Strictly Come Dancing Live is coming back to Manchester for a double-header this weekend and we can’t wait to be back in the AO Arena.
There are very few things that make us as happy as getting in the mood for a full day of ballroom dancing, pageantry, more than a few glasses of fizz and all-around good vibes.
For anyone who hasn’t soaked up every last detail of the programme or might be tagging along to one of the two dates last minute, we thought we’d put together a quick event guide for you so you know what’s going on and when.
With Strictly Live‘s first Manchester date of 2024 taking place this Saturday, 3 February and then again on Sunday, here’s everything you need to know.
Are there tickets left for Strictly Come Dancing Live?
You’re in luck: there absolutely is! You can still grab a fair few tickets in the back sections of the AO Arena from £42.50 as well as a handful in the lower tier of seats for around £65 on Saturday, but don’t worry if you’re busy that day, there are plenty of seats still going for Sunday’s showings.
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You can even spring for the VIP suites in Electric Lounge if you fancy feeling a bit bougie and having been lucky enough to try it out a couple of times ourselves, we have to admit it’s well worth treating yourself for a special occasion.
Directed again by Craig Revel Horwood and co., the 2024 Strictly Live Tour showcases all the choreography, live music and sparkle of the much-loved TV series, hosting both an afternoon and evening show on each day.
Seven celebrity contestants and their professional dance partners will twirl and shimmy their way across the AO Arena ballroom floor, ready for the tour judges to provide their wisdom and scores. Just as with last year’s tour, there will also be sign language interpreters for each show.
But it’s the audience who ultimately call the shots, voting for their favourites via text from within the arena, with a champion crowned at the end of every show. Just like the real thing only more compact.
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Who’s dancing this year?
Whilst Strictly legends Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood are returning to their judging seats once, with It Takes Two’s Janette Manrara also back as tour host, the lineup for Live performances changes each and every year and, just like show itself, that’s all part of the fun.
Taking the stage this year, the celebrity dancers include actor and model Bobby Brazier, dancing with Dianne Buswell; tennis champion and presenter Annabel Croft with tour partner Graziano Di Prima, journalist and broadcaster Krishnan Guru-Murthydancing with tour partner Jowita Przystal, as well as fellow presenter Angela Scanlon dancing with Carlos Gu.
Rounding out the 2024 Strictly Live Tour lineup are Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola, Angela Rippon and Kai Widdrington, along with Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin.
What are the stage times for Strictly Live Manchester?
As for when you’ll get to see all of the glitz and glamour, AO Arena will be opening its doors from 1pm and 6pm for the morning and evening shows, respectively, on Saturday and around 12 noon and then again at 5pm for the Sunday show.
That should give you plenty of time to make your way around the concourse, grab any food and drink you want for the show, as well as some stylish Strictly merch we hope, before finding your seat.
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Saturday’s matinee show is due to start around 2:30pm and then reset for the evening show at 7:30pm, with Sunday’s programming kicking off from 1:30pm and then again at 6:30pm.
Parking and public transport for AO Arena
If you’re driving in for the show, there’s a large multi-storey car park based right next to the AO Arena, with access through the car park to the main entrance of the venue.
Trinity Way will be closed southbound between Great Ducie Street and Cheetham Hill Road for up to an hour as guests leave, but if you’re parking at the Arena itself you’ll still be allowed to exit during this time — just turn right and follow the diversions.
As for getting there via public transport, your nearest stop is Manchester Victoria, with trains and trams going directly into the station where you can then walk directly up the steps and straight into the attached Arena entrance, with plenty of bus stops and taxi bays right outside too.
And that should just about do you, the only thing left for you to do is get all dolled up and sparkly, sit back and enjoy Strictly Come Dancing Live in Manchester.
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The AO Arena absolutely smashed when it came to keeping Mancs entertained last year and you can find out more about all the other big events happening at Manchester’s AO Arena in the first half of 2024 right here on The Manc.
Featured Images — Marc Brenner/Strictly Come Dancing (via Instagram)
What's On
Where to watch Tyson Fury vs Oleskandr Usyk 2 in Manchester city centre
Danny Jones
Tyson Fury vs Usyk 2: ‘Undisputed’ is nearly upon us with the two contenders fighting to become unified heavyweight champion, and as the biggest fight of the year (at least since the last one), you might rightly be wondering where in Manchester is best to watch it.
With a homegrown albeit controversial talent on one side in Fury and a no-nonsense, not to mention undefeated Ukrainian on the other, there’ll be Mancs cheering for both sides but regardless of who you want to win, we can assure you town is going to be absolutely rammed with fight fans.
That being said, much like getting in the ring itself, you’re best having a game plan if you haven’t already sorted out where you’re going to watch the Fury vs Usyk rematch.
Now, you’re going to want to bank on big rooms with plenty of space for those coming last minute; don’t worry, we’ve got a few ideas and they’re decently spaced out in terms of area too.
Where to watch the Fury vs Usyk 2 fight in Manchester city centre
1. Tank and Paddle – Printworks
Spread across too large floors, it still has all the appeal of the old place and more. (Credit: The Manc Eats)
First up on the list is the newest addition to the Printworks entertainment complex: Tank and Paddle, which has taken over the old Yates site. Specialising in craft beers, cocktails, big pizzas and big screens for live sport, if you used to head here for the boxing before you have even more reason to now.
2. BOX – Deansgate
Next up is arguably the current king of Manchester’s live sports bar scene. Famous for great food, live music, shuffleboard, big steins of beer and even pornstar martinis (yes, whole pitchers of the stuff), as well as its giant jumbotron screen, it’s literally impossible for you to miss a single punch thrown here.
ln at number three is what we refer to as old faithful but, to repeat its true title, is The Brotherhood of Pastimes and Pursuits. We never ever say that name in full but we what do on a regular basis is head here after work, as well as pre and post-matchday to watch the rest of the action and play some games whilst we’re at it. It will be heaving for the fight but if you can book or get there early, you’ll have a ball.
Speaking of reliable after work and weekend haunts, they don’t get more tried and tested than Roxy Ball Room as we simply like to call her, our lovely lady Roxy. Shuffleboard, bowling, darts, pool, table tennis, basketball machines, beer pong, curling – oh yeah, and you can look up to watch the boxing if you want…
Fifth and finally, Mother Mary’s is the unsung hero of our list. It’s fast becoming one of our favourite places to watch sport anywhere in town. It’s popped over on New Wakefield St where Manc institution The Font used to be and it won’t stay the city centre’s best kept secret for long, so make sure you grab a table, one the cheapest pints of Guinness around and a seat in front of the big screens whilst you can.
Honourable mention…
Shooters/Bierkeller
Last but not least, we had to throw another suggestion (or two in there) because besides Tank and Paddle in Printworks, there also happens to be the legendary Bierkeller beer hall and the American sports and gaming bar attached it, Shooters, both of which will promise a great crowd for this title fight.
If all else has truly failed, O’Neill’s and Walkabout are just around the corner too – you’ve got to get in somewhere and you really don’t want to miss this clash.
If you were still wondering where to watch to watch the Fury vs Usyk rematch in central Manchester this Saturday, that handful of suggestions should just about do you in a pinch, just keep in mind that the earlier the better when it comes to events like this.
The two boxers are expect to begin their ring walks at around 10:25pm UK time, so you should have plenty of time to find a good spot to watch the carnage.
Featured Images — The Manc Group/TNT Sports (screenshot via YouTube) BOX (via Instagram)
What's On
Spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display confirmed for Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Manchester will celebrate New Year’s Eve with a spectacular FREE fireworks display, the council has confirmed.
This year, the dazzling display to ring in the new year will be set off from the roof of the city’s landmark Central Library building.
Mancs will be able to gather in St Peter’s Square as the city waves goodbye to 2024 and welcomes a new year.
The family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebration has never taken place at St Peter’s Square before, nor has the iconic Manchester Central library hosted any sort of fireworks display.
The fireworks spectacular and New Year countdown will take place on Tuesday 31 December between 10pm and 12.30am, hosted by local radio presenter and DJ Joe McGrath.
With a rough capacity of 20,000 people, there’ll be a festive atmosphere in the city centre – but Manchester City Council has stressed that alcohol is not permitted at the New Year’s Eve fireworks event.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas and New Year spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said: “If there’s something we do well in Manchester, it’s getting together for a big celebration – and there’s no better time for a big do than New Year’s Eve.
“This is the time to remember the year we’ve just had and to look ahead to the new one and all it may bring, surrounded by the people we love.
“Mancunians of all ages love a party, and this New Year’s Eve is going to be fantastic – a chance to dance the night away, with one of the biggest fireworks displays in the region for everyone to enjoy.
“All you need is your dancing shoes, party spirit and your nearest and dearest. Grab hold of those and we can’t wait to see you in St Peter’s Square for the last party of 2024.”
Spectacular New Year’s Eve firework display confirmed for Manchester. Credit: Unsplash, designecologist
There are a few things you need to know ahead of the event – attendees are asked to limit bag sizes to no larger than A4 in size, with bag searches in operation at the entrances.
It will be a standing room only event though there’ll be a managed designated accessible viewing area located on the Metrolink tram platform closest to Central Library, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Portaloos, public toilets until 1am, and hot drinks and food will all be available on site.
Event staff will make sure St Peter’s Square is cleared promptly after the event and once the fireworks are over to minimise disruption to local residents.
Councillor Pat Karney added: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy New Year’s Eve, including the growing number of local residents who live in town.
“I will therefore be working closely with local councillors and others to ensure that we minimise any nuisance for city centre residents.”
Important road closures and event information for the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Manchester
A number of temporary but necessary traffic management measures will be put in place in the run-up to and on the day itself so the event can go ahead.
Road closures – 31 December 2024
7.30pm–2am
Peter Street westbound (Mount Street to Lower Mosley Street)
Peter Street eastbound (Deansgate to Lower Mosley Street)
Oxford Street (Peter Street to Portland Street)
George Street (Oxford Street to Dickinson Street)
St James Street (Oxford Street to Dickinson Street)
Bale Street (Lower Mosley Street to Hall Street)
Hall Street (Bale Street to Oxford Street)
9pm–2am
Lower Mosley Street (Windmill Street to St Peter’s Square)
Princess Street (Cooper Street to George Street)
Back George Street (Princess Street to Dickenson Street)
Parking suspensions from 8am on 29 December until 6am on 2 January
Peter Street (Mount Street to Lower Mosley Street)
Parking suspensions from 6pm on 30 December until 6am on 1 January
Oxford Street (Lower Mosley Street to Portland Street)
Lower Mosley Street (Windmill Street to St Peter’s Square)
Princess Street (Cooper Street to George Street)
George Street (Oxford Street to Princess Street)
Back George Street (Princess Street to Dickenson Street)
Museum Street (Windmill Street to Peter Street)
Southmill (Windmill Street to Bootle Street)
Accessible parking
Unreserved accessible event parking is available on Mount Street.
Danny Jones -
3rd February 2024 
