There is no higher love than Manchester's enduring passion for Michael Bublé. The city's love affair with the King of Swing has seen "Bublé-mania" on previous visits here over his past two decades in showbiz.
Audiences here simply cannot get enough of the Canadian superstar's big band musical extravaganzas, with plenty of Bublé humour along the way. He will play to some 30,000 of his devoted fans over two packed out AO Arena gigs this weekend.
He's back in the UK on his first arena tour for four years, the Higher tour, and he's back with a bang. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of his debut album, fans can certainly expect all the big hits as well as his best-loved covers celebrating the Great American Songbook.
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Fresh from his latest Grammy-win, Michael was full of energy on the opening night of the UK tour at the end of March at London's 02 Arena. And the show was full of everything die-hards have come to expect - including an extravagant stage set, smooth serenading and of course his trademark wit.
On that occasion he told fans: “Tonight is a celebration of life. Through a whole pandemic, we spent so much time eating alone, watching Netflix alone…having sex alone! Not tonight…not tonight.
He continued. "Tonight is a celebration of being together again, it’s a party! It’s not a show, it’s a party!".
Manchester expects nothing less, of course, for his arrival here on Friday and Saturday night at the AO Arena. He will be flanked by his full live orchestra for what is set to be two more memorable Manchester nights.
If you're heading along, we've put together some useful info about what to expect.
Stage times
Doors open for the Michael Bublé concerts at 6pm on both Friday, April 21 and Saturday, April 22.
There is no support act for the tour, and the time being given for the show to start is 7.30pm. On his first night in Manchester, on April 21, he arrived on stage just after 7.40pm.
As with all concerts, timings are subject to change so the best advice is always to arrive in plenty of time to be seated for the main show.
Set list
Similarly, all setlists are liable to change on tours. But here's what Michael sang on his first night at the 02 Arena in London on March 26, 2023.
Feeling Good
Haven't Met You Yet
L-O-V-E
Such a Night
Sway
When You're Smiling
Home
Everything
Higher
Hold On
Smile
I'll Never Not Love You
Can't Help Falling In Love
You're the First, My Last, My Everything
It's a Beautiful Day
Cry Me a River
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)
Save the Last Dance For Me
You Were Always On My Mind
Are tickets still available?
There is only low availability left for Michael's first night in Manchester at the AO Arena, on Friday, April 21. But there remains good availability remaining for the second night, on Saturday April 22, with tickets priced from £64.95. You can see the latest tickets available to buy here.
After Manchester he heads on out across the UK including to Leeds, Aberdeen, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Glasgow. You can find all the latest ticket availability at Michael's website here.
Seating plan
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 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.
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