Manchester's much-loved Young Voices event is moving from the AO Arena to the new Co-op Live venue after almost 30 years.
The largest children’s choir concert in the world sees thousands of schoolchildren perform under one roof simultaneously and is a much-loved fixture in the calendar of many primary schools.
But now, in what could be seen as a kick in the teeth to the arena, the event is moving to Co-op Live, which opens with a show from Peter Kay next week.
Read more: Manchester's new Co-op Live opens next week, but its first real test will come ten days later
It will welcome 9,000 young people for the children's concert in February 2025 and schools will soon be asked to register their interest.
Taking to the UK’s newest and largest live entertainment arena, the Manchester leg promises to utilise Co-op Live’s state-of-the-art acoustic design to 'perfectly highlight the performance, as well as harnessing the venue’s innovative accessibility to deliver a quality experience for all'.
Ben Lewis, CEO at Young Voices, said: “At Young Voices we are constantly striving to deliver our schools the ultimate live music experience, so where better than the largest, newest and most state-of-the-art arena in the UK, Co-op Live.
"“Ultimately, the experience for our schools who attend Young Voices is the most important factor in any decision we make. We loved the AO Arena but it was really tricky having hundreds of buses around the venue to accommodate our schools.
"At Co-op Live we will have dedicated car parks for our schools which will make a big difference. It’s a bonus that Co-op Live is also the newest, largest and most state-of-the-art venue to be opened in the UK in the last 15 years, so you can imagine how excited the children will be to perform there.”
Entering its 29th year, Young Voices has been at the forefront in delivering an extraordinary concert experience for primary school children. Schools will soon be able register their interest to be part of the Choir of 2025, which includes the Music Book – a repertoire of songs and medleys with lyrics and conductor’s notes, a comprehensive online Teacher Guide and the option for a Techer Workshop hosted in Manchester in October 2024.
Gary Roden, executive director and General Manager, Co-op Live says: “Co-op Live is continually focussed on community, and nothing exemplifies this more than welcoming up to 9,000 young people to one of the UK’s most unique and special live events. With innovative technology that elevates everyone’s in-venue experience, plus a design that promises to showcase voices at their very best, Co-op Live is perfectly suited for Young Voices.”
Set to open to the public on April 23, Co-op Live will become the UK’s largest live entertainment arena. Purpose built, music-first and 100% electric, the arena promises 'an elevated fan experience'.
Young Voices will take place on February 6, 7, 25 and 26, 2025. Schools will soon be able to register their interest on the website here.
