The brand-new Union co-living apartment complex is kicking off its grand opening with a VIP launch party right here in the city centre, featuring some massive Manchester artists including Everything Everything, Murkage Dave, IAMDDB and more— and you can win tickets to be there.
With local Manc band Everything Everything set to headline the exclusive party at the end of February when Union fully opens on the eve of their new album, there are plenty of eyes on the new residential building ahead of it being fully unveiled to the public.
Its construction won’t have slipped under anyone’s radar either: work on the 32-story tower at St John’s began in 2022 and is now nearing completion, already having made headlines for offering people residing in the region a new alternative to traditional renting or house shares.
And now they’re in the news again as they have confirmed that they will be kicking off their new co-living community here in Manchester with a VIP launch party with some of our most exciting musical artists. There’ll even be food from Picos Tacos, Eat New York and Great North Pie Co., as well as drinks from Manchester Union Lager — we see what you did there.
Everything EverythingIAMDDBMurkage DaveThe headliners for the launch of Union MCR’s co-living complex. (Credit: Supplied/Jordan Curtis Hughes/Romany Francesca)
With Everything Everything pretty much Manc royalty at this point, having played almost every UK gig venue and festival imaginable, the headliners will not only be flanked by urban jazz pioneer IAMDDB and soulful R’n’B star Murkage Dave but the likes of locals DJ G2, WHP resident Krysko and DJ Toni Rarri.
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All of these artists are heavily immersed in the Manchester music and late-night scene and with many people having already moved into their new flats, they will naturally be the first to be entered into an exclusive and randomised prize draw to gain access to the gigs.
However, over-18s all over the city are also being given the opportunity to join in with the party and night of live music, with Union MCR running competitions throughout February on their Instagram page — you just have to keep an eye out.
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It’s as easy as that. The event itself will be taking place on Thursday, 29 February (yes, the rare leap year gig), so if you want to be a part of it, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the giveaway competitions on their IG and other social media pages.
Created by the ever-expanding Vita Group, who already helped deliver the Circle Square development on Oxford Road just a couple of years back, Union is set to offer co-living spaces where residents will rent by the room with bills included but share amenities spaces almost like in first-year uni halls.
The multiple occupancy housing approach will provide young professionals and more with another way to find a new home, with the aim of not only meeting like-minded people to move in with but also helping build a residential community throughout the complex.
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A few of the other perks included flatmate matching, with the Union team helping pair up the best matches possible, as well as flexible stays rather than being locked into lengthy tenancy agreements and, crucially, no deposits, so you don’t have to worry about saving up for before moving in.
With a total of 2,326 beds in the pipeline, it’ll be interesting to see how Union knits itself into the fabric of the city over time, and for those of you lucky enough to secure a ticket for launch party performances, we hope to see you there!
Legendary pop duo Erasure announces huge Manchester arena gig on 2027 UK tour
Emily Sergeant
Legendary pop duo Erasure have announced a UK arena tour next spring, and they’re set to stop off in Manchester.
Andy Bell and Vince Clarke – better known by their duo name, Erasure – have announced details of their long-awaited upcoming 20th studio album today, titled Radio!! Radio!!, alongside details of an arena tour in spring 2027 across the UK and Europe.
Described as a ‘deeply personal’ project, the BRIT and Ivor Novello award-winning duo’s first new studio album in six years sees Bell and Clarke continue to refine and deepen the pop catalogue they’ve been building over the past 40 years.
The album will be comprised of a set of songs about love, loss, and injustice that they hope speaks to our ’empathy-starved times’.
Erasure will take to the road in 2027 for an arena tour that kicks off at Cardiff’s Utilita Arena on 25 April before travelling throughout the UK, including a stop in Manchester at the AO Arena on 1 May, before finishing off in London and heading over to Europe, with more dates to follow.
Vince Clarke will be Musical Director for the tour, but will not be appearing onstage alongside Andy Bell, it has been revealed.
Bell says: “I’m so pleased that we were able to find a way for the tour to work for Vince. He’s always too modest but he’s so much more than the Musical Director, Vince is one of the great loves of my life and everything we do as Erasure we decide together.”
Erasure will be performing at the AO Arena in Manchester on 1 May 2027, and tickets go on presale this Thursday 1 October at 10am, before general sale begins a day later (2 October) also at 10am.
Sir Rod Stewart announces Manchester gig on final ever tour
Daisy Jackson
Sir Rod Stewart has announced his final ever tour, with the legendary singer set to perform in Manchester along with some of Europe’s biggest arenas in 2027.
The ‘The Final Encore’ tour will mark the end of a live career spanning more than six decades, with Stewart kicking off the run in Dublin next spring before heading across the UK and Europe.
The music icon will be heading to the Co-op Live in May next year, with support from synth-pop pioneer Howard Jones.
Announcing the tour, Rod Stewart said: “The time has come to say farewell to life on the road. After more than six decades, The Final Encore will most definitely be my last.
“I’ve been singing the music I love since I was 19 years old, and I’ve had the privilege of taking it around the world to all of you. It has given me a life beyond anything I could ever have imagined, and I hope I’ve given you some fond memories in return.
“I hope you’ll join me so I can thank you the best way I know how… with the music and one hell of a show. See you there.”
The Final Encore is expected to feature many of Stewart’s biggest songs, including Maggie May, You Wear It Well, Tonight’s the Night, Hot Legs, Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?, Young Turks, Baby Jane, Forever Young, You’re in My Heart, Rhythm of My Heart, The First Cut Is the Deepest, Sailing and Have I Told You Lately.
Credit: Denise Truscello Credit: Jonathan Kammen 2007
Stewart has sold more than 250 million records and singles worldwide and has amassed 31 UK Top 10 singles, including six number ones. His career has also seen him inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice and named a Grammy Living Legend.
His touring career has been just as remarkable, with Stewart having performed for an estimated 20 million fans around the world.
That includes his famous Guinness World Record-setting performance on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, where an estimated 3.5 million people watched him perform, as well as a 13-year, 200-show residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.
Now, after more than 60 years on stage, Stewart is preparing to bring the curtain down on his touring career.
General release tickets for Rod Stewart’s The Final Encore will go on sale from 10am on Friday 2 October, with a number of presales taking place in the days prior.
Rod Stewart will perform in Manchester one last time on Thursday 6 May 2027 – tickets will go on sale HERE.
Danny Jones -
8th February 2024 
