On

Peter Kay Live at Manchester AO Arena – times, tour dates, tickets and more

We cannot understate how hyped people are about this... (Contains affiliate links)

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 1st December 2022
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Peter Kay will finally make his long-awaited return to the stage this week with a massive UK tour.

The beloved Bolton comedian is set to play a whopping 42 dates here in Manchester, as well as a monthly residency down in London at the O2.

His AO Arena dates begin on Friday 2 December and will run all the way through to 2025 (yes, really).

Peter received widespread praise when he announced his tour and promised to keep ticket prices low. 

He said: “It’s good to get back to what I love doing best, stand-up comedy and if there’s ever a time people need a laugh it’s now. 

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“And with the cost of living at an all-time high, ticket prices are starting from £35. The same price they were on my previous tour in 2010. ”

But naturally, after he largely disappeared from public appearances several years ago, his return drove insane demand. 

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Peter Kay could barely keep up with demand from excited fans (who briefly broke the internet) and new dates kept getting added.

If you’re lucky enough to have bagged a ticket, here’s what you need to know.

What are stage times for Peter Kay at AO Arena?

Peter Kay. Credit: BBC

As usual with the AO Arena, doors will open a bit before the show begins, and fans are advised to allow plenty of time to get through security and to find their seats. 

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The doors to the venue will open around 6.30pm.

Peter Kay’s actual show will start at 8pm prompt. 

What dates will Peter Kay play at the AO Arena?

A lot of dates. Many many dates. Dates as far as the eye can see. Here they are:

  • 2-3 December 2022
  • 22-23 September 2023
  • 19-20 October 2023 
  • 5-6 November 2023
  • 1 December 2023
  • 26-27 January 2024 
  • 9-10 February 2024
  • 8-9 March 2024
  • 5-6 April 2024
  • 17-18 May 2024 
  • 14-15 June 2024
  • 26-27 July 2024
  • 23-24 August 2024 
  • 20-21 September 2024
  • 18-19 October 2024
  • 1-2 November 2024
  • 29-30 November 2024
  • 20-21 December 2024
  • 10-11 January 2025
  • 8 February 2025 
  • 5 April 2025 
  • 17 May 2025
  • 21 June 2025
  • 25 July 2025

Can I still get tickets and how much are they?

Peter Kay Car Share. Credit: BBC

Ooooh you might struggle if you want to go any time soon. 

The demand for Peter Kay’s return was so high that several ticketing platforms crashed and he added tonnes of new dates to try and cater to all his fans.

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There are still tickets available for later shows all the way in 2025 if you’re happy to wait that long. 

Your best bet for an earlier date is to keep an eye on official resale sites, and be careful that you’re getting a genuine deal. 

Tickets start from £35 and go all the way up to £50, £65 and £135 – you can buy yours from See Tickets here.

Seating plan for AO Arena Manchester

According to Ticketmaster, this will be the seating plan for the AO Arena for Peter Kay’s gigs.

It’s a fully seated tour but every block is set to be in use.

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Venue security and requirements

Peter Kay in Phoenix Nights. Credit: Channel 4

The show is strictly for people aged 15+.

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.

Featured image: Publicity picture

What's On

Albert’s Schloss is ready to take you into the New Year in style

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia albert's schloss new year's eve tickets
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One of Manchester’s snazziest party spots is taking bookings for their end-of-year bash with some of their closest and aptly named friends: New Year at Albert’s Schloss is going to be HUGE.

Albert’s Schloss has earned its title as one of Manchester’s busiest and most esteemed nights out, presenting punters with free-flowing drinks, a roaring central fire, as well as a dazzling alpine food menu options from breakfast until late.

This beloved bar and venue is also known for its incredible live music and entertainment; the stage welcomes all manner of acts, with guests singing their hearts out as they either sit or dance along wooden ‘Viking’ benches.

Even Rick Astley popped up here to give a surprise performance this Christmas party season – we can’t promise he’ll be there for NYE but we can guarantee you’re going to have a whale of a time.

Dubbed ‘Albert’s Party Time Machine’, there will be special appearances from the Queen of Egypt herself, Cleopatra, everyone’s favourite Greek emperor and mythological party animal, Dionysius, a.k.a. the God of wine-making – but it’s you guys who are being encouraged to steal the show.

For anyone coming into Manchester city centre for Albert’s Schloss’ New Year’s Eve party, they’re asking you to pull out your finest frocks and reminisce times gone by from the past year and ancient history alike, as other famous historical faces will be making an appearance.

Starting at £100 per person with bookings from 7pm, diners can enjoy a three-course set menu with a later dining slot also available at 9pm for £120 per person for those who want to eat a sit-down meal at their table a little bit later on before climbing on top of it.

Sorry— not the table, strictly the benches. For the last time (reminding ourselves just as much as you lot), you can only stand on the benches.

If you know, you know…

Food ranges from four different mains including two meat, one fish and an option fit for both veggies and vegans. Desserts come in two forms with a savoury cheese board offering and three sweet choices including pavlova, tarte and ice cream or sorbet.

Those looking to enter the venue without having to feast on any of the many food offerings can pay £45 for what’s expected to be a miraculous night.

All prices include a glass of prosecco and canapes on arrival to the party establishment for every guest before 8pm.

In true Schloss style, music will be running until late in the night with the ‘Haus Band’ ready to play out hits and well-known classics that everyone can join in on the fun with.

Read more:

It’s time to live the high life and bring in the New Year in proper beerhouse style.

You can book your spot at the Albert’s Schloss New Year’s Eve party HERE.

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

Featured Images — Supplied

What's On

The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 30 December 2024 – 5 January 2025

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant
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Can you believe it’s time to say goodbye to 2024, and welcome in 2025 this week?

The presents have been opened, the mince pies eaten, and you may have even taken down your tree too, but while all the fun of the festive season may’ve been and gone by now, this doesn’t mean there isn’t lots of things to look forward to in 2025, as Greater Manchester‘s events calendar already seems very exciting.

Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? We’ve chosen a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide to help you out.

Here’s some of our recommendations.

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Skate Manchester 2024

Cathedral Gardens

Monday 30 December 2024 – Wednesday 1 January 2025

Skate Manchester 2024 / Credit: Matt Eachus (via Supplied)

Skate Manchester is festive staple, and this is your last few days to get on the ice.

This year, skaters can glide across a gleaming ice path and spin around a dazzling seven-metre Christmas tree taking centre stage in the middle of the rink.

Families, friends, and festive fun seekers will be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas whatever the weather has in store for our city this year too, as although the rink will be outdoors in the heart of Cathedral Gardens, the ice is fully covered.

Find out more and grab tickets here.

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Bar Hütte

Kampus & Great Northern

Monday 30 & Tuesday 31 December

Bar Hütte / Credit: Supplied

Bar Hütte’s legendary karaoke cabins are back in Manchester once again.

Bringing Alpine vibes, cosy furnishings, twinkling lights, live music sessions, and flowing drinks to two city centre locations from this Thursday onwards, dozens of cosy private hüttes neatly-positioned under twinkling lights are now open down at both Kampus and Great Northern Square.

There’s also a handful of other events on the lineup throughout the festive season, including live music and DJs, wreath making workshops, and movie nights.

Find out more and grab tickets here.

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Wicked The Musical

Palace Theatre Manchester

Monday 30 December 2024 – Sunday 12 January 2025

Wicked at the Palace Theatre, Manchester - the musical EVERYONE is talking about
Wicked The Musical / Credit: Jennifer DiNoia / Limited Engagement

Wicked The Musical has landed in Manchester and has taken over the iconic Palace Theatre stage for the festive season.

Sure, there may be a major motion picture adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande currently on in the cinema right now, but if you’re keen to see the beloved musical production on stage in the way it was originally intended, then you can head on down to the Palace Theatre to see the story of Elphaba and Galinda live.

Of course, this has been one of the hottest tickets in town for quite a while now, but there’ll still some last-minute seats left to get your hands on, so keep your eyes peeled.

Find out more and grab tickets here.

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Winter Holiday Programme

Science and Industry Museum

Monday 30 December 2024 – Sunday 5 January 2025

Winter Holiday Programme / Credit: Science Museum Group

One of Manchester’s most popular museums has been transformed into an immersive ‘Light Lab’ for the festive season.

This is your chance to escape the cold and brighten up the winter holidays with an adventure though light and colour, as the Science and Industry Museum is currently running its full festive events programme and there’s loads to get involved with.

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You can also explore a gaming extravaganza, and be engrossed by festive-themed science shows at the city centre-based museum this December.

Find out more about all the events here.

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Jurassic World: The Exhibition

Trafford Centre

Monday 30 December 2024 – Sunday 5 January 2025

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Jurassic World: The Exhibition / Credit: Supplied

A major Jurassic World exhibition that’s been mesmerising visitors all over the world has now arrived here in Greater Manchester, and it’s recently been announced that it’ll be sticking around until the new year.

Based on the beloved blockbuster film franchise, this official award-winning experience is one of the fastest-selling exhibitions in history.

Manc visitors will be able to walk through the iconic Jurassic World gates, explore some richly-themed environments, and encounter a life-sized Brachiosaurus, Velociraptors, and the most fearsome dinosaur of all, the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Find out more and grab some tickets here.

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Wild

Manchester Museum

Monday 30 December – onwards

Wild / Credit: Manchester Museum

A groundbreaking new immersive exhibition exploring our relationship with the natural world is now open at Manchester Museum.

‘Wild’ look at how people are creating, rebuilding, and repairing connections with nature, and how the natural world has traditionally been presented and idealised through Western art, as well as looking at some unique approaches to environmental recovery too.

The exhibition will also crucially look at how we can tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis by making the world more wild.

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Find out more and grab your FREE tickets here.

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Looking for some ways to see in the new year?

Across each of Greater Manchester’s 10 boroughs, there’s plenty of ways to welcome in 2025, but we’d be here all day if we tried to list them all, so instead, we’ve decided to just share a few with you – including fireworks, countdowns, and more.

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Manchester’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks

St Peter’s Square

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Tuesday 31 December

Spectacular New Year's Eve firework display confirmed for Manchester
Manchester’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks / Credit: Chris Curry | designecologist (via Unsplash)

Manchester city centre is hosting one of its famous fireworks displays to “say goodbye to the old and welcome in the new” this year.

Families from all across Greater Manchester are invited to the “fun-filled event” from 10pm.

This year’s end of the year celebration marks the first time St Peter’s Square has been used for the New Year countdown event, and also the first time that New Year fireworks will be let off from the roof of Manchester Central Library.

Find out more about the FREE event here, and check out all the road closures and parking suspensions that will be in place on the night here.

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Fireworks Extravaganza

Mayfield Park & Freight Island

Tuesday 31 December

Fireworks Extravaganza / Credit: Freight Island

Freight Island is taking New Year’s Eve into its own hands and kicking 2025 off with a bang by hosting a big fireworks display to remember.

Taking place in Mayfield Park as soon as dusk hits, there’ll be lots of family-friendly festivities – including free sparklers and marshmallow roasting for the little ones to enjoy as midnight nears – all before a spectacular 12-minute firework display lights up the night sky above Manchester to welcome in the new year.

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Find out more and get your last-minute tickets here.

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Featured Image – Bar Hutte | Chris Curry | Skate Manchester

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