Bolton comedy superstar Peter Kay makes his big return to Manchester later this month for a number of dates on his epic, ongoing three-year comedy tour. Peter will be back at the AO Arena on his "Better Late Than Never" tour that has been delighting fans up and down the country ever since it all started in Manchester back in December 2022.
Now he will be returning to home turf at the AO Arena, which holds a special place in Peter's heart. He famously used to work at the arena as a steward before he hit the big time, and has performed there many times over the course of his comedy career.
Phoenix Nights legend Peter will be performing in Manchester on Friday, September 22 and Saturday September 23. He will then return again in October to star at the AO Arena on Friday October 6, Saturday October 7, Thursday October 19 and Friday October 20.
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In November, Peter plays Manchester on Sunday, November 5 and Monday, November 6, before returning again in December as an early Christmas treat for fans on Friday December 1 and Saturday December 2. He will then be back again in Manchester in early 2024 for more shows.
Back when the tour was first announced it sent fans into a frenzy. It sparked an unprecedented clamour for tickets when the inital 22 tour dates first went on sale. New date after new date was added to try to cope with demand - and now Peter will play an incredible 110 live shows in total across 2022, 2023, 2024 and right into 2025.
Peter said after announcing the tour: "It’s good to get back to what I love doing best, stand-up comedy, and if there’s ever a time people need a laugh it’s now." And after seeeing the demand for the shows, admitted he was " blown away " by the fan reaction.
Peter’s 2010 tour still officially ranks with the Guinness Book of World Records as the biggest selling comedy tour of all time which played to over 1.2m people. He delighted fans when he announced that his new "Better Late Than Never" tour would be sold at the same price as that 2010 tour - with tickets from £35.
He was due to play a 100-gig nationwide comeback tour in 2018 - but only weeks later announced it was off due to "unforeseen family circumstances". So there's huge anticipation for these comeback shows.
Here's more info if you're heading along to the tour in Manchester in the weeks ahead.
What time will Peter Kay be on stage?
For the Manchester AO Arena concerts, it has been announced that doors will open from 6pm . Fans are encouraged to get inside the arena as quickly as possible with the live show starting at " 8pm prompt ".
On opening night in Manchester, Peter arrived on stage just after 8pm, and there was a 25 minute interval starting just before 9pm. The show finished at 10.30pm.
Times here are only a guide, and audiences should be aware timings are always subject to change - the best advice is always to get in as early as possible to find your seat.
What to expect from the new tour
As to what to expect from the new tour? On opening night TWO standing ovations from fans may give you some idea what you're in store for - a real treat.
There were nods to Peter's famous quips from the past as well as loads of new material - and a simply dazzling finale with some brilliant unexpected moments. There will be laughter, and maybe even a few tears.
You can read our full review of the show here.
Are tickets still available?
The opening run of tickets in the cheapest price brackets sold out within minutes of going on sale.
However there are still more premium options for tickets still available for all dates in Manchester priced at £74.55 for lower tier seats. You can find these at Ticketmaster here and also at See Tickets here.
Seating plan at AO Arena
Is there parking at the AO Arena?
Yes, there is a large multi-storey car park based next to the AO Arena, with access through the car park to the main entrance of the venue.
Be aware though that after the shows, Trinity Way will be closed southbound between Great Ducie Street and Cheetham Hill Road for up to one hour, to allow concert-goers to safely exit the venue.
If you’re parking at the arena car park, you will still be allowed to exit during this closure but you will have to turn right and follow local diversions.
There are some 7,000 parking spaces at other car parks within a short walk to the arena as well.
What are the public transport options?
The AO Arena is within the Manchester Victoria Train Station complex, which serves both mainline trains and a tram stop. The next closest tram stops are at either Exchange Square (next to the Arndale Centre) or Shudehill (behind The Printworks and close to the Northern Quarter).
Both stops are a short five minute walk to the arena.
