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

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

The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 7 – 13 September 2026

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

We all know that autumn in Greater Manchester is a thing of beauty, right?

With September well underway now and the trees starting to change colour and a chill reappearing in the air, that means the cosy seasons are on the horizon, and, of course, there’s loads happening across Greater Manchester this week.

If you’re finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though, no worries, as we’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.

Both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured.

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Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos 

Science and Industry Museum

Monday 7 September – onwards

Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos / Credit: BBC | Science Museum Group (Drew Forsyth)

Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos has made its world premiere at the Science and Industry Museum, and is inviting visitors to explore our wondrous Solar System.

Fresh off-the-back of the new BBC Children’s and Education TV show, Horrible Science, the ‘thrilling’ new exhibition encouraging visitors to ‘do science the horrible way’, and join both scientists and supervillains to unveil the secrets of space.

The new exhibition propels families up into space where mystery, intrigue, and rocket-loads of silly and surprising science await. You’ll get to venture through a series of cosmic zones, walk in the shoes of astronauts, explore the life-giving energy of the sun, marvel at mysterious moons, and discover far-off weird worlds.

Find out more and book your tickets here.

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High School Musical

Lowry

Monday 7 – Saturday 19 September

High School Musical / Credit: Matt Crockett (Supplied)

If you want to relive your childhood, High School Musical is now on stage at the Lowry.

We all know how High School Musical goes, right? Set at East High, we follow Troy and Gabriella (the star basketball player, and the geeky new girl) who meet over New Year, and then become ‘star-crossed lovers’ when back at school as they’re part of two different ‘cliques’.

The duo mess with the ‘Status Quo’ when they audition for the school musical. But will they stick to what they know? Or become stars of the stage? I’m sure you know the ending. 

Read our review of the show and get last-minute tickets here.

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Manchester City Stadium Tours

Etihad Stadium

Monday 7 September – onwards

man city museum
etihad stadium city tours
mcfc stadium tours
Manchester City Stadium Tours / Credit: The Manc Group

If you’re looking for something to do this summer, did you know you can currently get 15% off Manchester City’s tours of the Etihad Stadium?

You’ll get to walk in the players’ footsteps down the tunnel, sit in Enzo’s seat, get pitchside, see the Domestic Double Winners’ trophies, and loads more. Plus, from 17 August, you’ll be able to see City’s brand-new dressing room too.

Find out more and book your tour here.

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Heritage Open Days 2026

Greater Manchester

Friday 11 – Sunday 20 September

Heritage Open Days 2026 / Credit: Paul Harris

The UK’s largest festival of history and culture has returned, and there’s thousands of free events on the lineup this next week.

Always proving to be a smash-hit success, both here in Greater Manchester and nationwide, over the last 30 years, the National Trust’s Heritage Open Days are back by popular demand for the next couple of weeks, and this means loads of the UK’s top attractions will be open to visit for free.

You can explore historic houses, factories, museums, music halls, and countless of other places and spaces – some that are normally closed to the public.

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Have a see a what’s happening in our region here.

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Red Rose Diners

East Lancashire Railway

Friday 11 September – onwards

Red Rose Diners / Credit: ELR

Greater Manchester’s iconic heritage railway is currently hosting one of the most unique fine dining experiences in the region this autumn.

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Running on selected Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through the year, East Lancashire Railway’s ‘Red Rose Diners’ are described as being ‘the ultimate first class foodie experience’, as they start with a glass of fizz and stretch over an almost three-hour steam train journey through the Irwell Valley.

The experience includes a four-course dinner with complimentary sparkling wine, followed by tea or coffee and after-dinner chocolates.

Find out more and book here.

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Stuck for somewhere to have a bite to eat?

Just like we do every month, we’ve rounded up some of the best things we got to eat in August, so if you’re on the hunt for somewhere new to eat in September, then we’ve absolutely got you covered as there’s plenty of places across the city region.

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It’s been another jam-packed month of insanely delicious eats, and we’ve been lucky to have a bunch of new openings too.

Take your pick here👇

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Did you know that Go Ape now runs adult-only sessions?

We nipped over to Go Ape at Rivington as we heard you can now act like a big silly kid there without having to share anything with actual children.

It’s one of the region’s top attractions for good reason, giving you a chance to clamber and fly through the treetops on a sky-high obstacle course, and now every Thursday and Friday evening, you can escape your work inbox and switch it out for a maze of ziplines, ladders, swings, and more.

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Watch this👇

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Or would you prefer a big water park instead?

Less than an hour from Manchester, you’ll find what is essentially a gigantic floating bouncy castle which makes for an incredibly silly afternoon out.

At Wild Shore Delamere you can take on slides, monkey bars, ninja jumps, tyre runs, and plenty of other opportunities to slip and spectacularly fall into the lake. And if you don’t fancy wiping out in front of a lake full of children, there’s also paddleboarding, wakeboarding, open-water swimming, and even a lakeside sauna.

Find out more and book your trip here👇

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How about that Manchester Museum is hosting its first-ever sleepover?

For the first time in Manchester Museum’s history, one lucky family will be given the chance to experience an incredible night at the museum.

This unique opportunity is being offered as part of a prize draw, allowing visitors to find out what happens once the sun goes down inside the Fossils and Dinosaurs gallery – in the company of Stan, the famous Tyrannosaurus rex, of course.

You can now have a private sleepover amongst all the history inside Manchester Museum

Not only will the lucky winning family enjoy an overnight stay in the gallery, but they’ll also be treated to a guided torchlight tour of the galleries after the Museum has closed, as well as other fun activities and a film screening too before bed.

Find out more and enter to win here.

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Anything we’ve missed? Check this out…

Schools may be back, but unfortunately the rain has arrived, so if you’re running out of things to do, don’t worry as we’ve got you covered. To make life even easier, all the activities are accessible by the Bee Network AND they’re tried and tested by us, so we can guarantee you’ll love them.

See the full list here 👇

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Featured Image – Matt Crockett | The Manc Group | Paul Harris

What's On

A day of vintage cars and retro entertainment will take over a Greater Manchester town this month

Lydia Mastrolonardo Lydia Mastrolonardo A day of vintage cars and retro entertainment will take over a Greater Manchester town this month

Roll up, roll up all vintage-lovers – a free full day of live entertainment is returning to Oldham town centre later this month.

Following being crowned Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2026-2027, there are set to be a whole host of exciting activities coming our way across the next couple of months, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled.

From old classic cars to live music and circus performances, Nostalgic Oldham has it all and we are very excited to pay a visit and celebrate one of our beloved boroughs.

The day will centre around the Big Yellow Bus in Parliament Square, serving as a hub throughout the celebrations. Here, visitors can expect plenty of free activities to get involved with, including Raggle Taggle Arts, Betty Brown Bags, Oldham Theatre Workshop and a craft workshop from Oldham Archives.

It is set to be a family-friendly, action-packed day with buckets of civic pride and traditional shows, including a performance from Saddleworth Morris Men as well as celebrating more contemporary dances from Troupe Dance.

While Tame Valley Motors will be showcasing some of their most nostalgic vehicles for all of you car-lovers, cycling enthusiasts will be able to catch a glimpse of the prestigious trophy inside the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift tent. Fans may also talk to the team behind bringing the competition through Oldham in July 2027.

Amongst the busyness, there will also be the opportunity to witness the unveiling of a brand new mural by artist Dave Draws, inside The Market at 11am.

A day of vintage cars and retro entertainment will take over Oldham
A day of vintage cars and retro entertainment will take over Oldham

His large-scale illustrated map is a tribute to both the area and the people of Oldham, intertwining collaborative stories and drawings from members of the local community.

If you’re over in Oldham for the day, the charity Northern Roots will be opening its new Welcome Building to the public from 11am.

Visitors are welcome to browse their shop of handcrafted gifts, books and fresh produce, indulge on seasonal dishes at their café, explore the outdoor play area, Forestry Skills Centre and four acres of Urban Farm.

Subnum Hariff-Khan, Head of Libraries and Heritage and Arts at Oldham Council, said: “Nostalgic Oldham is a chance to celebrate everything that makes our borough special, from our history and traditions to the people and communities that shape Oldham today.

“There will be something for everyone to enjoy, whether that’s exploring the vintage vehicle display, watching live performances, getting involved in family activities or seeing the new community mural unveiled.

“As Greater Manchester Town of Culture, we’re proud to bring events like this to the town centre and, because it’s completely free, we hope residents and visitors alike will join us for what promises to be a fantastic day.”

Nostalgic Oldham will take place from 11-4pm on Saturday 19 September – be sure not to miss out

Read more

Featured image: Supplied

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