There is something special about the city of Manchester, with its abundance of sporting and musical exports from Joy Division and Oasis to the Busby Babes and the Class of 92.
With such a conveyor belt of talent recognised the world over, it is fitting that Manchester should boast some of the UK’s finest venues to showcase its roster of stars.
In the coming months, these venues will play host to the biggest stars in sports and entertainment and spaces will no doubt be limited despite the vast capacities many of Manchester’s stadiums hold.
Manchester United vs Chelsea – Old Trafford – 22 April
A guaranteed sellout, Old Trafford, the UK’s largest club football stadium will host a classic Premier League encounter in April. Arguably United’s toughest remaining league fixture, despite Chelsea’s recent dip in form, Marcus Rashford and co will be hoping to turn over The Blues en route to the club’s first title since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
At the time of writing, Erik Ten Hag’s men still have an outside chance of winning the Premier League, and, if that still remains the case in April, this match will go a long way to deciding the title.
Chelsea may not be in the title race themselves, but they will relish the opportunity to have their say and prevent an old rival from going all the way in the process, as they did in 2016, after defeating rivals Tottenham and confirming Leicester City as Premier League champions.
Manchester United v Chelsea
Arctic Monkeys – Emirates Old Trafford – 2 June
The boys from Sheffield are back following the release of their seventh studio album The Car, which peaked at No. 2 in the UK album charts behind Taylor Swift’s Midnights.
The seven-time Brit award winners have reinvented themselves over the years, from their garage rock upstart in 2006 with their debut album Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, to the lounge pop tone of Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino in 2017.
The Monkeys have headlined Glastonbury twice in 2007 and 2013 respectively, and are heavily rumoured to do so again in 2023.
In June they will take centre stage at the Emirates Old Trafford in front of 10,000 people. They last played the venue in 2007 and will be supported by famous Swedish rockers, The Hives, and Liverpudlian four-piece, The Mysterines.
Frequently lauded as one of the best bands of all time, even Bob Dylan has claimed to have made “special efforts” to see the Arctic Monkeys live. You won’t want to miss this.
Arctic Monkeys
The Ashes 4th Test – Emirates Old Trafford – 19-23 July
It’s back, four years since the last Ashes Series in England which ended in a 2-2 draw, with Australia retaining the old trophy having won the 2017-18 series.
After England’s last Ashes humiliation in Australia, a 4-0 defeat, Ben Stoke’s men will be looking for revenge under new coach Brendon McCullum who led England to an unbeaten 2022 after he took charge in March.
With nothing to choose between both teams going into the tournament the 4th Test will likely be pivotal in deciding the eventual outcome. With England’s all-guns-blazing batting style and Australia’s clinical bowling attack, the series will no doubt be a perfect storm of classic Ashes chaos.
England vs New Zealand T20 – Emirates Old Trafford – 1 September
Completing our hat trick of Emirates Old Trafford events is England’s T20 clash with New Zealand. A year on from their World Cup success England will be hoping to solidify their status as the team to beat in white ball cricket.
The series is sandwiched between The Ashes and the Cricket World Cup, so players will be looking to catch the eye of selectors pre-tournament.
Whether England win or lose The Ashes, a night of big sixes will be the perfect response and the Barmy Army will be behind them every step of the way.
Peter Kay Live – AO Arena, Manchester – 22 September – 1 December
Modestly billed as, “one of Bolton’s funniest comedians,” Peter Kay is finally back for his first stand-up tour in 12 years.
One of Britain’s best-loved comedians, Kay’s 2010 tour still officially ranks with the Guinness Book of World Records as the biggest-selling comedy tour of all time, playing to over 1.2 million people.
When tickets first went on pre-sale, the 02 Priority website crashed. Such has been the demand, Kay announced additional dates for 2024 and 2025.
Fans had similar frustrations when trying to purchase Beyonce tickets for her 2023 UK tour, leading some to call her the ‘Peter Kay of pop’.
One thing is for sure, the Bolton funnyman will no doubt have Manchester in raptures come September.
