The List

AO Arena

The Manchester Arena, opened in 1995, is big: in terms of ticket sales, it's regularly in the top 5 music venues on the planet. It was designed as an American-style sports arena but it's more commonly used as a venue for massive music gigs, with the 2013 programme alone featuring Alicia Keys, Kings of Leon, Disney on Ice, Rihanna, Rush and Eric Clapton, although Peter Kay played it for a record-breaking 40 nights on a single tour in 2010--2011. The arena is managed by venue management giant SMG and features 360 degree seating with a maximum capacity of 23,000 seats, depending on the nature of the event. A variety of corporate hospitality packages are available.

What's On @ AO Arena

Peter Kay

Peter Kay

3 Apr 2026 - 8 Aug 2026

Peter Kay is one of Britain's best-loved comedians. His 2010 tour still officially ranks with the Guinness Book of World Records as the biggest selling comedy tour of all time.
Pete Tong Presents Ibiza Classics

Pete Tong Presents Ibiza Classics

11 Jun 2026 - 12 Dec 2026

DJ, broadcaster and global dance music legend Pete Tong has today announced that his critically acclaimed Ibiza Classics will return for a brand-new show in winter 2024. He will once again be joined by long time collaborator Jules Buckley and The Essential Orchestra. Special guest vocalists will be announced in the new year. Ibiza Classics has firmly cemented itself as part of the live music calendar becoming the world's most iconic orchestral electronic music event. Celebrating the legacy of dance music, the new live show will include a host of special guest DJs and singers showcasing stunning reimagines of timeless classic house tracks. Combining unique orchestration with unparalleled electronic production, ravers rejoice as it is set to be the party of the year reminiscent of the White Isle and its musical history!
Calum Scott

Calum Scott

27 May 2026 - 28 May 2026

Calum captured the attention of the nation when he became Simon Cowell’s ‘Golden Buzzer’ pick on Britain’s Got Talent, putting him straight through to the live finals of the show. Not just another TV talent show hopeful, Scott is a real, formidable artist who has already proved he has instant likability, a fervent fan base as well as staying power. In early 2016 he self-released his version of Dancing On My Own (recorded in his bedroom and the same track he sang for the Star Search final) which­ instantly shot up the Spotify charts becoming No.1 on iTunes in 11 countries and top 5 in 32 countries and spending 10 weeks in the top 5 in the UK singles chart. Now a rare British signing to the legendary Capitol Records, he has performed around the world, including at the closing ceremony of the Paralympics in Rio.
YUNGBLUD

YUNGBLUD

11 Apr 2026 - 25 Apr 2026

YUNGBLUD has built a huge and devoted following of young people from all corners of the world that he considers a community rather than a fanbase. Bound by a love for his brilliantly outspoken and genre-bending version of 21st Century rock-and-roll music, that community has witnessed YUNGBLUD’s rise from a struggling musician living in a Northern England council flat to a global superstar hailed by Rolling Stone as a “pop-punk rebel on a mission.”
Foreigner

Foreigner

18 Jun 2026 - 19 Jun 2026

With ten multi-platinum albums and sixteen top 30 hits, Foreigner is universally hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world with a formidable musical arsenal that continues to propel sold-out tours and album sales, now exceeding 75 million. Responsible for some of rock and roll’s most enduring anthems, including 'Juke Box Hero', 'Feels Like The First Time', 'Cold As Ice', 'Dirty White Boy', 'Waiting For A Girl Like You', and the worldwide hit, 'I Want To Know What Love Is', Foreigner continues to rock the charts more than thirty years into the game.
Mo Gilligan

Mo Gilligan

11 Sept 2026 - 2 Apr 2027

Highly-energetic stand-up from the actor, comic and social media star who is known for sharing short-form comedic content across a range of social media platforms under the stage name Mo the Comedian.
Ocean Colour Scene

Ocean Colour Scene

1 May 2026 - 12 Dec 2026

Formed in Birmingham in 1989, OCS spent six years fine-tuning their sound before lighting up the Britpop party with three Top 5 albums; 1996’s ‘Moseley Shoals’, 1997’s ‘Marchin’ Already’ and 1999’s ‘One From The Modern’. The band has also achieved seventeen Top 40 singles, including a staggering run of nine successive Top 20 singles and a mantelpiece full of awards. As with all the best groups, behind the swagger and style were great songs, with words and melodies that found their way into the public’s hearts. Honing their craft in the spirit of the soul, folk and blues greats who inspired them, Ocean Colour Scene’s celebrated live shows have cemented the relationship between the band and their fiercely loyal fanbase, with each concert serving as a communal outpouring of hope and joy, boasting the most life-affirming singalongs you’re likely to hear anywhere.
Conan Gray

Conan Gray

7 May 2026 - 12 May 2026

Conan Gray has quickly cemented himself as one of the freshest voices in music during his meteoric rise. The singer-songwriter from central Texas—known for writing all his songs from his bedroom and for his unapologetic authenticity—has quickly become one of the biggest emerging pop stars in the world.
Premier League Darts

Premier League Darts

2 Apr 2026 - 28 May 2026

The 2025 Premier League will be staged on Thursday nights from February until May, as the sport’s top stars - including reigning champion Luke Littler and world number one Luke Humphries - battle it out for the coveted title and £1m in prize money. The race for Play-Off qualification will intensify in April, with further league nights to be held in Berlin, Manchester, Rotterdam and Liverpool, before the season draws to a close in May. Dress Code: The PDC and Sky Sports encourage the public to engage themselves in the fun nature of the event and therefore fancy dress in permitted, although no imitation weapons, inflatables or political or religious dress will be allowed. Football club colours or politically insensitive costumes of any description are not permitted into the venue and members of the public arriving in team colours will be refused admission until they have changed. National team colours are permitted of the home country.
Clubland Live

Clubland Live

1 May 2026 - 9 May 2026

Clubland began as a series of compilation albums in 2002 and was the umbrella brand for an entire movement of commercial dance music which spawned countless classic dance hits over the past 20 years with artists such as Cascada, Scooter, BassHunter and Ultrabeat amongst many, many more. The various Clubland albums went on to sell in excess of 30 million copies over this period and became the market leader in dance music during this time – outselling established brands such as Ministry of Sound and Cream.
UB40 featuring Ali Campbell

UB40 featuring Ali Campbell

6 Jun 2026 - 11 Dec 2026

The original line-up of UB40 with Ali, Astro and Mickey enjoyed huge success over a period of 30 years from 1979 until 2008, including number 1 album’s and multiple top 10 gold and platinum selling albums and Grammy nominations, 4 number ones worldwide. Total of 70 million plus sales. We would not want anyone to confuse Ali, Astro and Mickey’s band with the band that carried on using the name UB40 after 2008 made up of other founding members and new members they tried to replace us with in their attempt to trade off the reflected glory of the success of the original line-up. Ali Campbell, founding member of the original UB40, embarks on a UK tour.
Matt Rife

Matt Rife

11 Apr 2026 - 25 Apr 2026

Matt Rife is one of the hottest up-and-coming stand-ups in comedy. His comedy is refreshingly genuine and quick witted.  Performing since the age of 15 in Columbus, Ohio; started his career opening for comedians such as Dane Cook, Ralphie May, and DeRay Davis. Matt had his television debut when he became the youngest cast member ever on MTV's "Wild N Out". He performed on the show for 4 seasons before moving on to hosting MTV's reboot of "TRL". Matt also appeared on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine", "Fresh Off The Boat", MTV's “The Challenge”, BET’s “North Of The 10”. Rife recently finished competing in NBC's new comedy competition show “Bring The Funny” and released his very first Hour Comedy Special titled “Only Fans” on YouTube! Matt is now based in Los Angeles and headlining his own tour across the country.  Don’t miss his charmingly naïve performance!
Romesh Ranganathan Will Change Your Life
Hi. I’m Romesh Ranganathan and I Will Change Your Life. Tired of trying quick fixes and papering over the cracks in your life? Then you haven’t tried my new quick fix. My latest tour show. It’s scientifically proven to improve your self esteem. Simply standing next to my tour poster will boost your attractiveness to potential lovers. Problems at home? I will teach you how to successfully bottle up your feelings and pour them out to strangers at a variety of theatres and arenas. Watch my new improved show once and you will immediately become a Romesh Rangana-FAN. That’s Romesh Ranganathan’s new tour, guaranteed to CHANGE YOUR LIFE! Romesh Ranganathan is best known for The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan, Parents' Evening, Rob & Romesh Vs, A League Of Their Own, The Weakest Link, Can't Knock The Hustle and his much-loved BBC Radio 2 Saturday morning show, his hit podcasts Wolf & Owl, For The Love of Hip Hop and The Romesh Ranganathan Show. Disclaimer: based on a sample of 3 people who live with Romesh. These claims have not been evaluated by a legal governing body. It isn’t. Presented by Off The Kerb Productions
Jane McDonald

Jane McDonald

28 Aug 2026 - 26 Sept 2026

One of the nation’s most loved entertainers will tour the UK in her brand new show. A must see event, not to be missed, packed full of phenomenal songs and arrangements featuring Jane’s exceptional musicians and singers. Jane is excited to be introducing Memory into her act, after receiving 5 star reviews for her performance as Grizabella in Cats. Be sure also to expect new amazing medleys, old fan favourites and some exciting additions guaranteeing you will be on your feet time after time. And, at last, by popular demand, Jane is finally introducing full versions of some of her own songs including Some You Win (from her platinum Number One album), The Hand That Leads Me (written for her mother) and of course her most recent composition, The Singer Of You Song (written for her fans). Get ready to make some memories and see Jane McDonald’s best show yet!
Deep Purple

Deep Purple

18 Nov 2026 - 25 Nov 2026

Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Steve Morse and Don Airey, Mark VIII of the band, continue to travel the scope of hard rock — the textures and nuances of recent works are anything but thudding retreads. If you set a random play setting for the band’s entire catalogue, the result is one of the finest musical outputs to grace rock music. The latter-year Purple has moved progressively into new areas, piquing fans’ interest who were not born when the mighty Purple machine ruled the music world’s money trees. Their holy grail of ‘In Rock’ (1970) ‘Machine Head’ (1972) and ‘Made In Japan’ released in 1973 catapulted Deep Purple to the top in concert grosses and album sales around the world, with track ‘Smoke On The Water’ ascending to mega-status.
Lily Allen

Lily Allen

16 Jun 2026 - 7 Jul 2026

The remarkable Lily Allen, whose new album West End Girl has received rave reviews, will play her first dates for 7 years when she tours the UK in March 2026. The show - Lily Allen Performs West End Girl - will see the singer/songwriter play her brand-new album in its entirety, in the order the songs appear on the record. Lily has chosen the theatre venues specially to showcase her new material.
The Darkness

The Darkness

8 Dec 2026 - 16 Dec 2026

2003 saw the start of a love affair between one of the most extraordinary and best loved bands to come from the UK and fans all around the world. The Darkness exploded from their Lowestoft roots to global success when they released their debut album Permission To Land to almost overnight success.
Dermot Kennedy

Dermot Kennedy

6 Apr 2026 - 5 Jun 2026

Dermot Kennedy’s rip-roaring, free-flowing folk-pop grew out of years singing over rowdy crowds at local bars and open mics and in the streets of Dublin. Born in 1991, the singer/songwriter was raised in the small Irish village of Rathcoole, where he began writing songs as a teenager before studying classical music at Maynooth University and forming folk band Shadows and Dust. He soon set off on his own, busking on Dublin’s Grafton Street, the same spot favored by famous street musicians like Glen Hansard, The Frames frontman and Once actor. Kennedy built up his raspy, throat-ripping howls on the pavement, but found his largest following online after he self-released romantic ballads like 2015’s “An Evening I Will Not Forget” and 2016’s “After Rain.” A larger audience exposed him to a few key producers, including Stephen Kozmeniuk (Koz) and Mike Dean, both of whom have helped enhance the poetic intimacy of Kennedy’s songwriting with rumbling beats and expansive electronic production. Finding a delicate balance between soaring folk and understated hip-hop has been the key to Kennedy’s sound, starting with his 2019 debut album, Without Fear. His strengths come in turning quiet melodies into rousing anthems, including “Power Over Me,” a propulsive paean that captures the intoxicating rush of becoming enraptured, and “Outnumbered,” which feels almost gospel-like in its cathartic chorus. Meanwhile, his voice—a slightly weathered mix of grit and gravel—ties it all together, bringing the raw intensity he learned as a busker to pop charts around the world.
The B-52's

The B-52's

18 Jun 2026 - 21 Jun 2026

You don’t need to look too hard to see or hear the multi-dimensional influence of The B-52s… For as loud as anthems like “Dance This Mess Around,” “Love Shack,” and “Rock Lobster” might resound, the group have quietly impacted alternative music, fashion, and culture over the course of four-plus decades. Selling over 20 million albums worldwide, the GRAMMY® Award-nominated quartet—Fred Schneider [vocals, toy piano], Kate Pierson [vocals, keyboards], Cindy Wilson [vocals, percussion], and Keith Strickland [guitar, drums, keys, programming]—ignited a legacy of innovation and inspiration that dates back to 1976. John Lennon famously professed his fandom in Rolling Stone, and the Washington Post chronicled the moment writing, “Forty years ago ‘Rock Lobster’ launched the B-52s career – and revived John Lennon’s.” Meanwhile, Madonna, James Murphy, Michael Stipe, Dave Grohl, and many others espoused similar adoration throughout the years. Casting a wide net, Panic! At The Disco, Blood Orange, The Offspring, Pitbull, Roger Sanchez, and DJ Shadow sampled classics from the band’s discography. Seth MacFarlane’s Family Guy, The Simpsons, and more offered up covers of their own, while Sugarland joined the legends for a rousing rendition of “Love Shack” at the CMT Awards. Known for intergalactic micro-dresses long before they became high fashion, Yahoo! dubbed Pierson, “The original Katy Perry,” while it certainly wouldn’t be a stretch to trace the “Beehive”—which Pierson and Wilson pioneered—to Nicki Minaj and other modern style icons. Countless music critics have lauded Schneider as having one of the most distinctive voices in rock. A 2017 piece in Salon posited they, “may be the most subversive band America ever gave us,” and it couldn’t be more on the mark. Agreeing with millions of rabid concertgoers, Pitchfork claimed, “From the very beginning, the B-52s were an undeniably great live act,” before adding that, “summoning up a proto-Riot Grrrl intensity at least a decade ahead of its time, Wilson sings as though her life depends on it.” Rolling Stone summed up Pierson’s voice as “Transcendent,” likening it to “a glitter bomb of joy.” After a 16-year hiatus, The B-52’s proved as bright, bold, and boundless as ever on 2008’s Funplex. Fitting comfortably among a truly iconic discography, it bowed at #11 on the Billboard Top 200. The renaissance continued in 2011 at the sold-out Classic Center in Athens, GA. Celebrating the 34th anniversary, fans dropped in from far and wide for what became a landmark gig chronicled on the live album and video release, With The Wild Crowd! Live in Athens, GA. The momentum only ramped up when they roamed on tour alongside Tears for Fears, Blondie, Simple Minds, The English Beat, and The Psychedelic Furs in 2015 through 2017. The 21st century takeover showed no signs of slowing or stopping with appearances on Portlandia and RuPaul’s Drag Race. Upholding a tradition of social activism, they stand in staunch support of numerous initiatives and causes such as AIDS service, LGBTQ Rights, PETA, the Student Conservation Association, Planned Parenthood, and more.
Shreya Ghoshal

Shreya Ghoshal

10 Apr 2026 - 12 Apr 2026

Aside from her illustrious Bollywood career, as a solo artist Shreya Ghoshal has released over sixteen studio albums in a range of dialects which has seen her travel across the globe performing in some of the most prestigious venues.
Bill Bailey: Vaudevillean

Bill Bailey: Vaudevillean

5 Nov 2026 - 6 Feb 2027

Enthralling family fun, to divert and transport from the tribulations of daily life! Bill Bailey returns with a show that celebrates this great tradition, as the versatile multi-instrumental, multi-lingual, purveyor of humour and musical prowess, who could lay claim to being perhaps the foremost practitioner of this great tradition… An entertainer, a performer, a modern Vaudevillean!
Gabby's Dollhouse Live!

Gabby's Dollhouse Live!

31 Mar 2026 - 3 May 2026

In this a-MEOW-zing musical show, Gabby unboxes a special acorn that needs the magical touch of a rainbow to grow. But when CatRat causes a colour cat-astrophe and breaks the rainbow, Gabby and the Gabby Cats must find the colours again to set things right. Gabby, Pandy Paws and friends travel to the Cat-O-Sphere, Mermaid-Lantis and some favourite Dollhouse locations in search of the colours that will make rebuilding the rainbow, possible. Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! brings to life an exciting original story featuring incredible puppets, dynamic staging, a talented live show cast of singer-actor-puppeteers and songs from the beloved series, including “Hey Gabby”, “You Can’t Spell Meow Without Me” and “Sprinkle Party”.
Hollywood Vampires

Hollywood Vampires

12 Aug 2026 - 22 Aug 2026

In 1972, on the Sunset Strip at a club called the Rainbow Bar & Grill, the Hollywood Vampires were born in the upstairs bar. It was a gathering place for the rock stars living in or passing through L.A. “To join the club, one simply had to out drink all of the members,” says Alice Cooper, a founding member of the Vampires. “I would walk in on a typical night” Alice says, “and John Lennon, Harry Nilsson, Keith Moon—who would usually be in a costume like a maid or a chauffeur—Bernie Taupin, Jim Morrison and Mickey Dolenz would be there. The next week might be Bernie Taupin, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison and Mickey Dolenz.” Three years ago, Alice and good friend Johnny Depp got together and decided the spirit of the Hollywood Vampires should live again (minus the drinking). An environment for great artists to hang, laugh and play together. The Hollywood Vampires live again with the release of the Hollywood Vampires new album. Alice and Johnny were joined by Joe Perry, who is an old friend of both of them, and the recording began: a tribute to the original Hollywood Vampires.
Paul Smith - Pablo

Paul Smith - Pablo

17 Apr 2026 - 4 Sept 2027

Get ready to experience the jaw-aching, laugh out loud comedy that only Smith can deliver. This is Paul Smith’s biggest and funniest tour show yet, and it promises to have you rolling around in laughter with every joke. The show features a mix of his trademark audience interaction and hilarious true stories from his everyday life.
C2C: Country to Country

C2C: Country to Country

12 Mar 2027 - 14 Mar 2027

Country music extravaganza featuring some of Nashville's biggest acts. The 2026 lineup includes headliners Keith Urban, Brooks & Dunn and Zach Top, plus many more acts across the weekend.
Korn & Limp Bizkit

Korn & Limp Bizkit

26 Oct 2026 - 4 Nov 2026

The mighty Korn & Limp Bizkit have announced that they will be co-headlining a UK tour for the first time in 19 years! With 75 million album sales between them, Korn & Limp Bizkit led the way for nu-metal bands in the late nineties and early noughties, garnering a reputation of being two of the most exciting and controversial bands in the world. Speaking ahead of their co-headline reunion, Fred Durst said: ´´You may have experienced a lot of cool concerts in your life, but I can guarantee you that an evening with Korn and Limp Bizkit will always and forever be your favorite. No one brings the party harder, heavier, and more exciting than us. No one! And... make sure you get plenty of rest the night before. It´s time to bring it back!”
BKB 18

BKB 18

16 May 2026 - 16 May 2026

22 fighters go head to head in the most exciting night of combat sports in the world champions from MMA and gloved boxing take the gloves off for knockout action provided by the only legal sanctioned bare knuckle boxing company in the world.
Gladiators

Gladiators

10 Oct 2026 - 20 Dec 2026

Get ready for the ultimate action-packed experience, as Gladiators Live Tour makes its global debut in arenas across the UK for the very first time in 2025. Featuring the new stars of the UK TV series Gladiators, the live show will be a spectacular, high-octane two-hour show with all the fan-favourite events and the ultimate Eliminator. Following the incredible resurgence of one of the UK’s most beloved franchises, this brand-new live show for all the family promises non-stop excitement. It will feature fast-paced entertainment showcasing the legendary athleticism and thrilling stunts of the iconic Gladiators, as well as contenders from series one and two returning to face their nemeses. With purpose-built sets crafted to immerse audiences and state-of-the-art lighting that transforms the arena into a gladiatorial battleground, this is a live experience like no other. Gladiators Live Tour is a groundbreaking live event that propels the iconic Gladiators brand into a new era, offering a fresh and exhilarating experience for fans. Brilliantly condensed into two hours of action, the show will bring the thrilling action directly to fans across the UK. Ending with the legendary Eliminator, the show will be one to remember.

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