There are few stars who could announce 110 arena shows across the UK and near sell most of them out within hours. But then there are few stars quite like Peter Kay.
The Bolton comedy legend will start his mammoth three-year tour right here on home turf in Manchester on Friday night at the AO Arena, swiftly followed by Saturday night at the venue too. It will bring together thousands of comedy fans to witness the Phoenix Nights funnyman's full return to stand-up comedy for the first new tour in 12 years.
Naturally, when the tour was announced, it sent fans into a frenzy. Not least in the rather surprise fashion it came with Peter making an appearance in the adverts of I'm a Celebrity....Get Me Out of Here on ITV.
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The tour announcement 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.
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 on Friday, 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. You can read our full review of the show here.
Are tickets still available?
The two opening nights in Manchester sold out within minutes of going on sale - as did many, many others of the eventual 110 dates added over the next three years.
But there is still some availability for shows towards the end of the run in 2025. You can find all the ticket links and full list of tour dates in our most recent articles here.
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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