AO Arena celebrates milestone anniversary with exciting line-up

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

One of the UK's - and Europe's - largest indoor arenas is celebrating a milestone anniversary this year.

Since opening in 1995, Manchester's AO Arena has established itself as one of the country's premier venues for live music and entertainment, welcoming some of the hottest shows and artists around.

Over the years, the arena has hosted a number of legendary names, from U2, The Rolling Stones and Prince, to Madonna, Lady Gaga and Pavarotti, alongside a record-breaking residency by Lancashire-born comedian Peter Kay.

Beyond music and comedy, the venue has been the centrepiece of various live sporting events, including the 2002 Commonwealth Games, 2012 Olympic basketball warm-up matches, the 2008 FINA World Swimming Championships, and international boxing matches featuring heavy-hitters like Mike Tyson, Joe Calzaghe, Ricky Hatton, and Amir Khan.

Firmly cemented in the fabric of Manchester and its dynamic live entertainment scene, AO Arena shows no signs of slowing down either. Last year, it invested in a massive seven-figure redevelopment project, resulting in an expanded capacity of 23,000, an impressive on-site Mezz restaurant and bar, improved acoustics, and an all-new backstage artist compound, to name a few.

Combined with an exciting bill of shows already planned for 2026, there's no doubt that AO Arena is committed to continuing to provide unforgettable live entertainment experiences for fans and performers alike as it marks its 30th anniversary this year.

Here are six highlights in AO Arena's fantastic 2026 calendar of events...

Hot Wheels - January 3 and 4, 2026

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live returns to the UK in 2026 with Glow-N-Fire and a brand-new star: Rhinomite, the dynamite rhino truck.

Perfect for the whole family, expect never-before-seen stunts from the fleet, FMX riders debuting the No-Handed Front Flip, and appearances by Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, HW 5-Alarm, Bone Shaker, Bigfoot and Skelesaurus, alongside a fire-breathing, car-crushing robot dinosaur.

Fans can also sign up for the Pre-Show Party and get up close to the epic Hot Wheels monster trucks, along with autograph signing opportunities, while a VIP Backstage Experience adds a guided tour and souvenir bundle.

Tyler Childers - March 8, 2026

Next spring, Tyler Childers is bringing his 'Snipe Hunter' era to the UK with a show at AO Arena. His latest album deepens his Appalachian storytelling while stretching into country‑rock, folk and psychedelia, with production by Rick Rubin alongside Tyler Childers and Nick Sanborn, and mixing by Shawn Everett.

Look forward to setlist staples like 'Nose On The Grindstone', plus new cuts 'Eatin' Big Time' and 'Bitin' List'. Lauded by various music critics, Tyler's live shows swing from raw grit to tender hush, promising a night that honours tradition while chasing new horizons.

Reneé Rapp - March 18, 2026

Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Reneé Rapp is coming to AO Arena next year, in support of her latest album, 'Bite Me', which has already garnered more than 100 million Spotify streams to date.

The North Carolina-born has established an incredible career in both the acting and music worlds, breaking out as Regina George in Mean Girls on Broadway and the 2024 film adaptation, whilst also consistently releasing music. Reneé's debut EP, 'Everything to Everyone' (2022), led to the well-received album 'Snow Angel' (2023), followed by a tour showcasing her confessional lyricism with powerful live vocals.

BetMGM Premier League Darts - April 2, 2026

In amongst its fabulous live music offerings, AO Arena is set to host a sporting spectacle as the BetMGM Premier League Darts tournament comes to the arena for one special night next April.

Taking place from February to May 2026 across 17 UK and European venues, with a record £1.25m prize fund at stake, the tournament promises plenty of great sporting action and thrills. Last time in Manchester, Nathan Aspinall triumphed after Gerwyn Price hit a nine-darter, while Luke Humphries later secured his first Premier League crown by defeating 2024 champion Luke Littler at The O2.

Humphries and Littler are both set to headline the forthcoming 2026 event, with the eight-player line-up due in early January 2026. Tickets go on sale in October 2025.

Yungblud - April 25, 2026

Hailing from Doncaster, Yungblud has chalked up two UK number one albums, more than six billion Spotify streams, and consecutive entries on the Billboard charts to date. In 2024, he launched Bludfest, drawing more than 22,000 fans and 200 million views, and became a Sunday Times bestselling author with 'You Need to Exist'.

The new album, 'Idols', has been described as a modern rock opera born of reinvention, rebellion and radical self-expression - and will be brought to life on AO Arena's stage next spring.

Foreigner - June 18, 2026

One of the most successful classic rock bands of all time, Foreigner will play AO Arena next summer as part of their special 50th anniversary tour.

With 10 multi‑platinum albums, 16 Top 30 hits and more than 80 million sales, the show will span early 70s breakthroughs to more recent hits and timeless classics, including 'Cold As Ice', 'Juke Box Hero', 'Waiting for a Girl Like You', and the worldwide hit 'I Want To Know What Love Is'.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024, the band is also entering a new era as Luis Maldonado succeeds retiring vocalist Kelly Hansen as frontman, backed by longtime members Jeff Pilson, Michael Bluestein, Bruce Watson, and Chris Frazier.

To view the full programme of upcoming events at AO Arena and book tickets, visit the website.