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There’s a Phoenix Nights event with a quiz, bingo and ‘Talent Trek’ happening this Sunday

'Phoenix Nights: A 20 Year Celebration' is being hosted by our very-own Joe McGrath.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 30th September 2021

Phoenix Nights is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

It may have only graced our screens for just 12 episodes between 2001 and 2002, but the beloved sitcom has become a British cult-classic.

Written by and starring legendary local comedian Peter Kay, the award-winning show follows the highs and lows of the staff and customers of The Phoenix Club – a fictional working men’s social club in Bolton.

If you’re unfamiliar with the show or you haven’t got round to giving it a watch yet, Peter Kay plays Brian Potter – a man whose dream it is to own a successful social club, but with two failed ventures already to his name, he’s hoping the third time will be the charm and is determined to make his new baby, The Phoenix Club, the most popular establishment in Bolton

The show originated as a spin-off from Kay’s earlier spoof documentary series That Peter Kay Thing, which is where many Phoenix Nights’ characters first appeared.

Dave Spikey, Paddy McGuinness, Neil Fitzmaurice, and other well-known names also star.

Phoenix Nights is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year / Credit: Channel 4

And now, to celebrate it being two decades since the legendary show first aired, Manchester’s new independent theatre and bar 53two is hosting a Phoenix Nights-themed party this Sunday, with plenty fun and games to get involved in.

The night is being hosted by our very-own Joe McGrath, who fans of The Manc may recognise as one of the familiar faces from our videos.

A description for this weekend’s event reads: “Come and join Joe McGrath from The Manc for a celebration of Phoenix Nights, where there will be a massive Phoenix Nights quiz, ultimate bingo, Talent Trek, and a DJ.”

Tickets are only £8 for a full night of entertainment – and you can grab yours here.

Phoenix Nights: A 20 Year Celebration

  • Where: 53two
  • When: Sunday 3 October
  • Time: 6pm – 11pm (7pm last entry)

Featured Image – Channel 4

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Olivia Dean has announced a special intimate show in Manchester

Danny Jones Danny Jones Olivia Dean intimate album launch show Gorilla Manchester tickets

Soulful singing sensation Olivia Dean has set the UK music scene alight by announcing a number of intimate shows up and down the nation, including one right here in Manchester.

The fast-rising solo artist, who blends everything from pop and jazz to neo-soul as well as R’n’B, is one of the best and up-and-coming artists in Britain right now, with her highly anticipated sophomore album, The Art of Loving, set to release at the start of autumn.

As well as releasing her smash hit new single ‘Nice To Each Other’, the 26-year-old recently delighted even more music fans by joining Sam Fender on stage in London for a live twist on his track ‘Rein Me In’, which was instantly adored by millions and has now been shared as an official studio version.

Safe to say she’s flying high right now, and the second LP isn’t even out yet, which makes this small handful of gigs even more special and tickets super sought-after.

Revealing just seven pared-back shows across the country, Olivia said on her socials: “The art of loving in person! We’re doing some intimate shows, playing some songs acoustically and talking about making the album”, which is due to release on Friday, 26 September.

Partnering up with music shop chain and independent artist champions Rough Trade for the event, she’s set to play the just over 500-capacity gem that is Manchester’s Gorilla.

Other gigs up north include Liverpool at The Jacaranda and over at The Wardrobe in Leeds, where beloved local legends Crash Records will be helping host the show.

You can bank on our Yorkshire counterparts at The Hoot doing their damndest to get tickets.

With the debut single already out, along with an already viral music video and accompanying dance alongside it, there’s plenty of excitement surrounding this project.

We’d pay virtually anything to see Olivia Dean and a group of backing singers do this at an intimate gig in Manchester.

We think we speak for pretty much everyone when we say that not only are we excited to hear The Art of Loving once it’s out, but hearing it live and in this special acoustic format is sure to go down as one of those ‘I was there moments.’

Playing smaller acoustic album launch shows is nothing new, but they are sometimes the only chance fans will get to hear their favourite musicians play their songs in such a way, so Olivia Dean die-hards are understandably going to be scrambling for these tickets.

Once again, her second album is available to pre-order now, and tickets for her show on Friday, 19 September, will go live tomorrow (Wednesday, 5 June) at 10am.

You can get ready to grab yours HERE, and for now, why not read our review of the last time she came to Manchester for what was a truly magical headline slot?

Olivia Dean at Albert Hall – star stuns in every way in Manchester

Read more:

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Featured Images — Jack Davison (supplied)

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Manchester Cathedral will be hosting a series of huge concerts this year

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Manchester Cathedral will be hosting a series of huge concerts this year

Manchester is famed for its music venues, from the tiny (The Peer Hat) to the massive (The Co-op Live) – and now our beautiful cathedral is getting in on the concert action too. 

Manchester Cathedral will be the host of a captivating concert series this year as the Echoes live music series comes to town. 

The packed programme of concerts ranges from pop music to soul and reggae, all set against the backdrop of the Grade I-listed landmark. 

Running from September all the way into November, Echoes will bring together live entertainment with timeless architecture in the city’s most majestic setting. 

The line-up includes nostalgic pop royalty like Peter Andre, B*Witched, and Vengaboys, who’ll be bringing pure party energy to the Manchester Cathedral. 

Some of the world’s most soulful voices will also be filling the grand building, with performances from Tunde of Lighthouse Family, Heather Small of M People, and Sister Sledge.

Sister Sledge
Peter Andre
Marvin Humes will present Noughties Baby
The Feeling

There’ll be more 90s energy with Noughties Baby, as JLS’s Marvin Humes brings Dappy as a special guest. 

Completing the line-up this autumn are indie rockers The Feeling and a night of reggae with Maxi Priest and David Rodigan.

Expect nostalgia, energy and soul beneath the historic vaulted ceilings and sandstone arches of the Manchester Cathedral.

Whether you’re reliving the soundtrack of your youth, soaking in some proper anthems, or just basking in the acoustics of the magnificent cathedral, Echoes will have something for you.

The concert series is brought to you by JBM Music with tickets on sale on Friday 27 June from 9am HERE.

You can see the full line-up with dates below.

Echoes at Manchester Cathedral concert line-up in full 

  • Thursday 25 September – Sister Sledge
  • Friday 26 September – Tunde Of Lighthouse Family
  • Saturday 27 September – B*Witched
  • Thursday 2 October – Peter Andre
  • Saturday 4 October – Marvin Humes Presents Noughties Baby with special guest Dappy
  • Friday 31 October – The Feeling
  • Saturday 1 November – Boney M
  • Thursday 27 November – Maxi Priest & David Rodigan
  • Friday 28 November – Vengaboys
  • Saturday 29 November – Heather Small – The Voice Of M People

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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