AO Arena event guide: What big events are happening in Manchester this year?

Manchester Arena, currently known as AO Arena due to sponsorship reasons is an indoor events arena in Manchester with a capacity of 21,000. It sits north of the city centre near Victoria Station and is the largest indoor arena in Europe, making it a prime spot for some of the biggest names in live entertainment.

Some of the most notable acts include U2, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Lady Gaga, and the record-breaking residency by local comedian Peter Kay. With many events coming up over the summer and later into the year at Manchester's prime entertainment venue, we compiled a list of live music, sport and comedy you might not want to miss:

Hans Zimmer

Multiple academy award and Grammy winning composer and music producer Hans Zimmer is bringing his groundbreaking audio and visual show to Manchester on Friday June 16.

He is returning to Europe with his band and orchestra for the Hans Zimmer Live - Europe Tour 2023 to play 32 concerts in 15 countries. There will be music included from Zimmer's worldwide successes: The Pirates of the Caribbean, The Dark Knight, Interstellar, The Lion King, The Last Samurai and Dune.

Jack Whitehall

If you're ready for a night of comedy, why not check out Jack Whitehall's highly anticipated new live show coming to the AO Arena on June 21 and 24.

The comedian claims this is his most personal show yet as he navigates his new life with a long-term partner and a baby on the way! After three complete sell-out arena tours, this show might be one to get in the calendar quickly before it's too late.

The Black Keys

American rock duo The Black keys will be performing in Manchester on June 22 as part of the European leg of their Dropout Boogie Tour this summer.

This is the first time they have played in Europe since 2015, so this event offers a chance for fans to see the pair deliver hits like ‘Howlin’ For You’, ‘Lonely Boy’ and ‘Gold On The Ceiling’, as well as performing songs from their latest album, Dropout Boogie released in May.

Iron Maiden

Heavy metal legends Iron Maiden are returning to the UK and heading to Manchester on June 30 on their Book of Souls world tour.

The Chicks

Thirteen-time Grammy award winning American country music band The Chicks will be performing at AO Arena as part of The Chicks 2023 World Tour. The multi-platinum winning global superstars previously know as the Dixie Chicks will be in Manchester on July 4.

Kiss

Kiss are bringing their final Manchester show to AO Arena Manchester on Friday July 7 with their End of the Road World Tour. After a 50-year career, the band are devoting this tour to the millions of Kiss army fans.

Davis Cup

Later in the year, AO Arena will be hosting the Group Stages of the Davis Cup finals. Some of the world's best tennis players will be battling it out in what is widely regarded as the men's 'World Cup of Tennis' between the September 12 and 17.

Peter Kay

Peter Kay will be bringing his first live show in 12 years to the arena for over 40 performances between September this year and July 2025. One of Britain's best loved comedians will finally be returning to stand up comedy and there are plenty of opportunities to see him performing live in our city.

Busted

Twenty years after pop-punk band Busted made the charts with 'What I go to School for', the trio are back in action celebrating their 20th anniversary. They will be heading to AO Arena on September 24 and 30 as part of their UK-wide 15-show arena tour.

Manchester is well known for its abundance of shows and live entertainment, and there are plenty more events to get involved with in 2023.