A Christmas Musical Spectacular concert featuring West End stars including Michael Ball will take place at Manchester’s AO Arena on 22 and 23 December. The event promises a blend of musical theatre favourites and festive songs.

The AO Arena in Manchester, known for hosting the National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals, will present A Christmas Musical Spectacular in the run-up to Christmas. The two-night concert will bring together prominent West End performers such as Michael Ball, Loren Allred, Keala Settle, Ben Forster, Kerry Ellis, Alice Fearn, Hugh Maynard, and Kelly Mathieson.

Aled Jones will host the event, guiding audiences through a programme that mixes well-loved musical theatre songs with classic Christmas music. The Manchester Camerata and the Manchester Vocal Ensemble will provide live music, enhancing the festive atmosphere of the concert.

In addition to the established performers, young talent from the Cardwell Theatre School will also appear, adding a community dimension to the event. This inclusion spotlights local involvement alongside internationally recognised artists.

Tickets are set to go on sale on 15 May after an early access sign-up period, making the concert accessible to a wide audience keen to celebrate the festive season with a musical flourish.

The AO Arena’s history as a musical theatre venue adds a familiar backdrop to the event, continuing its tradition of high-profile musical productions in Manchester.