The Bluetones are bringing their landmark 1998 debut album 'Expecting to Fly' to Manchester for a special 30th anniversary celebration at the O2 Ritz on Friday 30 October 2026. This is a brilliant chance to relive the Britpop era classics that made the band household names, with tracks like 'Bluetonic' and 'Slight Return' guaranteed to feature. If you were there the first time round or just fancy reconnecting with some proper 90s nostalgia, this gig is unmissable for Manchester music fans.
The O2 Ritz Manchester sits right in the heart of Oxford Road and remains one of the city's most iconic live music venues. With its intimate capacity and legendary history hosting everything from indie legends to chart-toppers, it's the perfect setting for this throwback show. The venue's got bags of character and history—exactly what you want for a milestone anniversary gig like this.
Doors open at 18:30, so arrive early if you want a decent spot near the stage. Oxford Road's well served by buses and the Metrolink, with Deansgate-Castlefield station just a short walk away. Hit up some of the nearby bars beforehand to soak up the pre-gig atmosphere—the whole area buzzes on a Friday night.
